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Editor's note

Before you dive straight into the desktop virtualization pool, dip your toes in and make sure it's right for your organization.

Start with a VDI assessment. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) doesn't make sense for all organizations, and your virtualization and management teams need to be up to the task. Even if everyone's ready to take the plunge, you still need to determine who will benefit from virtual desktops and figure out what resources and technology you'll need.

Your VDI assessment may indicate that you won't save money with a virtual desktop environment. The real benefits of implementing VDI technology will be simpler desktop management, less hardware and increased mobility and flexibility for end users.

Deciding whether to implement virtual desktops can be a challenge, but it will be smooth sailing if you know your goals and needs ahead of time. This VDI assessment guide can help you determine if virtual desktops are right for your organization.

1Including end users in a VDI assessment

Knowing your users is one of the best ways you can ensure the success of your VDI deployment. The technology isn't right for every user, delivering virtual desktops to workers who won't benefit from them can create very unhappy employees. Without user buy-in, your deployment can fall apart.

2Are you ready for VDI technology?

Do a complete VDI assessment -- to understand how many desktops you'll need to support and the amount of resources that will take -- but don't marry the idea of deploying VDI. Just like it's not right for every user, it's not right for every shop.