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Benefits of virtualization highlighted in top 10 stories of 2019
Based on our top 10 most-read stories of 2019, IT pros sought to learn the benefits of virtualization, as well as the drawbacks, as the technology gained ground.
When an organization decides to pursue a virtual desktop solution, a host of questions awaits it.
Our most popular virtual desktop articles this year highlight that fact and show how companies are still trying to get a handle on the virtual desktop infrastructure terrain. The stories explain the benefits of virtualization and provide comparisons between different enterprise options.
A countdown of our most-read articles, determined by page views, follows.
- Five burning questions about remote desktop USB redirection
Virtual desktops strive to mimic the traditional PC experience, but using local USB devices can create a sticking point. Remote desktop USB redirection enables users to attach their devices to their local desktop and have it function normally. In 2016, we explored options for redirection, explained how the technology worked and touched upon problem areas such as how scanners are infamously problematic with redirection.
- Tips for VDI user profile management
Another key factor for virtualizing the local desktop experience includes managing things like a user's browser bookmarks, desktop background and settings. That was the subject of this FAQ from 2013 and our ninth most popular story for 2019. The article outlines options for managing virtual desktop user profiles, from implementing identical profiles for everyone to ensuring that settings once saved locally carry over to the virtual workspace.
- VDI hardware comparison: Thin vs. thick vs. zero clients
The push toward centralizing computing services has created a market for thin and zero clients, simple and low-cost computing devices reliant on servers. In implementing VDI, IT professionals should consider the right option for their organization. Thick clients, the traditional PC, provide proven functionality, but they also sidestep some of the biggest benefits of virtualization such as lower cost, energy efficiency and increased security. Thin clients provide a mix of features, and their simplicity brings VDI's assets, such as centralized management and ease of local deployment, to bear. Zero clients require even less configuration, as they have nothing stored locally, but they tend to be proprietary.
- How to troubleshoot remote and virtual desktop connection issues
Connection issues can disrupt employee workflow, so avoiding and resolving them is paramount for desktop administrators. Once the local hardware has been ruled out, there are a set of common issues -- exceeded capacity, firewalls, SSL certificates and network-level authentication -- that IT professionals can consider when solving the puzzle.
- Comparing converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure
What's the difference between converged infrastructure (CI) and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI)? This 2015 missive took on that question in our sixth most popular story for 2019. In short, while CI houses four data center functions -- computing, storage, networking and server virtualization -- into a single chassis, HCI looks to add even more features through software. HCI's flexibility and scalability were touted as advantages over the more hardware-focused CI.
- Differences between desktop and server virtualization
To help those seeking VDI deployment, this informational piece from 2014 focused on how desktop virtualization differs from server virtualization. Server virtualization partitions one server into many, enabling organizations to accomplish tasks like maintaining databases, sharing files and delivering media. Desktop virtualization, on the other hand, delivers a virtual computer environment to a user. While server virtualization is easier to predict, given its uniform daily functions, a virtual desktop user might call for any number of potential applications or tasks, making the distinction between the two key.
- Application virtualization comparison: XenApp vs. ThinApp vs. App-V
This 2013 comparison pitted Citrix, VMware and Microsoft's virtualization services against each other to determine the best solution for streaming applications. Citrix's XenApp drew plaudits for the breadth of the applications it supported, but its update schedule provided only a short window to migrate to newer versions. VMware ThinApp's portability was an asset, as it did not need installed software or device drivers, but some administrators said the service was difficult to deploy and the lack of a centralized management platform made handling applications trickier. Microsoft's App-V provided access to popular apps like Office, but its agent-based approach limited portability when compared to ThinApp.
- VDI shops mull XenDesktop vs. Horizon as competition continues
In summer 2018, we took a snapshot of the desktop virtualization market as power players Citrix and VMware vied for a greater share of users. At the time, Citrix's product, XenDesktop, was used in 57.7% of on-premises VDI deployments, while VMware's Horizon accounted for 26.9% of the market. Customers praised VMware's forward-facing emphasis on cloud, while a focus on security drew others to Citrix. Industry watchers wondered if Citrix would maintain its dominance through XenDesktop 7.0's end of life that year and if challenger VMware's vision for the future would pay off.
- Compare the top vendors of thin client systems
Vendors vary in the types of thin client devices they offer and the scale they can accommodate. We compared offerings from Advantech, Asus, Centerm Information, Google, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Igel Technology, LG Electronics, Lenovo, NComputing, Raspberry Pi, Samsung, Siemens and 10ZiG Technology to elucidate the differences between them, and the uses for which they might be best suited.
- Understanding nonpersistent vs. persistent VDI
This article from 2013 proved some questions have staying power. Our most popular story this year explained the difference between two types of desktops that can be deployed on VDI. Persistent VDI provides each user his or her own desktop, allowing more flexibility for users to control their workspaces but requiring more storage and heightening complexity. Nonpersistent VDI did not save settings once a user logged out, a boon for security and consistent updates, but less than ideal in providing easy access to needed apps.
