Deployments need to assess full scope, address time and money involvedWe'd like to tell you that Desktop Virtualization is a snap, crackle, pop proposition. Buy some stuff, get it running, kick back and do your company's business from anywhere in the world.Okay, here's the reality. If you're thinking about implementing Desktop Virtualization, start planning now. Even if your deployment may be 24 months down the road, take the time to do some "purposeful planning."For individual users, the concept of Desktop Virtualization is simple: the user logs in to the network with a user name and password, and a complete desktop comes up--regardless of where the user is or the machine being used. All permitted documents, applications and programs are accessible, just as if opening them from a desktop physically residing on the computer.A complete Desktop Virtualization solution is more complex--typically consisting of servers with virtualization software, and virtual imaging for individual machines.As with many technological advances, major damage can be done with impulsive decision-making. While the end result will simplify, save money, ramp up productivity, and make overall company operations and processes smoother and more reliable, Desktop Virtualization is still a weighty commitment.Instead of trying to eat the elephant in one bite, consider a pilot program to see how Desktop Virtualization functions in your environment. Engage the workforce, and enlist their support. Pay close attention to their likes, dislikes and input, because in the final analysis users dictate the success or failure of any technology deployment.Instead of tasking internal IT, consider engaging an outside consultant with a proven track record in Desktop Virtualization deployments. Find out what portion of the pilot program expense and effort can be "applied" to a later full-scale deployment. You may discover that this is a way to do Desktop Virtualization in affordable, bite-sized chunks. Consider:Initial capital expenditures- While many companies see ROI in as little as three months, calculate initial capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance/expansion requirements. Generally, you're looking at software, licenses, servers, and centralized storage infrastructure--which can be weighty expenses. At the same time, many companies can use older individual machines longer because demands are reduced. Plus, there are substantial savings on security, backup, recovery and maintenance requirements, as many services are controlled centrally and pushed out to individual machines.Extra bandwidth to accommodate remote users- If remote bandwidth is insufficient or the local area network is congested, display quality may suffer. High-demand graphics and video may be a problem, although there are various measures that can solve or at least mitigate this problem.Needs now and in the future- Desktop Virtualization can be a fantastic solution for growing remote workforces and/or working on a variety of devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and other devices. It also may prove valuable in a large centralized environment--such as a call center--when everyone is working on one application and can transform their machines into essentially "dumb" terminals requiring little individual maintenance or support.
