VDI – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is a concept comprised of different solutions or products to acheive a VDI. VDI is a desktop replacement solution that increases security, decreases cost and delivers higher availability for the desktop while continuing to provide end-users with the functionality of a stand-alone desktop.


Companies can run desktops inside virtual machines that are located in a central data center. Users access these desktops remotely from a PC or a thin client over a remote display protocol (e.g. RDP/ICA)

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is made up of: 

  • Operating System Virtualization – Virtualized operating system layer to provide multiple virtual machines on the same physical hardware.
  • Remote Display – A device to display the connection
  • Application Delivery System – Technology to deploy and update applications within the desktop
  •  Connection Broker – A broker that provides the remote display protocol, possibly provides remote access, possibly access to local devices.
  • Virtual Machine Management – Manages the provisioning/deprovisioning of private or shared virtual machines.

I have finished testing VMware, Leostream, Citrix XenDesktop & SUN VDI. I Will post on these and more here.