How to Reduce VDI Costs

VDI was a transformation technology when it was first introduced 25 years ago. Since then, endpoints are far more powerful and reliable, applications moved to the cloud, and the nature of the workplace fundamentally changed. Today, it’s time to consider a modern alternative to redefine workplace efficiency.

See Also: OnDemand | AI-Driven Endpoint Security: Adapting to Industry Changes

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Explained

A virtual desktop interface allows people to interact with a virtualized OS and applications, hosted on a remote server rather than on the local machine. This setup enables users to access their desktop and applications from any device with internet connectivity.

Virtual desktop infrastructure refers to the technology used to host and manage virtual desktops. VDI hosts desktop environments on a centralized server and serves them to end users over a network. This model enables centralized management of various virtual desktops, which can be tailored to individual users, with data and applications residing on the servers rather than the endpoint.

When a user logs in, the VDI system assigns a virtual desktop from the pool of VMs, connecting them through a thin client or a web browser on the endpoint. The user interacts with this virtual desktop as if running on their local machine, though all processing and data storage happen on the server.

VDI gained traction as a technology that provided end users a normalized, self-contained computing environment, regardless of their device. This approach gained popularity with IT and security teams, as it offered centralized management and access controls for a distributed workforce.

Since IT and security teams have different needs, VDI was the "least common denominator" they could agree upon. IT teams could put applications in the hands of their users, while cybersecurity could feel comfortable keeping data in the organization's control.

The Downside of VDI

The onset of widespread remote work made the strategy much more prevalent, given that many organizations already had VDI infrastructure and experience. Due to its architectural design, infrastructure requirements scale more or less linearly with usage. But that means most organizations are often upside-down in their VDI investment — given that the costs are significant — and it seems that both practitioners and users have disdain for the experience.

In most organizations, 80% to 90% of the applications being used are web-based external or internal applications. The substantial overhead of VDI just to launch a web browser and connect to SaaS or web applications is a poor tradeoff for users and IT budget holders. VDI may be valuable for certain situational needs, but if an organization can reduce its dependency on the VDI — and the subsequent cost — by 80% or more, it seems foolish not to consider doing so.

Most importantly, to allow such a small footprint of resources to have a negative impact on the user experience for everyone who needs application access is simply unnecessary, especially since not all users use or need VDI in the same ways. Targeted reductions or eliminations can be very valuable, and transformational change is needed.

The Enterprise Browser: A Modern Way to Reduce VDI

The inherent challenges with desktop virtualization stem from the very thing that made it appealing in the first place: It's a safe way to give audiences access to critical applications they need. At the time, there were IT and security benefits to moving the computing layer to the cloud or to on-premises servers.

But end users experienced latency and performance issues. The solution is to shift as much compute back to the endpoint as possible and restore a natural end-user experience while delivering applications safely to the appropriate audiences.

Enterprise Browsers do just that; they present a user-friendly, lightweight option while still meeting the needs of most enterprises. They provide:

• Secure application access: To give employees a secure and controlled environment for accessing web-based applications — internal or external, along with command line needs and remote desktop needs for the applications where it’s required.
• Endpoint security enhancement: To enhance endpoint security by protecting users, applications and devices from potential threats.
• BYOD policies: In environments where employees use personal devices for work, to offer an application delivery experience without the invasiveness of other technologies; balance the need for privacy on personal devices; allow the user to continue using their browser of choice for personal and noncritical work needs; and ensure protection for the organization's key applications and data at the time of engagement.
• Compliance requirements: In industries with strict regulatory requirements, like finance and healthcare, to secure application access; comply with industry regulations; and provide an audit perspective at the presentation layer that is exceptionally rich and unique.
• Resource-constrained environments: In situations where deploying virtual desktops might be resource-intensive, to offer a more practical solution.
• Single-client experience: In situations where VDI is needed for a specific application, to be the singular client for web application access and for rendering VDI needs via web streaming within the browser. Given that all major VDI players support this today, it can be your single natural interface to all applications.

Mitigate and Eliminate VDI Expenses With an Enterprise Browser

Infrastructure

Since traditional VDI requires robust server infrastructure to host desktop images and applications and to manage the connections and maintain availability and performance, VDI solutions often require sophisticated load balancers. In persistent VDI environments, the storage costs can be immense. An enterprise browser shifts the workload to the last mile within the browser on the endpoint, reducing the need for virtualization infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency

VDI requires energy-intensive infrastructure that comes with a large carbon footprint. These are direct energy costs that cloud providers pass along in their subscription fees. Shifting workflows to web technologies via an enterprise browser as the client directly reduces infrastructure usage and, as a result, reduces energy demand and helps organizations meet their sustainability goals.

Maintenance and Administration

Maintaining VDI can be costly due to the need for patch management, hardware upgrades and support for end-user issues. An enterprise browser eliminates maintenance costs associated with traditional VDI systems because it requires no additional hardware. It also lowers administrative costs by centralizing controls within the browser, which reduces the need for multiple security tools and streamlines policy management.

Licensing Costs

VDI solutions and their back-end systems can have substantial licensing fees, including the VDI platform and any extra licenses for the operating systems and apps used in VDI sessions. An enterprise browser can reduce the need for VDI by 80% to 90%, saving money on licensing costs.

Endpoint Controls and Management

The Island Approach to Enterprise Browsers

Island's Enterprise Browser offers a compelling alternative to virtual desktops by providing robust, built-in protections against common web threats, advanced data control capabilities and streamlined management tools that are easy for IT teams to deploy and maintain.

No backhauling traffic. No servers to maintain. No frustrated end users. At a fraction of the cost. All built into a Chromium-based browser end users can deploy and use with zero training. Island simplifies administration and delivers a smoother, faster and more secure user experience, tailored to meet the demanding needs of modern enterprises.

The Right Choice for You

Revolutionize the way you secure and enable work with an enterprise browser.

Discover its benefits, key features, and real-world applications.