Business/Educational Benefits
These benefits include:
- Improved Data Security: Reduced risk of information loss due to islands of data/information stored on local desktop hard drives or from theft as all data is stored centrally on the SAN.
- Fast-track Standardization of the numerous Windows desktop platforms. There is an opportunity to reduce the proliferation of desk-side hardware standards and windows images, bringing this to a manageable number across the faculties that chose to adopt VDI.
- Standardization of Desktop support processes. This product offers the opportunity to use a single support / service request process for VDI users.
- Longer Desktop hardware lifecycle. The thin-clients have no moving parts and therefore, have a potential lifespan beyond the current desktop refresh lifecycle.
- Reduction in creation of CO2 emissions. Thin clients use 70-80% LESS energy than the current desktop PC and 50% LESS energy than a laptop. Even with the increase in power consumption in the server room, there is a net energy REDUCTION of 65-70% PER USER.
- Aligns with Campus-wide license arrangements.
- Aligns with other Transformation Initiatives: IT Service Management (ITSM) program.
- UBC Showcase for the user leading-edge virtualization technology.
| Benefit | Virtual Desktop | Traditional Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in Number of Desktop Images |
< > INDEPENDENT of desktop hardware model |
X 1 image per desktop hardware model |
| Simpler Application Deployment | Virtual application installed ONCE on the server | Application installed on MANY images |
Longer Refresh Cycle for Desktops based on Thin-Clients = $$ Savings | >> 3 years on a zero thin-client (typically 5-10 years) | 3 – 5 years |
| Improved Data Security | Data stored in the Data Center and regularly backed-up | Data stored on C:\ or the Users Desktop can be lost if no backup or stolen |
| Simplified Desktop Support Effort | Server-side (one-time for all)
| Desk-side (many-times)
|
| Remote Access to your Desktop from Anywhere | Use VM View client | Use Remote Desktop software |
| Energy Efficient | 10-20w per Thin-Client plus | 100w per Desktop |
| Desktop Application Performance | Dependent on the Server CPU/RAM = relative consistency between all users on that server Dependent on the network link quality and bandwidth between User location and UBC | Dependent on CPU/RAM installed at the Desktop = many variations |
