Due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal factors that had already begun to shift even before that point, the use of remote work across the US has never been more common or popular. Almost half of the nation’s employees work from home either part-time or full-time, and one technological advance that’s made this approach much more realistic for many employees and companies alike is known as the virtual desktop.
At Elevated Networks, we’re here to offer unmatched business IT and managed IT services to clients around Salt Lake City, St. George and other areas of Utah, including everything from cybersecurity services to virtual desktop solutions and more. Here are some of the basics on what virtual desktops are, how they compare to the more traditional desktop computer setup, some of the major benefits of this approach for remote work and related areas, and even some general tips for implementing virtual desktop solutions and avoiding issues while doing so.
Defining Virtual Desktops
For our readers who are just learning about virtual desktops for the first time, let’s quickly define what this term actually means. Essentially, a virtual desktop is an approach to remote work that allows users to access all of their files, data and applications from any device or location – as long as they have internet access.
This stands in contrast to the more traditional setup where employees must be physically connected to a server or other central location in order to access these same files and applications. With virtual desktops, however, all of this can be done remotely – the exact same desktop environment that employees would access if they were sitting at a desk in the office.
Key Differences From Traditional Desktops
The number one difference between virtual desktops and traditional ones is that the former are hosted via remote servers, while the latter are stored directly on an employee’s personal computer or device. In addition to this major difference, there are several other notable distinctions when it comes to virtual desktops:
- Accessibility: As mentioned earlier, virtual desktops offer much greater flexibility and accessibility than traditional models. Employees can access their files and applications from any location with internet connection – ideal for those who need to work from home, on the road or in other remote locations.
- Security: Virtual desktops are also more secure than traditional ones, as all data is stored on a secure server rather than personal devices. This means that if an employee’s laptop or other device is lost or stolen, their sensitive files and information will remain safe and protected.
- Scalability: With virtual desktops, businesses can easily add and remove users as needed, making it a much more scalable solution for growing organizations.
Benefits of Virtual Desktop Solutions
Now that we’ve outlined what virtual desktops are and how they differ from traditional desktop models, let’s take a closer look at some of the major benefits that this approach offers for remote work and other areas:
- Increased productivity: With virtual desktops, employees have the flexibility to work from any location and device, making it easier for them to stay productive and on top of tasks.
- Cost-effectiveness: Virtual desktops require minimal hardware and maintenance costs, allowing businesses to save money in the long run.
- Enhanced collaboration: Virtual desktops make it easy for remote teams to collaborate and share files in real-time, increasing efficiency and teamwork.
- Improved security: As noted above, virtual desktops offer enhanced security compared to traditional desktop models, keeping sensitive information safe and secure.
Tips for Implementing Virtual Desktop Solutions
When it comes to implementing virtual desktop solutions, there are a few important tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right provider: It’s crucial to choose a reliable and experienced provider like Elevated Networks for your virtual desktop needs. This will ensure that your systems are set up correctly and securely.
- Train employees: Make sure to train employees on how to properly use virtual desktops and any specific security protocols in place.
- Bandwidth and connectivity needs: Because virtual desktops rely on internet connection, it’s important to ensure that your network has enough bandwidth and reliable connectivity to support this setup.
- Proper compliance: Within certain industries, there may be specific compliance regulations that need to be met when using virtual desktops. Make sure to adhere to any necessary guidelines and protocols.
Virtual desktop solutions are an increasingly popular and effective approach for remote work and other areas of business. With the right provider and proper implementation, businesses can benefit greatly from this technology. Contact Elevated Networks today to learn more about our virtual desktop services or any of our other managed IT solutions for businesses around SLC, St. George and nearby areas!
