By Alfred Pargfrieder, Solution Architect, Hybrid Workplace, Hybrid Cloud
To maximize the benefits of your VDI deployment, it's crucial to align the characteristics of the chosen provider with your specific end-user computing business requirements, taking into account different use cases.
It is also important to note that a fully managed on-premises deployment is seen as a viable VDI control plane, especially when you have special security and compliance obligations.
With a hybrid VDI control plane, we split the VDI control or “brain” from the virtual desktop hosting platform. A main benefit of a cloud-based control plane is that it usually allows virtual desktops to be hosted and managed from any other cloud provider or even an on-premises platform. This multi-cloud feature adds agility to operations, avoids vendor lock-in, and allows you to quickly move workloads to optimize monthly services subscription costs.
This depicts the high-level architecture of a split control plane and workload platform:
Many providers offer a hybrid VDI control plane. This table summarizes the most important ones that are also supported by HPE Services:
|
Hybrid VDI control plane vendors |
Main characteristics |
|
HPE GreenLake for VDI |
Supporting hybrid and on-premises control plane with on-premises VDI workloads. Includes operations and support services (platform services) |
|
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) |
Cloud control plane with workloads only in Azure (no multi-provider support) |
|
AVD on Azure Stack HCI |
AVD control plane supporting on-premises workloads by using Azure Stack HCI. Only support workloads in Azure, no multi-provider support |
|
Citrix Cloud DaaS |
Cloud control plane supporting workloads on major hyperscalers, like Azure, but also on-premises deployment. Currently changing their partner and licensing model |
|
Vmware Horizon Cloud |
Cloud control plane similar to Citrix DaaS but less mature. Currently in acquisition phase by KKR |
Understanding VDI hybrid control plane characteristics
VDI hybrid cloud providers offer a range of characteristics with different capabilities that influence their suitability for different business needs and use cases requirements.
- Operational efficiency: This encompasses factors such as ease of deployment, management simplicity, and automation capabilities. Capabilities for Day 2 operations may be added as a business requirement.
- Performance: Consistent and reliable performance is essential for delivering an optimal user experience. Providers with low latency, high throughput, and responsive virtual desktops enhance productivity and satisfaction among users. Different use cases may fit different service offerings.
- Cost effectiveness (TCO): TCO includes not only upfront costs but also ongoing expenses such as licensing fees, maintenance, and support. Choosing a provider with a favorable TCO ensures that your VDI deployment remains cost-effective over its lifecycle.
- Resource utilization: Efficient resource allocation is essential for optimizing performance and minimizing costs. Providers that effectively use CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth deliver better value for your investment.
- Scalability and flexibility: The ability to scale resources up or down based on demand is critical for accommodating business growth and seasonal fluctuations. Moving users from one cloud platform to another could also help optimize costs during the service's lifetime.
- Security and compliance: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance are paramount in today's cybersecurity landscape. Look for providers that offer robust security measures, data encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications. Differentiate between client OS (DaaS security) and platform security (VDI).
- Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with existing infrastructure, applications, and management tools simplifies deployment and minimizes disruption.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity: Planning for unforeseen events is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted business operations. In addition to infrastructure availability, backup and recovery services are often add-on services.
Mapping control pane characteristics
Selecting a VDI provider usually requires evaluating your business goals and use-case requirements. In the end, this exercise must achieve a balance between operational efficiency, user experience, and total costs of ownership.
HPE Services has developed a consulting framework to support you during the decision-making process.
Our framework maps business requirements to different cloud provider characteristics and capabilities. Then, each use case requirement is compared against the VDI hybrid cloud provider capabilities. Each customer has varying requirements, so we start with the HPE maturity model to map your current and desired states and your business requirements to VDI cloud providers.
Here are two examples of mapping VDI hybrid cloud provider capabilities to specific use cases. In the left example, an engineering use case could be a perfect fit for HPE GreenLake VDI, while AVD on Azure Stack HCI is seen as a perfect platform for task and knowledge users. (This is just an example, and each customer may see slightly different results based on their actual requirements.)
HPE Services for your VDI migration plan
Choosing the right VDI hybrid cloud provider is a strategic decision that requires a deep understanding of your organization's needs and objectives. HPE Services has deep expertise in enterprise VDI and DaaS deployments and can provide invaluable guidance and assistance in evaluating providers, defining requirements, and aligning technology solutions with business goals. Our insights and experience can help you make informed decisions, optimize your VDI deployment, and achieve maximum ROI.
Selecting the right VDI hybrid cloud provider is a critical step toward a successful deployment. By understanding providers' characteristics, tailoring solutions to specific use cases, and leveraging our expertise, you can unlock the full potential of your VDI infrastructure and empower your workforce to thrive.
HPE Services supports the whole lifecycle of VDI planning, implementation, migration, and ongoing operational support services. To kick off any transformation project, we offer a two-hour VDI strategy workshop to capture your requirements and make an initial recommendation for an optimized VDI infrastructure. Contact your local HPE services representative to get more information about our services.
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