Hello, I have a question. Recently, I’ve seen many companies mentioning VDI. What exactly is it?
VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Means your computer desktop actually runs on a central server instead of your physical device.
The system creates multiple virtual desktops on a centralized server. Each virtual machine (VMs) contains its own operating system and applications. Users can access these desktops remotely from various endpoint devices—such as laptops or tablets. All data processing happens on the central server, allowing users to access their desktop from anywhere with an internet connection.
I see.
And can VDI handle heavy workloads like 3D design CAD, CAE or CAM?
Absolutely, VDI can handle graphics-intensive workloads. However, it requires GPU because the server performs all the heavy processing, not on the user’s laptop.
Your laptop simply displays the output and sends commands back to the server, while the server handles the actual computation.
Then what does VDI structure look like?
[VDI Structure]:
- Hypervisor
- A Hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual environments on a Host Server (Physical Server), enabling multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) to run simultaneously and independently.
- Each Virtual Machine, which users can access via Access (VMware Blast / PCoIP), is primarily created and managed by the Hypervisor.
- Commonly used hypervisors include VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix Hypervisor, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV. In the architecture shown in the diagram, VMware ESXi 8 is referenced.
2. Physical Server
- The Host Server is a physical server located in the Data Center and installed with a Hypervisor (VMware ESXi 8). The server is designed with high-performance specifications such as high-performance CPUs, large-capacity RAM, Disk, and GPU, as shown in the Hardware section of the diagram. This Host Server is responsible for creating and running Virtual Desktops (Windows VDA) for users to access remotely.
3. GPU Virtualization (For heavy workloads)
- For advanced design and engineering workloads that require high performance, such as CAD (3D Design), CAM, CAE (Simulation/Analysis), Rendering, and Visualization, the system requires NVIDIA GPUs to support computational-intensive workloads and complex engineering processing.
- NVIDIA vGPU (NVIDIA GRID) enables a single GPU to be efficiently shared among multiple Virtual Machines, with license management handled through the NVIDIA GRID License Server in the Management layer.
- Each CAD user is provided with high-performance GPU resources, as if they had a dedicated graphics card on their own machine, allowing them to run real-time simulations, high-resolution rendering, and AI-assisted design smoothly.
- This technology enables engineering innovation to advance further, such as Generative Design, Digital Twin, and real-time environmental analysis, without the need to invest in multiple high-end workstation-class graphics machines.
4. Storage Server
- Operating system data, applications, user files, and Virtual Machines are stored on centralized storage such as SAN, NAS, or vSAN.
- The system uses a Master Image, which consists of Windows VDA, CAD software (such as CATIA V5/V6), analysis software, and Microsoft 365, as a template for creating new Virtual Desktops, ensuring standardized management.
- If any device fails, data will not be lost because it is stored in centralized storage.
5. Connection Broker
The management system resides in the Management layer and consists of:
- vCenter Server for managing Host Servers, Virtual Machines, and resources
- Horizon Connection Server, which functions as the Connection Broker (The Connection Broker manages user authentication, authorization, user-to-Virtual Desktop connections, as well as session and policy management through the Management Panel (User, Policy, VMs))
6. User Device
- Users can access the system from a variety of devices such as laptops, thin clients, zero clients, or tablets. User devices connect through the Access Layer using VMware Blast or PCoIP, with all processing performed on the server side, and all connections encrypted for security.
Is it safe to access VDI from home in term of data security?
Yes, VDI is significantly more secure than traditional desktops because
- No data stored on local devices
Even if a laptop is lost or stolen, no data is exposed. - Centralized access control
Admins can restrict copying files, screen sharing, or USB access. - Strong malware and virus resistance
All activity occurs in a controlled environment, allowing quick resets and updates. - Fast backup and recovery
If a ransomware attack occurs, data can be quickly restored from snapshots. - Full audit logging
Every session is logged for security auditing.
That’s good.
And I’ve seen a small box connected to a monitor—what is that?
That device is called a Thin Client or sometimes a Zero Client.
It connects to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and serves as a lightweight endpoint that displays the virtual desktop from the server. It doesn’t perform heavy tasks—everything is processed in the server.
So, do a Thin Client mandatory to use VDI?
Not at all! You can use a laptop or any regular PC. Just install a client application or log in via a web browser.
Companies choose Thin Clients because they are Easier to manage, More secure, Longer-lasting, Low maintenance (no hard disk, fewer breakable parts)
Understand.
Is VDI only for large organizations?
Not at all. VDI is suitable for small, medium, and large organizations.
Large enterprises — Use VDI for centralized management and security. Software updates and security configurations are applied from the backend without physically touching each device.
Small and medium businesses — Benefit from flexible remote access. Employees can work from home, while traveling, or from multiple office locations and access the same desktop anywhere.
And if we actually want to use it, would the cost be high?
Since they mentioned servers, it sounds like it might be quite expensive.”
There can be initial investment for servers and hardware. But in the long run, VDI is often more cost-effective because:
- You don’t need to buy expensive workstations for every employee
- Thin Clients (low-cost) can replace traditional PCs
- Lower maintenance and repair costs
- Centralized updates reduce IT workload
- Endpoint devices last longer and fail less often
Overall, VDI offers substantial long-term savings.
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is not as complex as it sounds. It is a modern approach that helps organizations.
✔ Work securely from anywhere
✔ Simplify IT operations
✔ Reduce long-term hardware costs
✔ Improve data security
VDI is an ideal step toward “centralizing management”
Thank you. We will consider on it.
