Desktop virtualization

Wikipedia describes desktop virtualization as follows:

Desktop virtualization is a technology that separates the desktop environment hosted on a physical server in a Data Center from the client machine that is used by an end user to access it.

In traditional desktop environments, computers run an operating system where applications are executed and the user interface is displayed on the computer screen. By introducing desktop virtualization, you can set up the desktop environment in such a way that it doesn't have any direct link between the physical layer, operating system, application software, and display.

Desktop virtualization based on Citrix XenDesktop works on a client-server model where users access virtual desktops hosted on a centrally managed physical host in a datacenter, as shown in the following diagram:

Desktop virtualization based on XenDesktop provides multiple benefits that are listed as follows:

• Anywhere, any-device access is available, for example, running the work environment on your home PC, Internet kiosk, tablet, mobile devices among others
• Multiple applications and operating systems can be supported without any conflicts among them
• Centralized management and provisioning
• Deliver data securely for your clients with data and network encryption

There are several vendors available to choose a desktop virtualization solution from, depending upon the organizational evaluation, needs, and requirements. Citrix is the market leader in application and desktop virtualization and has been in this area for almost the last two decades and is ruling it with its well-known product XenDesktop for desktop virtualization, which was officially released in the year 2007 as XenDesktop 2.0.