Healthcare enterprise organizations have achieved good ROI with server virtualization by consolidating virtual workloads on a smaller number of physical servers and improving agility through automated provisioning. Many of these organizations are now turning to desktop virtualization looking for similar benefits. While the cost-savings story is not as compelling for desktop virtualization as it is for server virtualization, desktop virtualization solutions can enable the following key improvements:

• Improved Access: Support a wide array of client devices by accessing applications through a browser or VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) interface
• Reduced IT Complexity: Centralizing management of applications and data can reduce complexity of supporting a large fleet of client devices
• Improved Security: Concerns associated with a lost or stolen client device are mitigated if PHI (protected health information) is not stored on the client

However, traditional VDI is not without drawbacks and challenges.  Users that require multi-tasking, interaction with multimedia applications or support for local peripherals may not experience satisfactory performance.  Applications that enable collaboration (for example, VoIP or video conferencing) are also challenged in these environments. Traditional desktop virtualization solutions are designed to support the “lowest common denominator” client device, often sacrificing user experience for improved access. Intel’s vision is one of a “client aware cloud”; where server-side applications and infrastructure have insight into the platform capabilities of the client device in order to deliver the optimal user experience. There are some compelling new solutions that support this vision available today.

A new technique for intelligent desktop virtualization called reverse seamless technology from RES Software enables local client-side applications to run within a central server hosted desktop environment. This solution uses the local processor and compute capabilities in the client PC to run CPU-intensive and rich multimedia applications for a great user experience while maintaining central management and storage of sensitive data.  Visit the following link for additional information:

http://www.ressoftware.com/partners/res-and-intel

As collaborative care models continue to proliferate across the healthcare industry, the need to support real-time collaboration applications such as those described in this blog will only increase. VDI on thin clients cannot support these types of applications. However, combining VDI with technologies such as reverse seamless offers IT organizations significant benefits, including centralized manageability, security, and reduced operating costs.

What questions do you have about desktop virtualization plans or deployments?