VDI vs VM: Differences, Similarities, Applications, and more

List of content you will read in this article:

Have you ever wanted to have multiple computers inside one? It sounds unreal but virtualization made it come true! Using this technology, you can run multiple operating systems in one single system. As a result, you can save money and manage those easily. When we talk about virtualization, two main types come to our mind including Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Virtual Machines (VM). It makes it hard for us to choose one as each has its strengths and applications. So, let us make it easy for you. Each one is suitable for different goals and in this blog post, we`re going to help you through choosing. We`ll mention their differences, similarities, applications, how they were created, and which one is right for your business. So, if you want to learn more about VDI vs VM, keep reading. 

What are the differences between VDI and VM?

Before we dive into VDI vs VM`s details, let's see how they are different from each other in general. Actually, both of them are virtualization technologies, but their goals are different. 

VDI

• Focus: Delivers virtual desktops to end-users.   
• Isolation: Shares resources among multiple users.   
• Management: Centrally managed from a connection broker.   
• Ideal for: Remote work, centralized management, security.   

VM

• Focus: Creates virtualized computing environments.
• Isolation: Provides high levels of isolation for each VM.   
• Management: Managed individually.   
• Ideal for: Development, testing, and server consolidation.   

In essence:

• VDI provides a virtual desktop experience for users. It is like having one physical computer but hosted in a data center.   
• VM creates isolated virtual environments, each acting like a separate physical computer. VM is often used for various IT tasks.  

Now, you know the VDI vs VM differences. Now let's explore these two technologies in detail. 

What is VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)?

VDI, short for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, highlights computer virtualization by storing desktops on remote servers. It allows multiple users to access their own virtual desktops, each with its own operating system and specific resources such as CPU, memory, and storage. Using remote access, users can gain access to their virtual desktops from any internet-connected device. VDI is a standard in commercial settings, providing conditions in which employees want remote or cross-device access to their desktop environments.

In simple terms, a virtual desktop infrastructure is similar to having your office computer in the cloud. Instead of using your own physical computer, you use a simple gadget to connect to a powerful computer in another area. All of your apps, files, and data are saved there, not on your device.

Different types of VDI

There are two main types of VDI:

1- Persistent VDI

Persistent VDI is like your own PC in the cloud. You can do anything that you want just like your computer. All of your data including your settings and files are saved and the next time you log in you have all of them. If you have personal preferences or need to do special tasks, this type is a great option for you. 

2- Non-Persistent VDI

Consider non-persistent VDI as a public computer. In this type, your data including files and settings won't be saved. So, the next time that you log in, everything is starting fresh. Non-persistent VDI is suitable for people who need basic programs and they don’t need any personal information. So, it is used in places like libraries and call centers. 

How VDI was born?

Before creating VDI, every person in any big office and company needed to work with their own physical computer and it was hard to manage and keep secure. So, a good way to manage computers in these big companies was by creating VDI. Around the year 2000, virtualization technology started to be popular, and multiple computers could be shared in just one physical computer. Combining this with the idea of having desktop computers, people came up with VDI. So, the security in offices and companies increased, and updating everyone`s computers at the same time became possible. Using this technology, people can use any device such as a tablet, laptop, and even a phone to access their work computer and data. Today, VDI is better, faster, and a common way for businesses to manage their computers.

The use cases of VDI

VDI is incredibly versatile. The applications of VDI include:

1. Remote Work: No matter where you are, at home, office, in nature, or on the road. You can access your files, apps, and settings from anywhere you have an internet connection with any device. 

• Call Centers: Companies with lots of employees doing similar tasks, like call centers, love VDI. It's easy to set up computers for new employees and manage everyone's software from one central place.

1. Healthcare: The strong security of VDI made it a great option for healthcare. It keeps patient data safe. And it makes things easier for doctors and nurses because they can access patient information with any system in the hospital. 
2. Education: VDI is a cost-effective option for schools. All the students won`t need a device as they can log in from any computer at the school and access their work as they leave it. 
3. Design and Graphics: Architects and graphic designers need powerful computers for their design goals. VDI can give these virtual computers the power they need to run demanding software.

What Are the Benefits of VDI?

VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, is quickly gaining popularity in enterprises across industries. In this section, we'll look at the primary advantages of VDI over traditional physical desktops.
Improved safety
VDI improves security by consolidating data storage and processing on servers. This prevents important information from being stored on individual devices, significantly lowering the risk of data breaches due to lost or stolen hardware. 

Streamlined Management

VDI streamlines IT management by consolidating desktop environments on servers. This enables the quick deployment of OS updates, security patches, and applications, resulting in consistent configurations and reduced vulnerability to threats.

Reduced costs

VDI, by organizing desktop management, can result in significant cost reductions. Organizations can cut hardware costs, lower software license fees, and streamline IT support processes.

Increased stability in business

VDI enables employees to access their workplaces remotely, ensuring business continuity during interruptions such as natural disasters or pandemics. This flexibility improves productivity and resilience.

Single Control

VDI offers IT managers a single platform for enforcing security policies, managing user access privileges, and preventing illegal software installations, thereby protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance.

Better User Experience

VDI provides a uniform desktop environment across several devices, allowing employees to work smoothly from anywhere without sacrificing productivity. This consistency increases customer happiness and lowers support expenses.

Scalability

VDI provides the ability to quickly modify the number of virtual desktops to match changing business demands. Whether scaling up for new personnel or shrinking during economic downturns, VDI ensures the best resource usage and cost-efficiency. 

What is a VM (Virtual Machine)?

A virtual machine (VM) is essentially a digital copy of a physical computer. It has its own operating system and applications, much like a regular computer, but it is totally housed within another computer. This enables several "virtual computers" to share the resources of a single physical computer, increasing its efficiency and flexibility.

Virtual Machines (VMs) are software-defined clones of real servers that allow several operating systems to run simultaneously on the same physical computer. By splitting hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, VMs create isolated environments capable of executing their own programs and operating systems. 

Different types of VMs

There are different types of VMs created for different goals in virtualization. The two common types of VMs include:

System VMs

System VMs are complete virtual computers. They offer a fully virtualized environment where you can install and execute entire operating systems. These VMs function as independent computers within your computer. A hypervisor is a piece of software that maintains physical hardware and splits it across various virtual machines. As a result, many operating systems and applications can be operated at the same time.

Process VMs

Unlike System VMs, Process VMs are more focused. Using them, people are not allowed to set up the entire operating system in a virtual environment. Instead, they offer a temporary environment for special applications. this temporary environment will disappear when you log out. It's like having a small, isolated space for a single program to operate without affecting the rest of the computer.

How VMs were born?

Before, computers could only do one task at a time. As a result, people had to take on more responsibilities. Finally, they had a brilliant idea: divide the computer into smaller, virtual components.  Here's where virtual machines (VMs) come in. These virtual machines evolved throughout time, including capabilities such as snapshot saving and easy configuration changes. Today, virtual machines (VMs) are like digital twins of real computers, allowing us to run different operating systems and software on a single machine, saving resources and increasing computer efficiency.

Use cases of VM

VMs are essential tools for small and big companies because of their flexibility and efficiency for managing computing resources. The use cases of VMs include:

• Run multiple operating systems: Need Windows, macOS, and Linux on the same computer? VMs can handle that.
• Create isolated environments: Test new software or experiment with different configurations without affecting your main system.
• Consolidate servers: Combine multiple physical servers into fewer, more powerful virtual ones, saving space and energy.
• Provide virtual desktops: Give employees access to their work environment from any device, improving flexibility and security.
• Support cloud computing: VMs are the foundation of cloud services, offering scalable and on-demand computing resources. 

What Are the Benefits of VMs?

Virtual machines have major advantages over conventional servers. Let's look at the benefits of adopting VMs. 

Saving money

One of the key advantages of virtual machines (VMs) is cost savings. Organizations can save money on hardware by merging several operating systems and applications into a single physical server. Also, the requirements for electricity, cooling, and physical space are minimized.

Flexibility and Efficiency

VMs allow amazing versatility. You can simply create, edit, and destroy virtual computers to meet new demands. This flexibility allows organizations to respond quickly to market developments and allocate resources efficiently. In addition, testing new software or operating systems is simplified without affecting the main system.

Enhanced security

While VMs are not a perfect solution, they can improve security. Each VM runs in isolation, reducing the likelihood of a security breach affecting the entire system. However, it is essential to adopt strong security mechanisms for both the host and guest operating systems. 

Resource Management

VMs enable optimal resource use. Organizations can ensure effective resource utilization by dynamically allocating CPU, memory, and storage to virtual machines, even under high workloads. 

Comparison Table for VDI vs VM

Now that you know everything about VDI vs VM, we have prepared a comparison table for them to take a quick look at their features and differences quickly. 

VDI vs VM: Which is Right for Your Business?

Before you choose VDI vs VM for your business, you should consider factors such as your business`s specific requirements including security needs, scalability, and your budget. 

• If you need remote access, VDI is a better choice. It provides a centralized management platform for desktops. So, employees can work from anywhere.
• If you need to improve hardware consumption, consolidate servers, or establish isolated environments for development and testing, virtual machines (VMs) provide more flexibility.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we tried to answer all of your questions about VDI vs VM. In short, both of them have different benefits for all small and big businesses that want to optimize their IT infrastructure. VDI thrives in creating secure, remote desktop environments, whereas VMs excel at server consolidation, application separation, and development. The best option relies on your individual requirements, such as remote work, security priorities, and resource allocation. You should consider both strengths carefully so you can make the best choice that aligns with your needs.