There’s no doubt about it: Technology helps the world get a little smaller for today’s businesses.
For instance, cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) centralizes the hosting of business applications for an enterprise on a hyperscale cloud like Azure, AWS, or Google. That means it’s much easier for anyone with an internet connection to access software, data, and enterprise tools securely at a global level.
If your organization is ready to grow, investing in an enterprise-ready VDI system based in the cloud may be a logical next step.
How cloud VDI can help scale globally
Expanding into new markets around the world can be challenging. Understanding new cultures, navigating local laws and regulations, and adjusting to different business practices will require time and resources. Enterprise-ready VDI systems that reside in the cloud can help organizations step into the global marketplace more easily. Here’s how:
- Better Accessibility. Whether you’re opening physical offices overseas or hiring remote professionals based in new markets, you’ll want those employees to feel part of your team. Cloud-based VDI systems provide reliable access to company systems, regardless of location or user device. You can also meet GDPR requirements by keeping employee data in the region they work and live.
- Improved Collaboration. In order to successfully scale at the global level, enterprise teams must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate. Cloud-based VDI systems facilitate that by providing messaging, video conferencing such as Webex and Zoom, and file sharing integration.
Learn about our real-time audio and video conferencing with virtual desktops > - Lower Costs. Global expansion can be a costly endeavor; however, partnering with a third-party solution provider when it comes to hosted VDI can be relatively inexpensive. For a reasonable monthly fee, your enterprise can access advanced technology that includes licensing fees, operating costs, expertise, and the level of features and support needed to meet your business requirements.
- Increased Agility. Despite all the due diligence you perform before entering a new market, global expansion can bring volatility to a business. Cloud-based VDI allows you to scale your team to meet immediate needs quickly and securely. Simply provision new remote employees to allow them access to company applications and data; revoke access just as quickly when team members leave or complete projects. Pay for only what you use.
- Reduced Risk. Risk levels for an enterprise may vary depending on the geographical locations and their associated weather patterns, political situations or other local disruptors. Cloud-based VDI solutions provide multiple data center locations and can offer different levels of security and redundancy to minimize risk and improve business continuity.
The role of VDI in cloud computing
VDI is playing a large and growing role in today’s cloud computing solutions. The increase in remote and hybrid work environments, fueled by the recent global pandemic, makes it easier than ever for companies to expand globally.
Video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and email are all commonplace in today’s global business environment. Businesses that leverage these industry-standard tools with an enterprise VDI system can create a powerful infrastructure to keep employees productive from any location, on any device.
VDI also helps with employee recruitment and retention. Hire talent anywhere and scale your talent rapidly; with a virtual desktop infrastructure, bring your own device (BYOD) policies and remote or hybrid work are easy to implement.
What look for in cloud VDI providers
If you’re ready to look for a cloud-based VDI provider, here are some things you want to make sure your selected partner can offer:
- Frictionless Interface. The user interface is the connection point between your enterprise and your team members. When employees are spread out around the world, you want to ensure that their experience is familiar and as seamless as possible. Be sure your selected partner offers an intuitive and simple user experience that provides access with a single sign-on. Check that commonly used workplace tools such as messaging, conferencing, and file sharing are integrated in a browser setting.
- Centralized Management. One advantage of partnering with a solution provider of enterprise VDI solutions should be the centralized management of operating systems, applications, and software. Be sure that your selected vendor will handle updates, troubleshooting, and maintenance requirements for your enterprise to maximize efficiency.
- Integration with Industry-Leading Tools. Many communication and collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and Zoom play an important role in helping businesses stay productive. Ask if your solution provider integrates its enterprise VDI solution seamlessly with these best-of-breed tools.
- Business Continuity. Whether you’re pulling together a solely internal team or tapping a combination of consultants and employees, you’ll want to maximize productivity regardless of their locations. Check to ensure that your selected partner offers redundancy, backup protocols, and nearly perfect uptime to provide reliable and dependable system access for everyone.
How many users do I need for enterprise VDI?
The number of users required for a cloud-based enterprise VDI is completely flexible. That’s the beauty of the solution; it is infinitely scalable and flexible to meet an enterprise’s ongoing needs. Microsoft Azure’s public cloud VDI, for instance, offers Cloud PC for smaller deployments.
In a traditional office space, a company may want a minimum number of desktop computers in order to justify the IT resources needed to maintain that equipment and related systems. In addition, adding new employees may have been a long process, requiring purchasing and setting up new equipment. If fewer team members are suddenly needed, unused equipment and machines are suddenly wasted assets.
In a cloud-based VDI system, all applications, software, and data are stored centrally. Secure access can be scaled up or down quickly and easily simply by adding or removing users. In addition, enterprises can pay for only what they need, delivering the agility required in today’s competitive markets.
Users can access these systems on company-provided devices or even on their own personal devices. Cost savings extend to the kind of hardware needed, too. IT departments can choose inexpensive laptops, knowing the CPU will be managed in the cloud.
Need to prepare your public cloud for VDI backup? Learn more about Evolve IP’s managed services >
Conclusion
If you’re ready to learn how to find the right cloud-based VDI solution for your enterprise, contact Evolve IP today. We’d love to learn more about your organization and show you how we can support your global expansion efforts.