A Comprehensive Comparison of Persistent VDI and Non-Persistent VDI in Cloud Computing

In the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing, The importance of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) helps in simplifying IT management and improves the experiences of the users. The virtualization technology can be used to swap for a PC or a desktop. If it’s about virtual desktop infrastructure, the administrators seem to have many choices. As a Virtual admin, you might have thought about the different kinds of VDIs that are now available. Let’s study the main two VDI Persistent vs non persistent VDI. Both approaches have advantages, through this blog post, we are here to discuss the benefits, limitations, and possible uses.

A Brief Difference between VDI Persistent vs Non Persistent VDI

Also Read: In-House Server vs Cloud Hosting Server

The key difference between persistent VDI and non-persistent VDI is how the user data and settings are managed. Users are usually assigned one desktop that contains all their personalized data, settings and applications. Whereas, in vdi non persistent we usually see shared virtual desktops. You’re provided with a fresh desktop having default settings and applications upon login. However, all these made changes will be canceled upon logoff.

Persistent VDI: Pros and Cons

In order to understand the major difference between Persistent VDIs and non-persistent VDIs, it is important to know the evolution of the VDI market and the technology. The initial users of Virtual desktop infrastructure used to be more comfortable with virtual desktops due to all the convenience it used to provide them.

The VDI Persistent provides you with a familiar desktop experience. It also allows the customer to customize their environment and install the familiar applications. With Persistent VDI, you can learn to maintain a consistent workflow. In case of specialized software or extensive customization, Persistent VDI will help you run things smoothly.

Pros:

• Simple Personalization: Since the users can access their own files and data as they start a session, it gets easy to personalize VDI persistent. The same consistency and customization in the traditional PCs makes it easier to adapt and access to Persistent VDIs.
• Rapid Deployment: Persistent VDIs allow a quicker and easier way to deploy the personalization. Through various techniques like P2v conversations, etc.
• Quick Implementation: With Persistent desktops, it is quite easy to implement them. They are easy to operate and get your work done. The system administrators use hardware virtualization or cloning workspace images to set up.
• Better Flexibility: Persistent VDI always makes sure to work for their worker needs. It allows different types of customization which suits the user.
• Enhanced Compliance: Organizations can adhere to industry rules with the use of persistent VDIs. Standards for data security and privacy are enforced by the environment.

Cons:

• Storage Issues: Considering all the customized VMs takes more storage for maintenance. A single master storage does not work for a Persistent VDI. Due to these storage issues, only large IT organizations invest in Persistent desktops.
• Management Complexity: As time goes on, Persistent desktops deteriorate with time considering the IT experts make significant changes to the local drives and windows. The updates become costly and inefficient because of the deviation of desktops.
• Expensive: It is expensive to implement and maintain large-scale persistent desktops. Organizations with substantial IT budgets and personnel can implement the solution.
• Backup & Recovery Issues: Because there are so many different setups, backup and recovery procedures are intricate.
• Resources: Personalized virtual machines come with high overhead expenses. Ample CPU, memory, and storage resources are needed for the configuration.

Non Persistent VDI: Pros and Cons

Non-persistent VDI is designed to optimize resource efficiency, security, and scalability. By offering stateless desktops with no persistent changes, it ensures a clean and standardized user experience while reducing infrastructure requirements.

Pros:

• Managing Efficiency: Non-Persistent desktops get built from the scratch. This makes it simple for the IT Administrators to patch and update the image. It also allows you to manage the data in a certain format.
• Enhanced Security: Since the user will be unable to make any changes or install and alter any configuration settings, these non-persistent desktops are more efficient and secure. In case your system gets hacked, there is always a chance of an immediate reboot.
• Increased flexibility: According to yours and your company’s needs, you can easily upgrade and maintain your desktop. Non-persistent desktops, will help you in providing a stable user experience even when engaged with multiple devices across.
• Cost-Effective: Due to its optimized resource sharing, it is quite budget friendly. Investing heavily can sometimes lead to irregular growth of your business. It is always advised to look for budget friendly options so that you can invest properly.
• Reduced Storage: Non-Persistent VDI keeps the configuration settings and data separately on remote, accessible hardware. Because of this isolation the operating system is separated from the user data. The administrators store the data on more economical data storage solutions.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Since it does not allow any flexible customization, users usually find it restrictive. Even though customization is possible, it requires you to involve third parties which includes a massive cost and labor. This is one of the biggest drawbacks that is faced.
• Temporary Data Storage: It does not allow you to store data for a long period of time. Hence, all your data will have a temporary store house which will make your work inefficient.
• Compatibility Issues: There are certain functions that do not align well in the non-persistent VDI. Some applications just rely on persistent configuration, which can be impossible to maintain on a non-persistent configuration.
• Unfamiliar Working Environment: Every session starts with a fresh notion, so users who get accustomed to one particular management, may face issues.
• Performance Faults: Considering the fact that you’ll be sharing your virtual machines, it may lead to some performance issues.

When should we use Persistent VDI?

Organizations with fewer and more seasoned users benefit from persistent virtual desktop infrastructures. Advanced programs and customized configurations are frequently needed by knowledge workers and creative experts.

For the following users, a persistent virtual desktop environment is ideal:

• Pupils who use the same gadgets for all of their coursework.
• Professionals in the legal, medical, engineering, and architectural domains.
• Developers whose work surroundings must be consistent.
• Employees working in settings where application needs are constantly changing, such as training rooms, classrooms, and research labs.
• Employees who work full-time and need consistent access to customized virtual desktops with the ability to save necessary configurations.

Persistent VDIs are advantageous for businesses with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies as well because of their familiarity, ease of use, and quick setup.

Even though permanent VDIs have these benefits, their higher costs make them a more sensible option for businesses with larger budgets.

When Should We Use Non-Persistent VDI?

Non-persistent VDI is a cost-effective approach that works well for large user bases. With savings on hardware and operating expenses, this VDI is a great option for businesses on a tight budget.

Furthermore, non-persistent VDI is a good option for users who need a uniform configuration.

Those who utilize VDI infrequently are:

• Kiosk mode desktops, or client desktops, are utilized for particular purposes. Medical data entry stations, self-service kiosks for customers, and airline check-in counters are a few examples.
• Workers in BPOs and contact centers. Users only require a standard set of applications for their tasks, not customized desktops.
• Students do not require customized setups in classrooms or student labs in educational institutions with fixed setups.
• Training facility participants need a regular desktop.
• Retail and warehousing task workers use a common set of software to complete repetitive activities.
• Contractors and temporary workers who require application access for their brief tasks.

Persistent vs Non Persistent VDI

The primary features of persistent and non-persistent VDIs are different. The decision between the two is based on the user’s objectives, available funds, and the desired user experience.

Numerous parameters are taken into account while measuring the differences between persistent and non-persistent VDI. The table below lists the primary variations.

Persistent VDI provides a personalized desktop environment. The primary disadvantages are increased resource use, complicated management, and higher storage costs.

The desktop provided by Non-Persistent VDI is consistent and resets at the end of each session. It is economical, consistent, and resource-efficient. However, the user experience suffers as a result of the lack of personalization.

Conclusion

When it comes to cloud computing, it can get difficult to choose between persistent VDI and non-persistent VDI. The user needs to keep a check on most of the key factors like user experience, resources, security, and reliability. If you are looking for a more customized and data storage desktop, you should go with Persistent desktop. Whereas if you want something that is resource efficient and secure, non-persistent will be the best then.

However, at the end it will entirely depend on what you want and how you want it. Depending upon the depth of your business VDI is supposed to be selected. Another thing that can be done is by combining the two approaches. As times are moving forward, we need to check what technology suits best depending upon our requirements.