VDI vs RDS: What’s the Difference and How to Choose?

To make your work more efficient and flexible so that you can work remotely, desktop virtualization offers two components of desktop virtualization. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or Remote Desktop Services (RDS) are the key components of desktop virtualization. If one day most of your employees are seeking a flexible work environment, your best solution to them would be Virtual Desktops. They are one such desktops that can help you in creating a flexible work space for your employees. Because of this very particular reason there is a hike of VDIs and RDSs in the business market. However, how to decide which one to choose? VDI vs RDS? Read more to explore your options:

What do you understand about VDIs?

VDI is a technology which is used for desktop virtualization. It helps in the creation of virtual machines which later make our work easier. With these Virtual machines, we can operate on any end device.

Advantages of VDI:

• Work from anywhere around the world at any given time.
• Offers control for the back end data and infrastructure.
• By choosing a relevant business application, you can have a personalized effortless user experience.
• You can have a scalable and extremely secure server.

What do you understand about RDS?

Remote Desktop Services, also known as terminal services, is a window based application that allows the user to take control of the remote location despite being at a different location. In simple terms, you can access your remote location device from anywhere around the world. By using a shared desktop any actively logged in user can access server hosted applications and hardware resources.

Advantages of RDS:

• Considering all the normal tasks like installing, or upgrading softwares, this will save your time.
• There will be no loss of theft because all of your data will be on cloud.
• No need to set up a strong IT team for the maintenance.
• With the help of the internet, it allows any remote working.

Is VDI the same as the remote desktop services?

Except for the infrastructure or some of the features, VDI and RDS are the same. Therefore, VDI and RDS are not the same. So what is the actual difference? Let’s discuss:

VDI is considered to be a virtualization model and it runs on Windows Client Operating System whereas RDS is a session based model which runs on the windows server.

In RDS, with the help of a centralized server it connects you to a remote windows server with the help of an internet or local network. However, the dedicated VDI model gives you an option to choose between the dedicated or shared desktop.

VDI vs RDS: Which one should you choose?

Why should you choose VDI?

There are many reasons why you might choose virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for your business or personal use. Some of the benefits of VDI are:

• Increased scalability: You can easily add or remove virtual desktops as your needs change, without having to buy or maintain physical hardware. You can also leverage cloud computing to consume resources on demand and pay only for what you use.
• Centralized management: You can manage all your virtual desktops from a single point of control, reducing the complexity and cost of IT administration. Moreover, you can keep a check on the security policies, the updates and backups. All of this can be done from a single virtual desktop.
• Improved security: It has always been said that security is the prime key to buying anything. With VDIs, you can protect your sensitive data and applications by storing them in a secure data center, rather than on individual devices that might be lost, stolen, or compromised.
• Enhanced mobility: You can access your virtual desktop from any device, anywhere, anytime, as long as you have an internet connection.
• Reduced costs: You can save money on hardware, software, maintenance, and energy by using virtual desktops instead of physical ones. As per your needs, you can also reduce downtime and increase productivity of your system.

Why should you choose RDS?

Remote desktop services (RDS) is a technology that enables you to access your computer anywhere through a server. It helps you in shifting your work as in a remote server. Everytime you work on your system you’ll feel as if you are sitting in front of it. It allows you to run applications, or install only with an internet connection.

• Cost-saving: Cost saving and operating your business in a way where it does not affect your pocket is important. With RDS, you can cut your cost on hardware, software as well as maintenance. Moreover, you can use older or even less powerful devices to access your latest technologies.
• Security: You can protect your data and applications by storing them on a secure server, rather than on individual devices that might be lost, stolen, or compromised. Also You can control who can access your remote system and monitor their activity. Having your data under your control matters a lot and you can achieve this with RDS.
• Mobility: You can access your remote system from any device, anywhere, anytime, as long as you have an internet connection. You can also use your own device (BYOD) without compromising the security or performance of your remote system.
• Productivity: You can increase your efficiency and collaboration by using RDS to work with your colleagues on the same projects and files. You can also reduce downtime and improve user experience by providing a consistent and reliable remote system.

Conclusion (RDS vs VDI)

In this article, we did an in depth study of both Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Remote Desktop Service (RDS). Considering all the points in mind both the servers are qualified at their own pace. The best solution is that as a business owner you must do your own research before making the decision. Choosing a server should be based on your requirements. As per what suits your business and budget, you can make a decision. In case of any further questions, you can reach out to the expert team of cloudies365.