What is a Remote Desktop?

A remote desktop connection allows a single computer (the client) to be connected to other computers through a server. As long as the technical requirements are met, the user can create a remote desktop session from almost anywhere. Depending on the permissions, the user is granted full access to the remote computer. You can imagine how it works: while at home with your private computer, you can access all programs, files, and network resources on your desktop computer as if you were at your workplace.

To be able to do a remote office, you need:

• A dedicated software (such as TeamViewer), which ensures a secure and encrypted contact.
• An internet connection on both workstations to be connected together.

The interface of the remote computer appears on the screen of the other station, so it is possible to view and even control it remotely.

Microsoft for example offers a workable network protocol, the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDP is Microsoft's terminal services control tool (Remote Desktop Services) and ensures the execution of remote desktop commands. It controls both the client terminal and the server terminal, and thus controls the transmission of screen content, as well as keyboard and mouse data. 

There are also similar clients for Linux, macOS, and mobile platforms such as iOS and Android, such as FreeRPD, which allows you to install a remote desktop connection.

This solution is thus very much used in cases of:

• Remote assistance
• Remote maintenance
• Remote work

This makes it easier for technicians to become aware of an IT problem and solve it without having to travel. This saves time and travel costs. The connection is made in a secure way, so data theft or loss is avoided.

This solution remains minimalistic and limited in what it can offer in terms of flexibility and ability and while it doesn’t cost much, it wouldn’t save you much money either. 

What is a Virtual Desktop or VDI?

VDI stands for "Virtual Desktop Infrastructure."  A virtual desktop is an exact copy of a desktop including its operating system, installed applications, and files, which are stored and executed entirely from the cloud.

VDI allows you to completely virtualize your own desktops or access configurations (images) set by a provider, and centralize them on a cloud. This way all your data and applications will be in a secure data center and you can access them remotely at any time, via any device.

VDI offers many benefits to businesses, as well as to end-users. Easy to set up and intuitive to use, this solution has quickly gained popularity worldwide. But what are the main reasons for its success?

Reduced Costs

Since all the offices of the different users are running on the same centralized image, the company saves significant costs. As a result, each operation performed by the end-user uses the computing capacity of the server and not the physical computer on site. There is, therefore, no need to invest in powerful and expensive equipment.

VDI would also allow you to save the cost of licenses and applications used and would considerably reduce the time required to install and update them.

Maintenance is also made easier by centralizing operating systems and computer data. Thus technical support is considerably reduced.

Enhanced Security

As mentioned above, all the different user files are in one place centrally. This is a huge asset for a company's security for several reasons:

• In a secure data center, your information is protected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Lost or stolen hardware will no longer mean lost data. All your applications and files will be accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
• The possible negligence of an employee will never put your company's security at risk. Once in the hands of a malicious person, the device will not give that person access to your company files.

Greater Flexibility for Users

Thanks to VDI's centralized system, employees can connect to high-spec virtual workstations, from their personal computers, tablets, and even their smartphones and theoretically any low-spec devices.

This way, you can stay connected and continue to work while mobile. Remote working has proven its worth during the pandemic and will give your employees the freedom to choose their workplace and will make them more autonomous, happier, and more productive.