Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)—the computing model that transforms physical workstations into a virtual desktop environment—entered the scene a few years ago promising greater business agility and security, along with significant reductions in end-user computing costs. However, early adopters discovered that ramp-up costs cut into expected savings. Any sizable gain in total cost of ownership could only be realized with an equally sizable investment in servers, storage, security mechanisms and wide-area networks.

Yet the drivers for VDI remain unchanged. An increasingly mobile workforce, the growing demand for enhanced data securitization and the high cost of continually upgrading and maintaining desktop systems are just some of critical issues addressed by desktop virtualization. The need for VDI has only increased over time.

Today, the question isn’t so much if VDI is the right technology for today’s enterprise; it’s a matter of how exactly an enterprise can wisely implement it. Organizations interested in moving to VDI and maximizing their return on investment should consider the following:

• Cloud computing reduces VDI implementation cost and risk. With the advent of cloud computing, the cost and risk of VDI implementation shifts to the service provider, eliminating the need for hefty IT infrastructure investments.

• VDI technology is rapidly maturing: Although VDI remains an emerging field, it is rapidly evolving, as evident by the acceleration of new VDI software, functionality and releases.

• Big picture cost savings can be significant. Expected VDI-generated savings include a decrease in help desk call volume, the need for fewer IT support staff, less effort to update workstations, and more accurate licensing purchasing through application usage tracking.

More agility, security and cost savings—these are the holy grail for today’s enterprise. At times, this pursuit was waged in fits and starts in the move to a VDI environment. However, as the technology has matured, the playing field has changed, strengthening the promise of its benefits and ensuring a long-term return on investment.

Learn more about the VDI opportunities by reading CGI’s white paper, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: Essential steps to a long-term ROI, and contact us for an in-depth assessment of your desktop environment to accurately gauge big-picture savings.