Will Companies Who're Deploying VDI also Continue to Buy New PCs?

“I agree that it will take away the sheen before VDI really takes off. One of the key issues to address include mobility/portability of data, since Internet access is not always possible everywhere.”

---Keng Leong Choong, Cloud & Virtual Data Center Practice Lead at EMC

“I think it's part of the cycle in IT that goes from big iron in the back room/terminal on the desktop to fully capable client with server in the back room. Of the two organizations that I've worked with in the past 4 years, neither would have been a really good fit for VDI. One had a workforce of which 80% of the headcount was mobile - which meant that they had to have laptops in order to carry on their normal business functions. The other had groups of employees that really leaned hard on their hardware - video production and graphics design, while the rest of the company could have been easily converted to VDI. However, the ROI on the move to go to VDI simply would not have been there for them. I see VDI as a great option, if the business case is right for an organization and the existing infrastructure can handle it (or there is a budget to make all of the appropriate improvements).”
---Andrew Hornback, Engineer at Royal Chaos Studios, Greater New York City Area, US

“I am stopping buying desktops, but we are not implementing VDI in the first phase. We will implement shared app hosting and thin clients, and then move to VDI.”

---Anonymous

“Right now, I think that VDI has to be very targeted. Only those desktops that are all imaged the same with very few customizations and add-on applications fit right now. For an individual's desktop, it also has to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Otherwise, the individual essentially has to deal with two desktops. So, I think purchasing of PCs will continue, and VDI will gain ground as it matures, but right now, my next step is another PC, not a virtual desktop.”

---Feff Dana, CTO, WinWholesale, Dayton, Ohio

“I believe that they will, as with anything, the new technology will still need something to sit on and I think a "hybrid" mix of VDI and the fail over benefits of a standard desktop vs thin client only will ensure people still continue to buy desktops in the future. I do however expect a longer refresh time.”

---Anonymous

What's your view? You can also share with us your views on the same by writing to pcquest@cybermedia.co.in