6 Steps To A Successful Virtual Desktop Implementation
As virtual desktop and virtualization increases in popularity; many companies will be taking the plunge and implementing VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). Below I have listed 6 things that have helped me in the past – they have saved me time and money. So if you are in the process of planning a virtual desktop implementation, have a look, they might even help you.
1. Assess the need
The first question to ask is: To virtualize or not? Your answer to this question will depend on a lot of things. Is your infrastructure in the right position to facilitate VDI or Server Virtualization? A good candidate would be someone in one of these circumstances. a) Someone who upgraded their system within the last two years (with compliant hardware systems). b) Your current datacentre has reached its limit in terms of space and electricity demand. c) You are starting or planning a new implementation from scratch. d) You are in the process of planning and upgrade to you existing datacentre.
2. Weigh benefits against cost
Don’t virtualize because it is the latest craze, Virtualized because the benefits are measureable when compared to the cost of hardware, software and staff training/hiring. Some companies see immediate cost saving after virtualizing others will have to wait for longer periods 3-5 years. Before you spend any cash on hardware or software visit the Alinean website, they have tools that can help you calculate your ROI (return on investment) and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), which could help you better understand and justify the cost involve.
3. Get key staff to buy into the system/idea
A lot of system implementations failed to achieved its gold because the right people were not involved in its implementation (sad but true). So if I were you, I would get the right people onboard early. These people will help you to sell the idea and benefit of this new technology and get more people to support the implementation.
4. Pilot your chosen system
Get a group to pilot the system. Chose individuals that understand what you are trying to achieve and are willing to give you feedback, about their experience of using the system. Keep a log of all feedback good and bad, troubleshoot and provide quick responses to those issues that are highlighted as critical. Remember that this pilot group is not only giving you feedback but the rest of the company so negative feedback must be managed properly.
5. Start deploying to those who need it most
It is important to start deploying to those who need it most. Giving it to those who need it most will be a good PR for the project, because they will see the improvement that this technology has over their previous system.
6. Remember it is not for everyone
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is not for everyone. It will not work with some of your staffs/power users. Some will not have a choice because of their circumstance e.g. anyone staff working remotely and contractors/suppliers. There will be a staff member that has that strange peripheral or something that pose a problem if possible bypass them and comeback later.
