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There are 3 types of cloud computing models, namely Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and hybrid Cloud. All these 3 models have different characteristics and functionalities based on their nature. Business can choose any of these models depending on their demand, size, and nature.  

Remote Desktop Service (RDS) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) are both types of desktop virtualization technologies. Desktop virtualization is the process of creating virtual machines on a server that are offered as high-performance, versatile virtual desktops to users.  

While RDS and VDI provide desktop virtualization only, there’s a difference in the implementation and maintenance. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between RDS and VDI.

What is VDI?

A Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a type of desktop virtualization model that creates a client-server architecture. Using a centralized server or data center, we create multiple virtual machines. These virtual machines are distributed to employees of an organization or end-user over a network remotely.  So, we can say that VDI providers create a combination of software, hardware, and network configuration to make virtual servers and desktops. End-users can access virtual machines remotely and flexibly via a network.

Is this a virtual desktop or a virtual machine?

A virtual machine contains a full range of setups, including a virtual operating system, resources, and server. These are virtualized units on a large centralized physical server. Every machine on the server has dedicated resources to improve access and operational efficiency.  

If we closely evaluate the above definition, then that means we can create multiple virtual machines (or virtual desktops) on one server.  

Here, we have an option to select between persistent and non-persistent virtual desktops. Both terms are explained below.

Persistent Desktops

Persistent desktops are designed as per the requirements of different users. For example, your IT team and graphics team can have different customizations on a virtual desktop. Other than this, the end-user can also customize the desktop according to their requirements. These changes are retained when you turn off the computer or sign out.

The experience of a persistent desktop is similar to that of your office PC. It is even better, but the functioning is more or less like your office PCs.  

Non-Persistent Desktops

There’s another type of VDI implementation called non-persistent desktops. These are a pool of virtual desktops or machines. This is a type of standard deployment that replicates the same type of machine multiple times.

Your end-users don’t get a customized desktop. The apps are preinstalled and can’t be edited or changed by the end-user. It also means that non-persistent virtual desktops roll back to their original state once you sign out.  

VDI advantages

Setting up VDI is beneficial for the organization in multiple ways:

There are fewer compatibility issues with an application than with a VDI because every user gets a dedicated VDI instance, which has its own operating system.

With the help of persistent desktops, we can isolate data utilized, generated, and collected by a user. An entirely customized configuration is used for every type of user.  

VDI allocates resources according to the requirements of every virtual machine. For instance, end-users using high-load applications receive better resources than users with basic processing requirements.  

VDI uses snapshot technology, which allows you to roll back to a previous state in the case of malware infection or other issues in the system.

What is an RDS?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a type of desktop virtualization that uses Microsoft Windows Servers for remote VM access via a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The IT team can create a desktop image of your server, which can be accessed by users for data and program access.  

However, for this model to work, the RDS client and Windows Server are required so that we can connect with terminal servers. This means every operation on an RDS is at the server, not the user.

Multiple users can share programs, operating systems, and resources. Data and apps for every device are unified, which makes customization and maintenance easier.  

It is worth noting that RDS lets you access a single app as well as an entire desktop. For instance, RemoteApp by Microsoft helps users access an application remotely.  

However, RDS has poor customization capability, as every user on the network is using one operating system. In the long term, this can also create performance issues.  

RDS advantages

There are many benefits of RDS for organizations:

In RDS, every employee uses the same OS and apps. The moving parts in the infrastructure are fewer, which is why it is easier to deploy RDS instead of VDI. The IT admin can achieve this without prior training.

RDS is low-priced. You are practically using one operating system, so the licensing costs are minimized. Further, RDS does not require many resources as it has a shared system.

The RDS infrastructure is simpler because it has fewer components, low resource requirements, and a shared operating system. The IT team only needs to provision workstations for employees.  

Differences between RDS and VDI

From the definition, the differences between RDS and VDI are evident. Here’s an overview of how VDI providers offer seamless virtual desktops.  

Cost

In the case of RDS, we are using one operating system. But, for VDI, we need different operating systems for different instances, which means every user has their own instance of the virtual machine.

Ideally, VDI infrastructure is costlier when compared to RDS. However, cloud VDI providers can mitigate your costs, as you don’t need to spend on the infrastructure, hardware, and maintenance.  

User Experience

Every user, in the case of RDS, will get the same user experience. This means you may require a separate architecture for many users as they may require advanced configuration or resources.

VDI offers a dedicated experience to every user. Every virtual machine has dedicated resources and performance capabilities, which customize the user experience. This means we can customize the user experience for everyone.

Customization

RDS can be modified or customized for users, but in the same manner for every user. A multitude of users is using the same operating system or virtual machine equipped with a set of apps and data.  

VDI providers help you customize your machines. End-users can install apps, customize the look and feel of the machine, and use it as their personal computer.  

Conclusion

The RDS vs VDI comparison is intertwined with the requirements of the business. Many organizations with thousands of employees prefer to use a hybrid model. Some users in the organization can benefit from an RDS infrastructure, while others can function well with VDI. Properly accessing business needs can help understand the RDS and VDI requirements.

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