Cloud and Virtual Data Storage Networking: Virtualized Desktops and Servers

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is used to complement servers on virtual machines (VMs) and physical machines (PMs). While not all applications can be consolidated, most can be virtualized for use on virtual desktops and servers. Virtualization improves IT agility and network efficiency. It also allows for better data protection by enabling backup/restore, high availability (HA), business continuance (BC), and disaster recovery (DR). Key themes for this article include virtual desktop infrastructure, consolidation vs. virtualization of applications, and the opportunities afforded by virtual servers for cloud and storage networks. There are many issues, challenges, and opportunities involved with virtual servers for cloud and storage networking environments. Physical machines (PMs) or servers form the foundation on which virtual machines (VMs) are enabled and delivered. Virtual desktop infrastructure is utilized in conjunction with VMs in order to manage and protect virtual data. Many different software and hardware options are available for VDIs, which can function as displays or have computational abilities. Although...