Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, is a technology that hosts desktop operating systems on a centralized server in a data center. It allows users to access their virtual desktops from almost any device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, over a network.
This setup is different from a traditional physical desktop deployment where the operating system and applications are installed directly on the hard drive of a specific computer. With VDI, the desktop environment is separated from the physical hardware, which means the "computer" you see on your screen is actually running on a powerful server miles away.
To understand what VDI is, it helps to look at the pieces that make it work. A VDI setup relies on a few key components to create, manage, and deliver these virtual experiences, including host servers, the software that splits the server into smaller pieces, and the system that directs traffic.

The hypervisor is the software layer that sits on top of the physical server hardware. It decouples the operating system from the hardware. It can allow you to create and run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server by sharing the server's memory and processing power.
The virtual machine is the software-based computer that the user actually interacts with. In a VDI environment, IT teams create a "golden image" or main desktop. They use this main copy to quickly create (clone) new virtual desktops for users.
You can think of the connection broker as the front ‘check-in’ desk of the VDI infrastructure. When a user logs in, the connection broker checks their credentials. It then finds an available virtual desktop in the pool and directs the user to it.
Since the desktops don't live on the user's device, all the data needs to live somewhere else. VDI uses centralized storage systems to keep operating system images, applications, and user data safe and accessible to the host servers. This ensures that even if a local device fails, the data remains secure in the data center.
The client device is the hardware the user touches, such as a laptop. The remote display protocol is the language the server and client use to talk to each other. It sends the screen images (pixels) from the server to the client and sends the user's mouse clicks and keystrokes back to the server.
When companies decide to deploy VDI, they usually choose between two main models: persistent and non-persistent.
In a persistent VDI setup, each user gets their own dedicated virtual desktop. It works similarly to a personal physical PC because users can save their settings, install their own apps, and customize the background, and it will all be there the next time they log in. This is often the best choice for developers or power users who need a specific configuration to do their jobs.
In a non-persistent VDI environment, the desktops are generic. When a user logs in, they get a fresh desktop from a pool of identical clones. When they log out, the desktop reverts to its original state, and any changes they made are wiped away. This is usually less expensive and easier for IT to manage because they only have to maintain one source image.
While VDI, remote desktop services (RDS), and desktop as a service (DaaS) all help users work remotely, they function differently. VDI gives a user a dedicated virtual machine running a client operating system, like Chrome OS, macOS, or Windows. RDS, sometimes called remote desktop session host (RDSH), allows multiple users to share a single session on a server operating system, like Windows server. DaaS is simply VDI that is outsourced to a cloud provider.
Feature | VDI | RDS | DaaS |
Operating system | Client OS (e.g., Chrome OS) | Server OS (e.g., Windows server) | Client or server OS |
User experience | Isolated, personal desktop | Shared server resources | Isolated or shared |
Management | Managed by internal IT | Managed by internal IT | Managed by cloud provider |
Infrastructure | On-premises or private cloud | On-premises or private cloud | Public cloud (subscription) |
Feature
VDI
RDS
DaaS
Operating system
Client OS (e.g., Chrome OS)
Server OS (e.g., Windows server)
Client or server OS
User experience
Isolated, personal desktop
Shared server resources
Isolated or shared
Management
Managed by internal IT
Managed by internal IT
Managed by cloud provider
Infrastructure
On-premises or private cloud
On-premises or private cloud
Public cloud (subscription)
While VDI is inherently secure, it requires proper governance and monitoring to stay that way.
VDI can be versatile and fits well in industries that require strict security or have a shifting workforce.
Even without a proprietary first-party VDI product, Google Cloud offers a distinct infrastructure advantage for organizations running virtual desktops.
Adopting VDI infrastructure can solve many problems for modern enterprises, especially those with distributed teams.
Enhanced security and data centralization
Because data lives on the server rather than the end-user's device, a lost or stolen laptop does not mean a data breach.
Increased mobility and flexibility for users
"VDI virtual desktop" technology allows employees to access their work environment from home, a coffee shop, or while traveling, using almost any device.
Simplified management and centralized control for IT
IT teams can patch, update, and troubleshoot thousands of desktops from a single console without physically touching the devices.
Reduced hardware costs and extended life of endpoint devices
Since the heavy processing happens on the server, companies can use older PCs or inexpensive "thin clients" for longer periods.
Improved disaster recovery and business continuity
If a natural disaster affects a physical office, employees can log in from a safe location and access their data immediately because it is backed up in the data center.
What is virtual desktop infrastructure in cloud computing? It is the same VDI concept, but it runs on Google Cloud's global infrastructure. This offers scalability and security that is hard to match with on-premises servers.



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