What is a Cloud PC and Traditional VDI?
A Cloud PC and traditional Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) provide virtual desktop environments but differ in how they’re managed, deployed, and consumed.
Cloud PC
It is a personal desktop hosted in the cloud and delivered as a service. It's part of the broader Desktop as a Service (Daas) model. For instance, Microsoft’s Windows 365 is a Cloud PC solution where a virtual Windows environment is hosted in the cloud and accessed via the internet.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
VDI is a technology where virtual desktops are created and hosted on-premises or in the cloud and delivered to end-users over a network. Unlike Cloud PCs, VDIs are often managed and controlled by the organisation’s IT team.
Key Differences
1. Management
- Cloud PC: Managed by the cloud provider (e.g., Microsoft manages Windows 365).
- VDI: Usually managed by the organisation's IT team.
2. Infrastructure
- Cloud PC: Fully cloud-hosted by a third-party provider.
- VDI: Can be on-premises or in the cloud but requires self-management of infrastructure.
3. Cost
- Cloud PC: Pay-as-you-go or subscription model with minimal setup.
- VDI: More capital-intensive due to infrastructure setup and management costs.
4. Scalability
- Cloud PC: Easily scalable with cloud resources; the provider handles it.
- VDI: Scalability depends on the organisation’s infrastructure and resources.
5. Customization
- Cloud PC: Limited customisation since it's a managed service.
- VDI: Fully customisable, allowing more control over desktop configurations and infrastructure.
Cloud PC Benefits over Traditional VDI
Personalised Computing experience
One of Cloud PC's standout benefits is its ability to offer a persistent VDI dedicated to each staff member. This means that employees receive their own personal PC in the cloud rather than sharing resources like in traditional VDI setups. This personalisation enhances productivity and allows for a more consistent user experience.
Citrix Cloud Solutions
Cloud PC utilises Citrix Cloud, a secure platform with a global presence. This means your firm can enjoy increased uptime and automatic redirection to over 20 global locations should the service become unavailable. The updated Citrix version also boosts performance, supports more external devices for video conferencing apps like Teams and Zoom, and offers enhanced security features.
Faster logon times and better security
With a new profile solution, Cloud PCs offer quicker login times, saving you precious minutes each day. Security remains a high priority, with the Security Flightpath rollout ensuring that all endpoint devices are protected. Each device is enrolled in device management solutions, enabling compliance policies that only allow secure devices to access your applications and data.
Integration with Microsoft 365
Cloud PCs are designed with Microsoft 365 in mind, allowing law firms to leverage more of the 365 suite of services included in their MS365 license. This integration provides greater use of Microsoft OneDrive and Teams/SharePoint for file usage, significantly enhancing internal collaboration and secure interaction with external guest users/clients. Additionally, integration with Microsoft Defender security centre improves security visibility across VDIs and devices.
Enhanced Video Conferencing and Analytics
Teams optimisation is included as standard with Cloud PC, ensuring seamless video conferencing experiences. Optional Citrix analytics can be added to Citrix Cloud for those looking to gain deeper insights into users' experiences.
Consistent Updates and Robust Security
VDIs use Intune-delivered applications, ensuring a consistent VDI and device updates platform, thereby greatly reducing incidents. Managed components access enterprise security tools Access Legal provides to significantly reduce security threats. Your firm can ensure offsite storage and disaster recovery with backups in our secure data centre.
Future-proof your law firm
As law firms weigh the options between Cloud PC and traditional VDI, Cloud PC offers numerous personalisation, integration, security, and performance advantages. By opting for Cloud PC, legal IT managers can provide their firms with cutting-edge technology solutions that increase efficiency and enhance security and collaboration.
For law firms looking to future-proof their operations, the choice is clear. Talk to one of our experts to see how Cloud PC can transform your practice.