When you have requirements to give your users an access to the virtual computer in the cloud, you will have several options.
- Virtual Machine. A traditional model of virtualization. Just thinking about your pc is to be virtualized
- Lab Services. A scheduled based VM that can be allocated and deallocated when you needed.
- VD – Virtual Desktop. A modern and managed controlled VM with additional interface to support multi-channel access from any platform and any application.
Case 1 – A development server
Developer needs a server to host their web server and its database for development server. For this case, the solution is Virtual Machine
Case 2 – Remote Worker
Your remote worker wants to access a specific software anytime in any operating system. For this case, the solution is VDI
Case 3 – Hackathon
Your organization provides training to your employee, you want to give them an access for hands on lab. For this case, the solution is hackathon
Side by side Comparison
To make the comparison clear you can see the table
Considerations | VM | Lab Services | Virtual Desktop | Remarks* |
Cost | $$ | $ | $$$ | More $ sign means higher investment for same specification |
Scenario | Self-Managed Long Run | Managed Short Run usage | Managed Long Run usage | |
Management Layer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes, it means provide additional layer than OS to manage your infrastructure |
Multi-Session | Yes* | Yes* | Yes** | *Depend on operation system
**built in |
Browser Support | No | No | Yes | Can be accessed through browser without any additional software |
Value | Availability | Scheduling | Accessibility | |
Storage Support | Flexible | Limited | Limited | Limited means can only use set of types of storages |
Sound and Mic Support | Yes | Yes | Partial | Partial means it depends on the operating system and access channel |