A Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) is a desktop environment that runs on a virtual server, accessed through the internet. Instead of being tied to a physical computer, users interact with their desktop and applications from any device with a secure connection. 

This setup allows for centralized management, ensuring updates, security, and backups happen at the server level. HVDs are particularly useful for businesses that need scalable, flexible IT solutions. They enable remote work while maintaining control over data and software, without the overhead of traditional physical PCs.

Hosted Virtual Desktop vs. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

HVD and VDI both deliver virtual desktops, but they differ in how they’re managed and deployed. HVD is hosted and managed by a third-party provider, making it a hassle-free solution for companies without extensive IT resources. VDI, on the other hand, is set up and maintained on-site, requiring in-house infrastructure and expertise.

HVD offers scalability and cost efficiency, as companies pay for what they use without upfront investment. VDI gives organizations full control but comes with higher maintenance responsibilities. Choosing between them depends on the company’s budget, technical capabilities, and need for flexibility.

HVD Technical Architecture

The technical architecture of a Hosted Virtual Desktop relies on sophisticated virtualization and cloud computing technologies. At its core, it uses a hypervisor like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Citrix Hypervisor to virtualize hardware resources into multiple desktop instances. Each instance runs its own operating system, typically Windows or Linux, and operates independently, giving users the feel of a dedicated machine while sharing physical resources with others.

The infrastructure is hosted in a centralized data center that includes compute nodes (physical servers), high-speed storage arrays, and robust networking. Storage is often managed through SAN (Storage Area Network) systems with RAID configurations for redundancy and performance or hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) that integrates compute and storage resources. User data, application settings, and system states are stored separately in profile disks or user data layers, allowing seamless desktop experiences across sessions.

Access to the HVD is managed by connection brokers, which authenticate users, establish secure sessions, and allocate the appropriate desktop instance. These brokers also balance workloads across server clusters to optimize resource utilization. Networking components include high-speed switches, load balancers, and secure gateways, with traffic encrypted using protocols such as SSL or TLS. User sessions are often further protected with multi-factor authentication and endpoint security measures.

Administrators control the environment through centralized management consoles, which provide tools for resource allocation, performance monitoring, and software patching. Backup and disaster recovery are integrated into the architecture, frequently using snapshot-based backups or replication to secondary data centers. Scalability is achieved by adding more compute nodes or storage as demand grows, ensuring flexibility for organizations of any size.

Types of HVD Deployment Models

HVDs can be deployed in public, private, or hybrid environments, each suited to different business needs. Public cloud HVDs are hosted on shared infrastructure provided by vendors like Microsoft Azure or AWS. These are cost-effective and highly scalable, making them ideal for businesses with fluctuating demands or limited IT resources. However, they might pose challenges for organizations with strict compliance or data residency requirements.

Private HVDs, on the other hand, are hosted on dedicated infrastructure, either on-premises or in a private cloud. These offer enhanced control, security, and customization but come with higher costs and require greater IT expertise to manage. They are better suited for industries like finance or healthcare that handle highly sensitive data and require stringent compliance.

Hybrid HVD deployments combine the flexibility of public clouds with the control of private infrastructure. Businesses can keep critical data and workloads in a private environment, while leveraging the public cloud for less sensitive or variable demands. This model is particularly beneficial for organizations transitioning to the cloud or those with a mix of security and scalability needs.

Benefits of HVD

• Cost Savings HVDs reduce expenses by minimizing the need for high-end hardware at the user level. Employees can use inexpensive thin clients, existing computers, or even mobile devices to access their virtual desktops. Businesses avoid large upfront investments in hardware and ongoing costs for maintenance and upgrades. The pay-as-you-go pricing model ensures organizations only pay for the resources they use.
• Simplified IT Management Centralized management makes maintaining HVDs far easier than managing individual devices. IT teams can apply updates, patches, and configurations across all desktops from a single control panel. This reduces downtime and ensures consistent software versions. Troubleshooting is streamlined as issues can often be resolved without physically accessing a device.
• Enhanced Security HVDs improve security by keeping all data and applications within the controlled environment of a data center. Data is transmitted securely using encryption protocols, and users access desktops through authenticated sessions. If a device is lost or stolen, no sensitive data is stored locally, reducing the risk of breaches. Regular backups and disaster recovery protocols add an extra layer of protection.
• Scalability and Flexibility HVDs allow businesses to scale their IT infrastructure effortlessly. Companies can quickly add or remove virtual desktops to align with staffing changes or project demands. This flexibility supports seasonal workloads and remote work scenarios without requiring additional hardware. Businesses also benefit from having a solution that adapts to growth without overprovisioning resources.

Challenges of HVD

• Latency and Connectivity HVDs rely heavily on stable, high-speed internet connections. Poor network performance can lead to latency, making the user experience frustrating, especially for tasks that require real-time interaction. Businesses in areas with limited bandwidth or unreliable connections may face challenges delivering consistent performance to their users.
• Dependency on Providers With HVDs, companies are dependent on third-party providers for infrastructure management and service uptime. If the provider experiences outages or delays in addressing technical issues, it directly affects the business’s operations. This reliance makes selecting a reliable provider critical.
• Security and Compliance Concerns Although HVDs improve data security, businesses must ensure their provider meets industry-specific compliance requirements. For highly regulated industries, gaps in compliance can pose significant risks. Organizations must carefully evaluate the security certifications, data handling practices, and disaster recovery measures of their chosen provider.
• Cost Management While HVDs reduce upfront hardware expenses, costs can escalate with higher usage or when additional features are required. Companies must carefully monitor their usage and understand pricing structures to avoid unexpected charges. Long-term expenses may exceed the cost of alternative solutions if not properly managed.

Things To Consider When Choosing a HVD Platform

• Provider Reliability When evaluating providers, examine their infrastructure capabilities, redundancy measures, and disaster recovery protocols. Check for geographically distributed data centers with failover systems to ensure high availability and fault tolerance. Analyze uptime guarantees provided in Service Level Agreements (SLAs), typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 99.9%), and scrutinize their track record for outages or downtime. Look into the provider’s support structure, including whether they offer 24/7 technical assistance and tiered escalation for critical issues.
• Security Features Security is a critical component of any HVD platform. Verify that the provider uses robust encryption protocols such as TLS 1.3 for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest. Ensure they implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access and support role-based access control (RBAC) for fine-grained permissions management. Evaluate the provider’s compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO/IEC 27001, depending on your industry requirements. Also, review their logging and monitoring tools to detect and respond to potential security breaches quickly.
• Performance and Scalability Assess the platform’s ability to handle concurrent users without degradation in performance. This includes testing CPU, memory, and storage IOPS capacity for workloads with high computational or data demands. Evaluate the remote display protocols offered, such as PCoIP, HDX, or RDP, as these directly impact user experience, especially for tasks requiring high visual fidelity. Ensure the platform can scale horizontally by adding resources like compute nodes or storage seamlessly. Check for automated load balancing to distribute workloads effectively across server clusters during peak usage.
• Cost and Licensing Review the pricing model in detail, including charges for compute, storage, bandwidth, and any premium features such as advanced security or analytics. Understand the implications of overage charges and the flexibility of scaling costs as your usage increases. Compare licensing options such as subscription-based (monthly per user) versus perpetual licensing, and whether the platform supports pooled licensing for shared resources. Factor in hidden costs like data egress fees if the platform operates in public cloud environments and charges for integration with third-party applications.

Steps to Transition to HVD

1. Assess Current IT Infrastructure

Start by performing a thorough audit of your existing IT environment. Identify all hardware, software, and network resources currently in use. Pay attention to legacy systems or applications that may not be compatible with virtualization technologies. Analyze network bandwidth and latency to ensure it can handle the additional load of hosting HVDs. Document application dependencies and assess which data and workloads are most critical for migration to avoid disruption during the transition.

2. Choose the Right HVD Provider and Deployment Model

Evaluate providers based on uptime guarantees, security protocols, and scalability options. Consider whether a public, private, or hybrid HVD deployment model best suits your organization’s needs. Public HVDs offer scalability and cost efficiency, while private HVDs provide enhanced security and control. Hybrid models balance these benefits by splitting workloads between public and private environments. Ensure the chosen provider supports your critical applications and complies with regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA.

3. Design the HVD Architecture

Work with the provider or your IT team to define the technical specifications of the HVD setup. This includes calculating the number of virtual desktops required, determining CPU, memory, and storage requirements, and designing the network topology to ensure low latency. Select remote display protocols such as PCoIP, RDP, or HDX, depending on the performance requirements of your applications. Plan for redundancy and failover systems to ensure high availability.

4. Pilot the Deployment

Run a pilot program with a small group of users representing different roles within the organization. Monitor resource utilization, application performance, and user feedback to identify any issues. Test various scenarios, including peak usage periods and potential failure points, to validate the system’s robustness. Address any discovered gaps, such as insufficient network bandwidth or under-allocated resources, before expanding the deployment.

5. Scale Up Gradually

Once the pilot is successful, roll out the HVD system incrementally across the organization. Begin with departments or teams that can adapt quickly and monitor their experience. Scale resource allocation as needed to accommodate additional users while maintaining performance. Use analytics tools to track usage trends and adjust virtual desktop configurations in real-time.

6. Provide User Training and Support

Prepare users for the new system by offering training sessions on accessing and using HVDs. Provide documentation and step-by-step guides tailored to your organization’s workflows. Set up a support system with IT staff or the provider’s helpdesk to resolve any issues quickly. Encourage users to report bugs or usability concerns to refine the system further.

Top HVD Platforms

1. Omnissa Horizon

 

Omnissa Horizon, formerly VMWare Horizon Cloud, is a flexible Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) solution that combines the power of VMware’s virtualization technology with the scalability of public or private cloud infrastructure. 

Its unique features, such as universal broker capabilities and support for hybrid cloud deployments, provide seamless access to virtual desktops and apps across multiple environments. Horizon Cloud stands out with its advanced image management, which simplifies the creation and updating of desktop images. Its integration with VMware Workspace ONE enhances endpoint management, making it a comprehensive solution for remote workforces.

Key Features:

• Universal Broker: Connects users to virtual desktops across multiple cloud or on-premises environments seamlessly.
• Cloud-Optimized Image Management: Simplifies creating, updating, and managing desktop images with minimal downtime.
• Hybrid Cloud Support: Supports deployments across private, public, and hybrid cloud infrastructures.
• VMware Workspace ONE Integration: Delivers unified management for desktops and endpoints in a single platform.
• Adaptive Bandwidth Management: Ensures optimal performance even in low-bandwidth environments.

Why do we recommend it?

Omnissa Horizon is recommended for its advanced hosted virtual desktop capabilities, including seamless multi-cloud support and efficient image management. I found that its integration with VMware Workspace ONE makes it a robust solution for enterprises seeking centralized control and scalability.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is ideal for enterprises with diverse infrastructure needs, hybrid cloud deployments, and large remote workforces. It’s particularly beneficial for organizations already invested in VMware technologies looking to expand their virtualization capabilities.

2. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops offers a comprehensive Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) solution with unparalleled flexibility and performance. Its unique HDX technology optimizes user experiences, delivering smooth applications and desktops even over low-bandwidth connections. 

With support for hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, it adapts to diverse infrastructure needs. Citrix stands out with its advanced session management and granular security controls, making it a leading choice for businesses prioritizing user experience and security.

Key Features:

• HDX Technology: Enhances virtual desktop performance by optimizing bandwidth usage and delivering high-quality graphics.
• Hybrid Deployment Support: Works across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments for maximum flexibility.
• Advanced Session Management: Provides real-time insights and controls for user sessions to ensure smooth operation.
• Granular Security Policies: Enables detailed access controls based on user roles, locations, and devices.
• Device and OS Compatibility: Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, ensuring accessibility for all users.

Why do we recommend it?

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is recommended for its unmatched performance optimization, flexibility, and robust security features. I noted that its HDX technology and hybrid deployment options make it ideal for businesses seeking a seamless Hosted Virtual Desktop solution.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is best suited for enterprises with complex infrastructure needs, remote workforces, and a focus on secure and high-performance virtual desktops. It’s particularly effective for organizations in industries requiring robust compliance and data protection.

3. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cutting-edge Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) solution that leverages Azure’s powerful cloud infrastructure to deliver secure and scalable virtual desktops. AVD offers unique features such as multi-session Windows 10 and 11, optimizing resources by allowing multiple users to share a single virtual machine. Its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 enhances productivity, while advanced security features ensure data and user protection. AVD’s dynamic scalability and global availability make it a top choice for businesses with diverse and distributed workforces.

Key Features:

• Multi-Session Windows OS: Enables multiple users to share a single virtual machine, reducing costs and resource usage.
• Microsoft 365 Optimization: Provides a seamless experience with Office apps and other Microsoft 365 tools.
• Dynamic Scaling: Automatically adjusts resources based on user demand to optimize cost and performance.
• Azure Integration: Leverages Azure’s extensive cloud infrastructure for reliability and scalability.
• Robust Security Measures: Includes identity management, encryption, and compliance with global standards.

Why do we recommend it?

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is recommended for its resource-efficient multi-session Windows capability, seamless integration with Microsoft 365, and dynamic scalability. I learned that its global reliability and robust security make it an ideal choice for enterprises with distributed teams and growing infrastructure needs.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is ideal for organizations already invested in Microsoft technologies, enterprises seeking cost-effective HVD solutions, and businesses with remote or hybrid workforces. It’s particularly beneficial for industries requiring high compliance standards and consistent global connectivity.