The Powertool Shed

Given the current economic crunch, it’s not surprising to find businesses looking for ways to save on technology costs. Some are already starting to move beyond the use of actual PCs. Virtual desktops are rising in popularity these days. They are composed of a screen, keyboard and a connector box that is connected to a managed hosting server in a computer room that contains all the storage, software and processing functions that desktop users require.

Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, a company based in Annapolis Maryland, says it is planning to replace most of its user desktops with virtual PCs within the next year and a half. According to the company’s chief information officer Cindy Warkentin, the move is expected to help them save costs because this also means replacing fewer computers each year.

Virtual PCs make it possible for the IT staff to install updates from a centralized location in just a few minutes instead of spending several hours on each desktop over the weekend.
According to the technology analysts at Gartner, the improved virtualization software combine with the increased overhead cost of PC maintenance along with the need for more security is creating an environment that is conducive to the growth of virtual PCs. They predict that virtual desktops will replace at least 15% of the PCs currently in use over the next five years.

Virtual desktops help lower the cost of supporting and operating PC networks because they do away with the technician’s deskside visits. At the same time, they reduce the risk of security threats and virus attacks.
The systems also work to allow companies to restrain users who keep on installing unnecessary programs in their office computers as well as those who copy sensitive information or print the out.