Desktop Cloud Computing: Maximizing Energy and Efficiency Gains over the Long-Haul
Is managing desktops similar to operating long haul trucks? I think the answer is, yes! Most of us traveling down the road each day pass a fair number of eighteen-wheeled vehicles and give them little attention…unless of course they are about to run you over. However, maybe like me you’ve noticed that many of them are configured to maximize energy and efficiency gains. They now incorporate new technology such as under-skirts, wheel covers, and aerodynamic back fins. In addition, some of the hidden things you don’t notice but which are most likely there include navigation and GPS transmission devices that aid the overall orchestration and movement of the operator. The image below is a perfect example of a transportation company investing in the entire cost of operating the vehicle, not just the cost of one part of the equipment.
My point is that managing desktops is really the same endeavor. When someone is evaluating the traditional versus virtual method of deploying and managing desktops, you will frequently hear the argument about the “cost of a desktop”. But usually what is being shortsightedly focused on is the “PC hardware only cost” versus the cost of implementing and maintaining the entire process. Now I’m sure there will always be an attempt by bean counters or naysayers to scrutinize Virtual Desktops as more expensive on the front end, and indeed in many cases they are correct. Although I would contend that if these same folks were tasked with choosing the equipment and method for running a transportation company, it would look something like this:
As a child I loved the comedy TV show BJ and the Bear, about a trucker and his pet chimp who travelled the highways in a huge Kenworth K-100 cab over semi-truck, similar to the image at the left. But today if you see this same truck going down the road, you’re going to think, “That trucking company must have a stock pile of cash to pay the fuel bill on that rig!” So just because you purchase the truck or tractor at a great cost savings, it doesn’t address the overall operating expense once the wheels start turning.
Therefore, it’s more compelling to look at the productivity gains from a vehicle that moves more efficiently in the elements. With the assistance of an advanced dispatching system, the driver(s) can secure more trips at a lower operating cost. That’s why smart transportation companies invest greater capital costs when refreshing their legacy equipment for a complete end-to-end solution that resembles the shape of a bullet, not a box.
It’s similar to managing desktops. Looking at the entire costs and productivity gains in virtualizing the most highly-utilized tool that employees interact with, is well worth the additional upfront cost (that is, assuming it’s the right solution).
At V3 Systems, we’ve addressed this with the best personalized virtualized desktop user experience, on virtually any device, anywhere, anytime, and faster than a physical desktop. We’ve also included the best IT management tools to achieve guaranteed density, scalability, performance, and high availability.
The data overwhelmingly shows that ongoing maintenance, support, and energy of the traditional PC desktop environment will cost much more than its equivalent virtual deployment. However, a poorly executed VDI implementation will also end up costing more due to: increased IT administration and more importantly, lower productivity by unenthusiastic end users.
So while the “PC only” or “Desktop” cost will continue to enter the discussion, it’s the proverbial attempt to win the battle while losing the war.
The conversation or question should be centered around, “What is the most appropriate solution available to equip the current generation of professional, knowledge, and productivity workers (and I might add, the IT staff that manages the whole process)?” and, “How can we implement that at the next earliest refresh cycle?” If this is the most important criteria, then the specific cost of one part of the equations goes out the window and is replaced with a solution that typically will have the compellingly lower total cost of ownership over time.