Virtual Desktop Infrastructure has moved well beyond the enterprise. If you have remote workers, contractors, BYOD users, or employees accessing sensitive systems from endpoints you don't fully control, VDI is worth a serious look. Here's what the major platforms deliver and how to pick the right one.
What VDI Actually Solves
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) delivers a full Windows desktop experience from a centralized server - meaning the compute happens in your datacenter or the cloud, not on the physical device in front of the user. The endpoint (laptop, thin client, iPad, even a personal home computer) becomes a display terminal. The data never leaves your infrastructure.
Key use cases where VDI delivers clear value:
- Remote and hybrid workers who need full access to corporate applications, file shares, and sensitive data without carrying a company-owned device everywhere
- Contractors and third-party vendors who need system access but shouldn't use personal devices on your network
- HIPAA, PCI, or CMMC-regulated environments where you need to ensure sensitive data never touches an unmanaged endpoint
- Call centers and task workers who run the same applications all day - VDI gives IT centralized control over the desktop image
- Disaster recovery scenarios - users can access their virtual desktop from any device if their primary workstation fails or the office is inaccessible
VMware Horizon (Now Omnissa Horizon)
Following Broadcom's spin-off of the EUC business, VMware Horizon now operates under the Omnissa brand. It remains one of the most feature-complete VDI platforms available and is deeply mature - having been refined over 15+ years of enterprise deployments.
Strengths:
- Best-in-class graphics performance via BLAST Extreme protocol - the preferred choice for graphics-intensive workloads (CAD, video editing, 3D design)
- Tight integration with VMware vSphere/ESXi - if you're already virtualized on VMware, Horizon fits naturally
- Rich feature set: App Volumes (application layering), Dynamic Environment Manager (DEM for user personalization), and Instant Clone technology for rapid provisioning
- Flexible deployment - on-premises, cloud-hosted, or hybrid
Considerations:
- Higher complexity to deploy and manage than the other options - requires dedicated infrastructure and skilled administration
- Licensing restructuring post-Broadcom spinoff - worth re-evaluating costs if you have existing Horizon deployments
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
Citrix is the grandfather of VDI and application virtualization - its HDX display protocol is still considered best-in-class for WAN performance over high-latency or low-bandwidth connections.
Strengths:
- Unmatched protocol performance over poor network conditions - the go-to for users connecting from developing markets or unreliable connections
- Extremely granular policy controls - security-conscious organizations (financial, legal, healthcare) appreciate the depth of access control
- Application publishing alongside full desktops - deliver individual apps without a full VDI session
- Strong session recording and monitoring capabilities for compliance
Considerations:
- The most expensive of the three platforms, with complex licensing tiers
- Significant administrative overhead - Citrix deployments typically require dedicated expertise
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
Azure Virtual Desktop is Microsoft's cloud-native VDI platform, delivered entirely through Azure. It has become the fastest-growing VDI option for SMBs, particularly Microsoft-centric organizations.
Strengths:
- Only platform that supports Windows 10/11 multi-session - multiple users share a single VM instance, dramatically reducing Azure compute costs
- Native Microsoft 365 integration - Teams optimization, OneDrive FSLogix profiles, and Intune MDM work out of the box
- No on-premises infrastructure required - everything runs in Azure
- Licensing efficiency - if you have Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or Windows 10/11 Enterprise, AVD access rights are included
- Elastic scaling - scale up or down based on demand, pay only for what you use
Considerations:
- Performance is dependent on Azure region proximity - latency can be an issue for users far from the nearest Azure datacenter
- Ongoing Azure compute costs can exceed on-premises alternatives at scale
Quick decision guide:
→ Microsoft-heavy SMB or startup: Azure Virtual Desktop - lowest barrier, no infrastructure, licensing efficiency
→ Graphics/CAD users or existing VMware shop: VMware Horizon
→ Regulated enterprise, global workforce, or poor WAN conditions: Citrix
→ Hybrid approach: AVD for standard users + Horizon or Citrix for power users
What VDI Doesn't Fix
VDI is not a security silver bullet. A poorly configured VDI environment is still vulnerable - users can take screenshots, connect USB devices, or print sensitive documents. The security value of VDI comes from layered policy controls applied consistently, not from the technology alone.
SummitCore has designed and deployed VDI environments on all three platforms - from small 25-user AVD deployments to large-scale Horizon implementations. If you're evaluating VDI for your organization, schedule a conversation - we'll help you size it correctly and avoid the common pitfalls.