In the first part of this blog, we covered the basic differences between virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and remote workstations, as well as some of the key considerations in choosing one over the other. In this second part, let’s focus on the actual advantages and disadvantages associated with each—with a little bit of hybrid thrown in.
Bare Metal Solution
When speaking of the parts of a bare metal solution, I’ll be referring to the BOXX RAXX system, as well as the BOXX FLEXX. Both of these rack mounted systems deliver the highest level of performance, also enabling you to scale out instead of just scaling out. In other words, adding more, lower cost (but higher performance servers) does not increase the software or hardware costs. In fact, it delivers better performance per user and allows for more flexibility and quicker additions as your needs change.
Bare metal remote workstations also support the simplest software configurations (OS, application, remote access software, and connection broker for remote access. Software licensing is in general per user. Bare metal fits into existing hardware asset management tools (SCM, IPMI, etc.) and provides an opportunity to centralize storage.
Virtualized Solution
When speaking of the parts of a virtualized solution, I’m referring to the FLEXX VDI and, RAXX VDI. With VDI solutions, are there performance tradeoffs. First of all, you’ll have multiple users per workstation/server and with this increased density of users per rack unit, overall performance can be affected. You’ll have a lower number of physical machines, making it more expensive to scale up because you’ll have to add large machines. You’ll also have to contend with more complex software configurations (Hypervisor, GPU sharing, OS, application, remote access software, connection broker for remote access. Another negative is that more users are impacted when making changes/upgrades to machines. On the plus side, fewer physical machines to maintain can mean a potentially lower power budget and like bare metal, you are able to centralize storage.
Hybrid Solution
Not to throw a wrench in the works, but let’s take a quick look at a hybrid. In terms of BOXX products, this could include FLEXX, RAXX, RAXX VDI, and BOXX Cloud (BC). This solution gives you a combination of 1 : single workstation for power users and 1 : Many workstations for task workers. The hybrid runs the same software stack from the OS on up, can include cloud-based performance workstations, hybrid, on- premise and cloud-based machines, cloud-based storage. Sample architecture may look like:
- Bare Metal (30%)
- RAXX VDI or FLEXX VDI (55%)
- BOXX Cloud (15%)
So which BOXX is best for your workflow? Consider the details provided in part one of this blog, and recall this quick rundown of available BOXX products (based on your total number of users) as a starting point.
Less than 20 users: FLEXX or RAXX
20+ Power users: FLEXX or RAXX VDI (BOXX Cloud)
20+ Task workers: RAXX VDI
Combination of power users and task workers: FLEXX, RAXX, RAXX VDI (BOXX Cloud)
And always remember, the best way to navigate through bare metal, VDI, or Cloud solutions is by consulting with a BOXX performance specialist at 877.877.BOXX.