The debate about keeping or moving physical PCs in organizations has increased since virtual desktop infrastructure became an efficient alternative to physical desktops. In VDI, there are two kinds: persistent and non-persistent. Users now work with their computer systems that are tailored to fit in a data center, thanks to persistent VDI. However, not any of the user’s configurations nor application information is saved when you start working with non-persistent VDI. The differences between Non-Persistent and Persistent VDI will be examined in the article.

The corporate IT context presents several benefits and drawbacks for both of them.

Let’s first understand them deeply:

What is Persistent VDI

While traditional VDI often consists of two sessions, a persistent one provides different preferences from one session to the next. The personalized data is saved between multiple servers and logins. The user can have a personalized experience after logging out.

What is a non-persistent VDI?

Non-persistent VDI, also defined as “Stateless VDI,” would not save the end user’s menus, file settings, or other adjustments. In other respects, it generates a standard workstation that constantly reverts to the same initial configuration after a user logs out.

Use cases for Persistent and Non-Persistent VDI

A business would choose from persistent and non-persistent based on the preferences and the application needs. Persistent desktops can play a significant role if you have specific application requirements and high reliability. For situations with basic application requirements and high reliability, a non-persistent VDI is the best option.

Call centers with dozens or hundreds of desktops may have the same number of programs accessible to different clients during certain times of the day. In such cases, non-persistent VDI can use classic software virtualized or application broadcast techniques to offer the same programs to all the Desktop computers.

Additional applications for non-persistent desktops, aside from call centers, involve:

1. Healthcare data entry workers, airport check-in assistance, and consumer self-service computers are examples of kiosk-style computers.
2. Classes, training centers, and college labs are static.
3. Retailers and warehousing workers are examples of task employees.

Graphic designers and developers who require their applications installed and access complex tailored-made applications and files are more likely to benefit from persistent VDI.

1. Pupils that keep their smartphones with them during their studies.
2. Architects, engineers, and attorneys are examples of professionals.
3. Medical personnel.
4. Programmer.
5. College labs, classes, and training centers with frequently changing uses.

Advantages and disadvantages of Persistent (VDI):

• The persistent VDI is also termed the “Cadillac Class.” Some companies prefer to choose it as their default VDI setting because it offers an opportunity to work without worrying about saving the file.
• The capability to customize and personalize computers is the real benefit of persistent VDI over non-persistent VDI. It’s core of what consumers have learned to anticipate from a software interface: that whatever modifications they made to their workspace will remain there afterward. Non-persistent VDI, on the other hand, appears to be inexpensive and substandard.
• Therefore, persistent VDI increases the expenditure. The data source is often independent or just weakly connected to the collection of desktops in this mode. The business will require someone to supervise how that space is used, resulting in a slew of new expenses.

If you have a low budget and only limited resources for storage, persistent VDI is your way to go.

Disadvantages and advantages of Non-Persistent Virtual Desktop Infrastructure:

• A non-persistent VDI will only be created with a particular “golden image” that is duplicated or reproduced as required.  Also, these replicated versions are referred to as “linked clones”. They’re simple to set up in virtual servers, for illustration.
• When users cannot save any of the data, and the session is supposed to permanently switch back to its original state, VDI has the most significant benefits for that scenario.
•  Moreover, security is a frequent reason for this. Several companies make cyber protection a top concern. Current workers or end users cannot save potentially dangerous documents on the computer so a non-persistent VDI can help with an overall security plan. They cannot establish relationships that need repeated sessions and may allow malware or a hacker to attempt to gain access.

Conclusion:

Persistent vs Non-Persistent Vdi each has its strengths and drawbacks. Their use-cases vary as well, or you should be using them entirely depending on your company’s requirements. Resource and cost efficiency is your primary goal, so you may want to choose a non-persistent VDI over persistent if it’s possible.