The world of computing is quickly becoming a completely virtual, cloud-based environment where computing, licensing and applications are all leased utilities. With Microsoft’s WVD (Window’s Virtual Desktop) now available, there seems to be a push to move all Desktops to the Cloud as well.
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) has been valuable to organizations because the desktop controls and administration are all centrally managed through the data center. This allows for more control and faster administration of desktop environments. Today, this technology helps companies manage data, compliance, and security more efficiently.
Virtual desktops, when properly configured, have worked for a long time. The costs (enterprise licensing and infrastructure investments) and delivery (management and procurement of thin clients + accessible bandwidth) of the services are what have kept this solution unique to the enterprise. Lately, developments in technology have helped make this more accessible.
One new technology development is the Raspberry Pi 4 which was released this past summer and it has significant improvements over past generations. Pis have long been the best option for affordable single-board computing. Their use cases include running everything from smart devices (TVs), robots and digital billboards/kiosks. From a computing perspective, the new generation delivers the ability to output 4K video at 60 Hz and power dual monitors. This makes it a great delivery mechanism for Virtual Desktop solutions.
- Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
- 1GB, 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model)
- 4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
- Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with previous boards)
- 2 × micro-HDMI ports (up to 4kp60 supported)
- 2-lane MIPI DSI display port
- 2-lane MIPI CSI camera port
- 4-pole stereo audio and composite video port
- 265 (4kp60 decode), H264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode)
- OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics
- Micro-SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
- 5V DC via USB-C connector (minimum 3A*)
- 5V DC via GPIO header (minimum 3A*)
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled (requires separate PoE HAT)
- Operating temperature: 0 – 50 degrees C ambient
The new Raspberry Pi 4 is powerful enough that some are starting to suggest that it can replace a desktop PC. That may be a stretch, but it will deliver unrivaled value as a VDI Thin Client. With the specs outlined above, this little machine can deliver dual monitors with 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
Citrix, a global VDI software vendor, has worked with developers to create Pi-Powered Citrix Workspace Hubs enabling more companies to adopt VDI technology. The focus of this is to support Citrix’s HDX technology, which optimizes remote desktop performance. A leading Pi – powered Citrix Hub vendor is StratoDesk, creators of the NoTouch OS.
The NoTouchOS comes pre-installed on a customized Pi 4 that is optimized for VDI performance and management. Devices running this technology (Linux based), will include HDX Realtime Optimization, Citrix Casting, and Azure IoT SDK. Another important feature that is included is a unified endpoint management system. This allows administrators to easily manage devices and push out firmware updates.
Mindcentric is a leading cloud computing company that partners with Citrix and StratoDesk to deliver high performance VDI solutions at an affordable price. Our team works with leading technologies to deliver cloud solutions for businesses of all sizes. The Mindcentric Stack covers every aspect of IT operations from Cyber Security to Desktop Support. Mindcentric operates multiple Teir-4 Data Centers and works with all major Cloud partners to deliver Cloud solutions