By Insight Guest Blog 1

You want your clients to be happy, which means giving them freedom to get their jobs done on the go. Unfortunately, you’re displeased with the challenges of safeguarding their corporate Windows devices when they’re out of the office. Microsoft licensing with a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is something Insight has extensive experience implementing for managed service providers. Based on its experience and background, the technology provider shares do’s and don’ts for those considering a virtual desktop compromise.

Do understand how a VDI environment works

Your clients can access a virtual copy of the Windows desktop operating system on a storage device or server offsite. And this includes anything on it. So if all the connected workstations use the same image, any changes made to it will automatically update across all terminals.

While your clients’ devices may be licensed for Windows, they require a Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) or Windows Software Assurance subscription to use Windows like this.

Do explain the win-win of VDI to your customers

Your customers will be content because they won’t need PC refreshes as often. When they do give their PCs a clean start, it’s less expensive. You’re satisfied because it’s simple to protect and manage a virtual copy of Windows. Plus, low-cost, thin-client devices and older PCs can take the place of PCs. Finally, your clients can choose from a variety of Microsoft products. As the value of your offerings improves, you’re more efficient. And the more productive you are, the more profitable.   

Don’t fail to compare offerings and licensing

What products will bring the most value for your customers? Asking this first will help you recommend which licensing is best. In some cases, a Microsoft solution will be necessary. Citrix or a VMware solution coupled with Microsoft will sometimes make more sense.

Don’t ignore short- and long-term needs

Review products on their own. Also evaluate them at the level your clients will use them–from the start to a year, two years, etc., from implementation. Technology is always evolving, and your customers’ technology needs, and even wants, will continue to change, too.

It’s beneficial for both you and your customers to offer Microsoft licensing with VDI. This is as long as you consider the options; advantages and limits, pinpoint the right platform or mix of them; and plan for the future.

Joe Benik has nearly 17 years of experience selling Microsoft. He is a Senior Partner Champion for Microsoft at Insight in Plano, Texas, supporting sales of all software products in the Microsoft stack. Insight Enterprises is a leading provider of hardware, software and service solutions to business and government clients in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Insight is focused on helping organizations move technology goals forward in the areas of Office Productivity, Unified Communications and Collaboration, Mobility, Network and Security, Data Center and Virtualization, Data Protection and Cloud. Insight has sold over seven million business and public sector client cloud seats across the globe. With approximately 5,200 teammates worldwide, Insight is ranked No. 483 on the 2014 Fortune 500 and generated sales of $5.1 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013.