In VDI We Trust

From data security to compliance to the management of diverse end-user environments, the financial industry is among the most demanding when it comes to adopting new technologies such as hosted virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Even when IT heads recognize the value of a new technology – to streamline operations or introduce cost savings - they still have the world’s most demanding end-users to satisfy. Who can fault a trader for not wanting to give up all of their trading hardware when mere seconds can mean millions?

IT pros in the financial industry are savvy and thorough, so when they adopt a new technology this acceptance often acts as a bellwether. New technologies that successfully pass muster in these data centers have endured the highest levels of scrutiny, emerging as robust and secure solutions with benefits that justify the investment.

The following four case studies examine large-scale hosted VDI deployments at four of the world’s largest financial institutions. Each use case presents unique challenges that were overcome to win the trust of decision-makers and end-users alike.

Banking on VDI

This major international bank, whose stock is included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, wanted to consolidate end-user computing environments in the data center to make operations more efficient and centralize the management of end-user computing. IT knew a successful hosted VDI environment required a smooth transition to a high quality end-user experience, so the deployment began with remote access to existing physical desktops. Later, Windows virtual desktops and Citrix XenApp published desktops were phased in. The organization’s existing infrastructure for remote access, virtualization and system provisioning were retained: an approach that minimized disruption to the institution’s well-established IT processes.

This strategy allowed the bank to tailor the selection of thin clients to the requirements of different divisions and departments. Sun Ray thin clients were combined with access from Windows machines, Macintosh computers and the Web, each providing end-users with the same desktop experience regardless of the client device or access mode. The bank was also able to preserve and optimize existing IT investments in Citrix Presentation Server/XenApp, Sun Solaris/Sun Ray and other technologies. Crucial to success was the bank’s use of a vendor neutral connection broker – the software management layer that ties desktop images in the data center to the right end-users and devices. This connection broker enabled effective management and the maximum use of existing resources in a diverse technology environment.

Today, the bank’s globally distributed user base is able to share a common path to access the resources they need to get their jobs done - independent of how they connect or their location. It’s just one of a number of benefits realized in a VDI deployment now serving 10,000 end-users.

Enhanced Security & Compliance

Security and compliance concerns, as well as need for increased flexibility, drove the North American division of an international bank to adopt a hosted VDI solution. This bank’s requirements included providing end-users with seamless, trouble-free log-in and “anywhere” access, while adhering to industry security standards. The requirements also included a smart card solution to control hosted desktop access based on user location and identity.