Chapter 1. Introduction to VDI and VMware Horizon 7
In this first chapter, we are going to discuss the subject of what VDI actually is, and then discuss the specifics of how that relates to VMware Horizon 7.
VMware Horizon 7 is the latest release, and the foundation of VMware's End User Computing (EUC) solution for desktops. VMware first entered the VDI market around 14 years ago, when they showed the concept of virtualizing a desktop operating system, as the market for server virtualization was becoming more mature and a more prevalent technology.
By taking the same principles that were used in server virtualization and applying them to a desktop operating system, they were able to create a centrally-managed and deployed virtual desktop solution that would potentially lower the cost of desktop computing.
Before we get into discussing product specifics, let's define what we mean when we talk about Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and then take a brief stroll down memory lane and look at where and how it all started.