Data storage and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (Stephanie Rose)

Data storage takes many forms and can be broken down into primary and secondary data storage, removable and virtual. Each category has its place. When an organization is moving to a virtual desktop infrastructure, certain forms of storage system may be more appropriate than others. Here is a look at the different types of storage systems and of their place, if necessary, in a virtual desktop infrastructure.

Primary data storage
Consider storage of primary data storage on a server or a built-in computer, non-interventionist. For example, computers are delivered with integrated RAM and ROM. In general, this type of data is managed by the operating system and end users are not required to do anything special other than their computers use. Random Access Memory (RAM) stores data temporarily; When a computer is turned off, its the RAM data are removed from memory. Read only memory (ROM) is permanent and cannot be replaced; ROM stores the data on the internal chips.

With a virtual desktop infrastructure, each virtual desktop is assigned its own assignment of RAM regardless of what is physically installed on the actual machine used to launch the virtual office.

Secondary data storage
Such storage devices from hard drives, CD, DVD, and USB flash drives are secondary data storage devices. These devices can be added to a computer system or a network needed to increase storage capacity. For example, if you have a desktop computer with a built-in almost complete HDD, you can add a second hard drive for additional capacity. You could also write data to a CD, DVD or USB flash drive. Secondary storage is semi-permanent. For example, it does not disappear when you shut down the computer, such as RAM. However, you can generally replace the data and delete the files (unless the data on a disk as a CD ROM, or was set to read-only).

Removable storage falls in the secondary storage category, but is distinguished by its portability. USB USB keys are the classic example of removable storage. These small devices are inserted into the USB ports where they become an extra drive. You can drag and drop files between other drives and the USB key as well as save files directly on the device. Once removed, the storage is portable. You can plug in the USB stick on another computer and access files, write new data and so on. Removable storage is available in several forms, including USB, memory card readers and even connected devices such as digital cameras, smartphones, and MP3 players (which have their own storage systems).

Virtual machines do not necessarily have their own storage devices because data is generally stored in the virtual organization data storage system. However, end users may need access to the data on a CD, DVD or Blu - ray disc or can save files on a USB key for various purposes. For example, a sales representative may wish a copy of her PowerPoint presentation on a USB device to ensure a smooth presentation at the Office of the client.

Storing data online / virtual
Storing data online / virtual is a storage system hosted by the provider enterprise or a third party, with users who access using an Internet connection or network. While virtual data storage of terms and cloud computing often sound as if data are just invisible floating around, it is actually stored on physical storage devices located in a remote data center.

Virtual data storage is an essential component of a virtual desktop infrastructure. After all, virtual desktop users need a location to centralized storage and access to data. If a user to store files on a local computer rather than in the virtual data storage, that data would be inaccessible when the user uses another computer to launch the virtual office.

While virtual desktop infrastructures typically incorporate virtual data storage, they dont necessarily make other obsolete forms of storage.

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