Virtual desktops can be a boon for businesses

As businesses look for new ways to improve productivity in an increasingly mobile work environment, many are turning to virtualization, which can add a new level of flexibility to the IT infrastructure.

There are several forms of virtualization, but desktop virtualization is one of the most common. Using virtual desktop solutions, businesses can deliver applications to remote branches and teleworkers using nearly any computing device, including desktop, laptop and tablet PCs, as well as smartphones.

This easier access can extend to other benefits as well. Business continuity is often cited as an advantage of desktop virtualization. For example, if an employee is stranded in an airport or if a natural disaster makes an office inaccessible, desktop virtualization enables users to connect to their business applications and desktops through other means, ensuring productivity isn't lost.

In a 2010 study, research firm IDC estimates that the global mobile workforce will reach 1.2 billion by 2013. By leveraging the power of virtualization, businesses will be better able to meet the demands of the increasingly mobile workforce.