Virtual desktops can save college students money

Virtualization is a term often used in enterprise IT to describe a system or program run in a virtual environment. In recent years, many businesses have found virtualization to be an effective way to improve performance and reduce costs. Now, schools are discovering the same benefits, as virtualization is proving to be a great way to help cash-strapped students save some money.

Desktop virtualization is especially helpful in the university or college setting. A virtual desktop is a user environment hosted from a remote location, rather than a local computer. The technology can be used to enable students to access files, grades and other information hosted on the school's servers through their own laptop, desktop or other computing devices.

Many schools are taking desktop virtualization a step further, offering programs that students otherwise wouldn't have access to or necessarily be able to afford. For example, a university may host a high-end design program on its network that students can access through their own computers without having to download the software. This could be enormously beneficial, as a student would have the tools necessary to complete his or her work from virtually any device, including laptop and tablet computers.

Many universities have already introduced virtualization in some fashion, but most programs are fairly limited. As the technology becomes more familiar, it is likely that virtualization will expand in the university setting.