Static Persistent – Desktops are based on a single master image and provisioned using Machine Creation Services or Provisioning Services.

Changes to the desktop image are lost upon reboot. Once assigned, users will always be connected to the same virtual desktop. Users are allocated a virtual desktop on first access.

Static / Non-Persistent – Desktops are based on a single master image and provisioned using Machine Creation Services or Provisioning Services.

Users are dynamically connected to one of the desktops in the pool each time they logon.

Random / Non-Persistent – Desktops are based on a single master image and provisioned using Machine Creation Services or Provisioning Services.

The hosted VDI model is provided by Citrix XenDesktop, and offers the following sub categories:

In addition, the hosted VDI model provides administrators with a granular level of control over the number of virtual processors and memory assigned to each desktop. However, hosted VDI desktops remove the requirement that applications must be multi-user aware and support server based operating systems. Hosted VDI desktops are less scalable than hosted shared desktops because each user requires their own operating system.

Hosted VDI – The hosted VDI FlexCast model provides each user with a desktop operating system.

The hosted shared FlexCast model is provided by Citrix XenDesktop in combination with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS). There is also the potential that a single user could consume an unfair share of resources, which may negatively affect other users. In addition, because multiple users are sharing a single operating system, users are restricted from performing actions that negatively affect other users, for example installing applications, changing system settings and restarting the operating system. The hosted shared desktop model provides a low-cost, high-density solution, however applications must be compatible with a multi-user server based operating system.

Hosted shared – With the hosted shared FlexCast model, multiple user desktops are hosted on a single server-based operating system and provisioned using Machine Creation Services or Provisioning Services.

There are six FlexCast models available, the advantages and disadvantages of each model are described below: Because each FlexCast model has different advantages and disadvantages, it is important that the right model is chosen for each user group within the organization.

Citrix FlexCast offers a complete set of application and desktop virtualization technologies that have been combined into a single integrated solution.

Flex type cast