What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that hosts desktop environments on centralized servers and delivers them to end users over a network. Users interact with a virtualized desktop session through a client device, while all processing, data storage, and application execution occur on a backend server or cloud environment. VDI solutions are commonly used to provide secure, remote access to enterprise resources without exposing the local device to sensitive systems.
Why is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Important?
VDI is widely used in IT environments for centralized management, data security, and remote workforce enablement. By keeping data and applications within a secure data center, VDI reduces the risk of data leakage from unmanaged endpoints. It also helps IT teams enforce uniform security policies, simplify patching, and support bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategies.
In operational technology (OT) environments, however, VDI often falls short. These platforms were not designed for the latency-sensitive, low-bandwidth, or offline-prone conditions common in critical infrastructure sectors. VDI solutions also typically require complex configurations, persistent network connectivity, and heavy endpoint dependencies, all of which create operational friction in industrial settings.
Furthermore, legacy VDI architectures may not meet evolving compliance mandates like NERC CIP, IEC 62443, NIS2, or TSA SD02E, especially when it comes to granular access control, auditability, and protocol-level isolation.
VDI vs. Secure Remote Access (SRA) for OT
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and secure remote access can both support remote access to applications and systems, but they approach access differently. VDI delivers a virtualized desktop or application environment from centralized infrastructure. It is widely used in enterprise IT environments for centralized management and remote workforce access.
OT and ICS environments introduce different requirements. Access may involve unmanaged third-party devices, legacy systems, high-latency or low-bandwidth connections, and systems where operational continuity is critical. Traditional IT access approaches, including VDI, were not designed specifically around these conditions.
Purpose-built secure remote access for OT focuses on giving authorized users controlled access to specific operational resources without extending direct network access to the user's endpoint. Xona uses browser-based sessions, session brokering, and protocol isolation so users can access authorized OT systems without their devices becoming part of the OT network.
| Traditional VDI | Xona Secure Remote Access | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary approach | Delivers a virtual desktop or hosted application environment | Brokers authorized sessions to specific OT/ICS resources |
| Typical environment | Primarily enterprise IT and remote workforce use cases | Purpose-built for OT and ICS environments |
| User experience | Access through a virtual desktop or hosted application | Browser-based access to authorized operational resources |
| Endpoint requirements | Vary by VDI architecture and deployment | No endpoint agents required |
| OT network access | Depends on the underlying VDI and network architecture | User endpoints do not receive direct network-level access to OT systems |
| Session isolation | Depends on platform and architecture | OT protocols are terminated and isolated at the Xona gateway |
| Credential handling | Depends on identity and VDI configuration | Supports credential injection |
| Session oversight | Capabilities vary by platform | Real-time session monitoring, logging, and recording |
| OT connectivity conditions | Designed primarily around enterprise IT environments | Designed to operate across low-bandwidth, high-latency, and intermittently connected OT environments |
How Does Xona Help with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
Xona eliminates the need for traditional VDI in OT environments by offering a zero-footprint, browser-based access platform. Users can securely access critical systems from any modern browser, without VDI clients, endpoint software, or persistent network connections. Unlike VDI, Xona’s disconnected access model using protocol isolation ensures that endpoints never directly touch operational systems, dramatically reducing risk.
With protocol isolation (for RDP, SSH, VNC, and WEB), credential injection, and built-in session monitoring, Xona delivers many of the security benefits of VDI, such as centralized control and data containment, without the overhead or latency. It also supports low-bandwidth and intermittently connected environments, enabling smooth access even in remote or degraded network conditions.
For organizations currently relying on VDI for secure remote access to OT systems, Xona offers a modern, purpose-built alternative that simplifies access, improves user experience, and strengthens both operational resilience and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
VDI provides users with remote access to desktop environments hosted on centralized servers, allowing IT to control data, applications, and user sessions from a secure backend infrastructure.
Why is VDI commonly used in enterprise IT environments?
VDI supports centralized management, enhances data security, simplifies patching, and enables remote or BYOD access by keeping sensitive data within the data center or cloud environment.
What are the challenges of using VDI in operational technology (OT) environments?
Does VDI meet compliance requirements for critical infrastructure access?
How does Xona differ from traditional VDI solutions?
Xona provides secure, browser-based access to OT systems along with protocol isolation, credential injection, and real-time monitoring, all without requiring endpoint agents, VDI client software, or persistent network connections.
