Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and how does Lenovo support it?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) delivers desktop and application environments from centralised infrastructure rather than from local user devices. Lenovo supports VDI through its ThinkSystem and ThinkAgile platforms, pre-tested and optimised for remote and hybrid working models, enabling organisations to deliver desktops and apps securely and at scale. Lenovo Data Storage Central+2Lenovo Press+2

2. What are the main benefits of choosing Lenovo for VDI solutions?

Lenovo’s VDI solutions provide:

  • Scalability — you can start with hundreds of users and scale to thousands using Lenovo ThinkAgile HX or VX systems. Lenovo Press+1
  • Performance — high-density compute, NVMe storage and GPU acceleration options (e.g., for graphics-intensive users) built into Lenovo platforms. Lenovo Data Storage Central+1
  • Flexibility — support for major VDI platforms (Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, VMware Horizon, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop) and hybrid cloud deployment models. Lenovo Data Storage Central+1
  • Security and manageability — data remains in the data centre or cloud infrastructure, with centralised management of images, policies and updates. Lenovo Press

3. Which Lenovo platforms are optimised for VDI deployments?

Lenovo offers several platforms specifically configured for VDI:

  • ThinkAgile HX Series (hyper-converged infrastructure) validated for Citrix and other VDI workloads. Lenovo Press+1
  • ThinkAgile MX Series and ThinkSystem SR650 V3 for hybrid cloud VDI using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Lenovo Press+1
  • ThinkAgile VX Series integrated with VMware Horizon for simplified, scalable VDI deployments. Lenovo Press

4. What should organisations consider when implementing VDI with Lenovo?

Important considerations include:

  • User profile and workload type: are users knowledge workers, graphic designers, CAD engineers or remote call-centre staff? This influences resources needed.
  • Infrastructure sizing and storage performance: Lenovo’s reference architectures ensure the right mix of compute, memory and storage for optimal VDI experience. Lenovo Press
  • Deployment model: on-premises vs cloud vs hybrid — Lenovo supports all models allowing organisations to choose what suits their business. Lenovo Data Storage Central
  • Management and security: centralised image management, thin client devices or BYOD support, data governance and compliance.
  • Scalability and user experience: Lenovo solutions are designed to scale linearly while preserving performance and user experience. Lenovo Press

5. How does Lenovo enable GPU-accelerated VDI for graphics-intensive workloads?

When users require graphics-rich applications (e.g., engineering, design, 3D modelling), Lenovo’s infrastructure includes powerful server platforms with GPU support and NVMe storage to deliver workstation-class virtual desktops. This enables remote users to access high-performance environments from any device, supported by Lenovo’s hardware and validated reference architectures. Lenovo Data Storage Central

6. What are the cost-efficiency advantages of Lenovo’s VDI solutions?

Lenovo helps organisations reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) for VDI via:

  • Pre-validated configurations that reduce design and deployment time.
  • Hyper-converged platforms that combine compute and storage, reducing hardware footprint and operational costs. Lenovo Press
  • Flexible scaling — start small and expand as needed without over-provisioning.
  • Options for consumption-based models (e.g., Lenovo TruScale-as-a-Service) for remote desktop infrastructure. Lenovo StoryHub

7. How does Lenovo support remote work and hybrid workforce models through VDI?

Lenovo’s VDI infrastructure enables anywhere-anytime access to desktops and applications via secure, centralised delivery. Whether users are working from home, in branch offices or on the move, Lenovo supports hybrid workforce needs with validated VDI platforms, remote-device compatibility, and integrated security to ensure consistent user experience and data protection. Lenovo Data Storage Central

8. What next steps should an organisation take when adopting Lenovo’s VDI solutions?

Organisation should:

  • Engage Lenovo or an authorised Lenovo partner to evaluate current desktop and application workloads.
  • Use Lenovo’s VDI reference architecture documentation (for Citrix, VMware, Azure) to guide solution design. Lenovo Press+1
  • Define user-experience requirements, scalability targets, and security/compliance policies.
  • Plan a phased roll-out: pilot with a defined user group, validate performance, then scale.
  • Implement centralised monitoring and management (Lenovo XClarity, etc.) to keep the environment optimised.