VDI vs. SBC, like Gas Stove vs. Microwave?

I'm starting to get a feeling of déjà-vu every time I read or hear an argument about what is a better way to deliver desktops - desktop OS virtualization (aka "VDI") or server side app virtualization (aka "SBC").

I can't fault the proponents of either approach for their passion but I do wonder if this passion clouds objectivity somewhat. This occurs more in written arguments such as blogs and comments. When the discussion is face-to-face such as a Geek Speak, it appears to be more pragmatic and objective, with an understanding that it really all depends on applicability. The consensus when Rick Dehlinger led a discussion at our Summit Geek Speak was that either approach will be successful or not depending on the use case.

For much of the last decade and a bit, there has really been only two options - fully installed desktops or what we used to refer as "Server Based Computing", whether that was vanilla TS or winfr...metafra..presentatio...XenApp. With desktop virtualization technologies maturing to the point where they can be deployed beyond edge cases within an enterprise or government environment, there is now a third alternative. Accepting that VDI related technologies have had less time to mature than SBC, the fact that Citrix and other vendors’ desktop virtualization products are being successfully implemented shows that they are mature enough to be used.

Whenever a new technology has reached a certain level of maturity, the proponents will declare it to be the solution for every use case. Others reject it out of hand. This is now happening with VDI. I'm not complaining as I think the debate is useful in identifying the benefits and drawbacks of either approach depending on the use case.

I'll try to distill the debate down to a few words, remembering that these are not necessarily my own opinions:

• VDI technologies are still immature - especially remoting protocols and management tools.
• SBC leaves a lot of apps on the table - those that are either completely incompatible or do not run well
• Either approach does not completely suit mobile workers - due to the need for "offline" operation
• Provisioning is cool - this seems to be the consensus and one with which I totally agree. I'm a great fan of Citrix Provisioning Server both for datacenters and desktops and think it’s a real game changer - and no, I am not in that product group.
• Neither approach has completely cracked personalization or profile management
• For knowledge/office workers, the ability to install personal apps is important but not yet available.

So while one may work best for you, learning your options is always the best and most beneficial to your business.