Desktop Virtualization vs Remote Desktop Software

Developers should learn desktop virtualization for scenarios requiring secure remote access, centralized development environments, or testing across multiple operating systems meets developers should learn and use remote desktop software for scenarios like remote work, accessing development servers, providing technical support, or managing cloud-based virtual machines. Here's our take.

Desktop Virtualization

Nice Pick

Developers should learn desktop virtualization for scenarios requiring secure remote access, centralized development environments, or testing across multiple operating systems

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in enterprise settings for managing software licenses, ensuring compliance, and supporting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies
• Related to: vmware-horizon, citrix-virtual-apps-and-desktops

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Remote Desktop Software

Developers should learn and use Remote Desktop Software for scenarios like remote work, accessing development servers, providing technical support, or managing cloud-based virtual machines

Pros

• It is essential for DevOps engineers to administer remote infrastructure, for IT professionals to troubleshoot systems, and for teams collaborating across distributed locations to access shared development environments securely
• Related to: virtual-private-network, ssh

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Desktop Virtualization is a platform while Remote Desktop Software is a tool. We picked Desktop Virtualization based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Desktop Virtualization wins

Based on overall popularity. Desktop Virtualization is more widely used, but Remote Desktop Software excels in its own space.