Before desktop virtualization, server-based computing was the dominant method for delivering Windows-based applications to various users. But server-based computing has some drawbacks. Virtualization changed the landscape by allowing the consolidation of servers without performance loss. And the introduction of virtual desktop infrastructures further expanded the horizon by essentially giving each user a desktop, not just access to applications.

In Chapter 6 of the Advanced Virtualization e-book, Mike Laverick outlines some of the benefits that desktop virtualization has over server-based computing models. He also details a few drawbacks of VDI and makes predictions on how the market will respond to further improve desktop virtualization.