Step 1: Define User Segments and Usage Scenarios
Many IT departments today—including Intel’s—no longer find it feasible to have a single IT service delivery model for their entire user base. This is especially true for desktop virtualization; in most businesses, user needs are too diverse to be covered by a single approach. The first step in planning for desktop virtualization, then, should be to group users into segments by specific usage scenarios. You can then analyze the right approach to desktop virtualization according to each segment’s particular needs. Intel segmented its user base through a comprehensive user survey; depending on the size of your business, however, you may already have the information you need to create user segments. The following is a list of usage behaviors and other criteria that will help you group your user base into logical segments.
Category
Hardware and peripherals
Usage Needs to Consider
Form factor Input devices Communications devices Cube or office Bullpen Manufacturing floor or lab Virtual office (mobile) Operating system Business-specific software Data security requirements Performance factors such as compute load, required graphics performance, delay sensitivity, web server load, and so on
Physical work environment
Online work environment
Connectivity
Wireless Wired Remote access Personal use of client devices Personal or corporate ownership of client devices Privacy of personal information
User expectations for personalization and privacy
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Intel IT Center Planning Guide | Desktop Virtualization