In which VDI model are desktops maintained by a service provider and provided as a service to the end user?

The VDI Hosted Model refers to a scenario where desktop environments are managed and maintained by a service provider, delivering them to end-users over the Internet. In this model, the heavy lifting of management, security, and updates is handled by the provider, allowing users to access their desktops seamlessly from various devices without needing extensive local resources.

This delivery mechanism provides significant advantages, such as simplified administration, scalability, and reduced hardware costs for users, since the service provider assumes responsibility for physical servers, data storage, and virtualization infrastructure. End-users can benefit from the ability to access their desktops from virtually anywhere, as long as they have internet connectivity.

In contrast, other models involve different levels of infrastructure management and user control. For instance, the Centralized Model often suggests that the virtual desktop infrastructure is maintained internally by an organization rather than outsourced. The Remote Virtual Desktop Model typically pertains to accessing existing virtual desktops remotely rather than managing them as a service. The Distributed Model implies that resources are spread out over many locations, which can affect management and maintenance dynamics differently than a hosting service would.