In this first chapter, we are going to take a look at what virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) actually is, briefly explain the different technologies for delivering desktops and applications available today, and how they work. We will then focus specifically on the VMware solution, which is Horizon View 6.0, discuss its history and how it compares to other technologies such as server-based computing, before moving on to discuss some of the benefits of deploying VDI.