What technology uses a virtual machine to provision corporate desktops, often replacing typical desktop computers with low-spec thin clients?

The technology that employs virtual machines for provisioning corporate desktops, thereby allowing conventional desktop computers to be replaced with low-spec thin clients, is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). VDI enables organizations to host desktop operating systems within a virtual machine running on a centralized server. This approach offers numerous advantages, including cost savings on hardware, as thin clients require less processing power and performance capability than traditional PCs.

By utilizing VDI, organizations can simplify desktop management, ensure consistent and secure access to applications, centralize data storage, and enhance security since data remains on the server rather than on individual client machines. Moreover, VDI supports remote work and access from various locations, providing flexibility and scalability for the workforce.

Other choices, while relevant in virtualization concepts, do not specifically address the provisioning of desktops in the same way as VDI. For instance, application virtualization focuses on delivering software applications without the need for full desktop environments. Virtual Machine Monitors manage virtual machines but do not inherently equate to providing desktop solutions. Emulation simulates hardware functionality or software environments but does not directly connect to the desktop provisioning model that VDI represents.