What Is a Virtual Workstation?
2026-10-26
A workstation is not always a personal computer located in the same room as its user. Today, businesses are increasingly using virtual workstations (vWS), also known as virtual PCs.
In this model, a powerful server running specialized software fully emulates the functionality of conventional workstations for multiple users simultaneously. Such a platform can be deployed on the organization’s own premises, in a rented data center, or—increasingly often—in a cloud environment operated by a service provider.
Specialized software allocates computing resources, memory, storage, and network settings to each virtual workstation while ensuring that it remains isolated from other virtual PCs. However, virtual desktops and virtual workstations should not be confused. Virtual desktops are generally used for routine office tasks, whereas vWS solutions are designed primarily for resource-intensive professional applications such as CAD, 3D modeling, BIM, GIS, and high-end video production.