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Virtual Desktops

Learn about virtual desktops running in the cloud, providing anytime access and scalable computing power. Discover the benefits, future possibilities, and cost-effective options like thin clients.

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Virtual Desktops

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  1. Virtual Desktops (or, how I learned to stop worrying and love the “cloud”) Eric Sigler, IT

  2. What is a “Virtual Desktop”?

  3. In essence, it’s a normal desktop computer running inside “the cloud”. • Everything a “real” computer can do, a Virtual Desktop can do…though not always quite as fast. • What is the “cloud”? Accessible anywhere, always available, scalable on demand …

  4. Previous Efforts: • Using “Remote Desktop” to your personal machine • Requires power, VPN, a remote desktop client • Pilot in Fall of 2007 used “home brew” infrastructure (VMware + Remote Desktop + Mappings) • Pilot was extremely successful

  5. Current Capability: • Using multiple Dell R805 servers, Equallogic storage, VMware VDM 2.0, Alteon SSL offload • Pilot in fall of 2008 (so far, so good!) • Also hosting 10 Linux machines • This has proven the technology, shown us where we need to change practices, and that this is a viable path forward

  6. Benefits: • Faculty & Staff desktop alternative: • Not everyone needs a 8 CPU, latest and greatest, with 64GB of RAM • But they can get it when they need it now • Desktop for every student: • ~96% of incoming students have PCs • But not all of them have access to the software they need (Distance Ed, Mac OS or Linux, etc)…

  7. And of course, the usual litany of “enterprise class” features: • Protected via generator & UPS • Redundant network connections • Redundant disk storage • Can be backed up (“Previous Versions” for your whole machine) • On demand capability to add and remove resources (CPU, RAM, Disk, Networking, etc)

  8. Future Possibilities: • Offline Desktop • Check out your desktop to any supported device, roam around the world, and bring it back when you need more computing power • Desktop Management • Self-service software installation • “Green Computing” • Lower the energy used

  9. Thin Clients Low cost ($150 - $400) Reusable from generation to generation Which means more funds can be spent on “horsepower” Soon able to draw power from Ethernet (like your phones)

  10. DEMO

  11. Surprise!

  12. Q&A Angie Hammons, hammonsa@mst.edu Eric Sigler, esigler@mst.edu Sarah Welch, sarah@mst.edu

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