cloud based vdi: how using a cloud based desktop can make life easier

Cloud Based VDI: How Using a Cloud Based Desktop Can Make Life Easier

Joe MorabitoSenior Systems EngineerADNET Technologies, LLC

Cloud Based VDI Evolutionary Transition Makes life easier… for whom? How it works (in the Amazon world) Questions

Evolution

The computer/network world has gone through many iterations of processor deliveryo Mainframe model – users used “dumb terminals”

• Processing handled by something else

Evolution

Mainframe to distributed processingo Once computers were able to, they were tasked with handling

processing

Evolution

Along came Terminal Services/Citrixo Shifted processing back to a centralized model with a personal

experienceo Question of survivability

Windows Server

Shared MemorySpace

Outlook

Desktop

Evolution

Higher powered computers became more affordable, processing shifted back to the usero Laptops – portabilityo Terminal Services/Citrix still very prevalent

Evolution

Shift (kind of) back to centralized processing with advent of VDIo Citrix/VMwareo Question of survivability

Direct Connection

Host Server

Evolution

I’ve heard the question years ago “Should we virtualize?”

The question today is “Should we move to the cloud?”o The answer is “YES!” – (sort of)

• The needs of the many don’t always outweigh the needs of the few

Evolution

Cloud based VDI utilizes a more of a centralized processing modelo Removes survivability questions/concerns

Direct Connection

Evolution

Why discuss evolution? Need to know what is next

o Concerns on holding offo Any shifts in processor distribution?

Makes Life Easier…For Whom?

Decision Makers Implementers/Supporters End Users


Decision Makerso Typically determine budgeto Known annual/monthly costs

• On premise model would have fluctuating costs from the following:

Hardware failures Hardware replacement License renewals

• Little to no capital expenditure• One avenue for support


Decision Makerso “Built-In” DR for end user

• End users can access Cloud Desktop from any Internet connection

• Even with a hybrid model, main building/site need not be up/accessible


Implementers/supporterso Reduced local hardware supporto Centralized management interfaceo Ability to “reset” each instanceo Consistent desktop imageo Built-in cloning capabilities


Implementers/Supporterso Can replace local hardware device easilyo No need to backup users’ local desktop/laptop• Should still not save to local My Documents, etc.

o Full Active Directory support [Cloud or local] and integration


End Userso May use any device with Internet accesso http://

docs.aws.amazon.com/workspaces/latest/adminguide/client_help.html#client_list • Microsoft Windows 7 and later• Apple Mac OS X 10.8.1 and later• Apple iPad 2 with iOS 7.0 and later• Apple iPad Retina with iOS 7.0 and later• Amazon Kindle Fire HDX and Kindle HD 7• Samsung and Nexus tablets with Android OS 4.2 and later• PCoIP Zero Thin Client

http://docs.aws.amazon.com/workspaces/latest/adminguide/client_help.html#client_list




End Userso Work as if in the office from home• (for the Hybrid approach)

o Leave connection from one point and pick it up later in day from home

o Mobility

How it Works (In the Amazon World)

The 30,000 foot viewo Cloud only implementationo Hybrid approach

The Basicso Amazon Account Requirementso Setup and configuration processo Administrative Functionalityo Delivery to End User


Cloud Only Implementationo All data exists in the cloud

• Amazon Workspaces for desktops• EC2 servers

Active Directory File Servers Application Servers SharePoint Web Servers SQL Servers

o No survivability concerns


Hybrid approacho Consists of components of a network that exist in the cloud as

well as on premise• Cloud may be only Amazon Workspaces• Data may be on premise • Would require site to site VPN• May have AD servers in the Cloud as well as on premise

o Reduced survivability concerns


Getting Amazon Workspaces setupo Once decided on Cloud only or Hybrid, you may begin setup

• One thing to note, when using a Hybrid setup, a VPN is required to connect to your VPC


Getting Amazon Workspaces setupo The Cloud only option does not require a VPN to your VPC


Hybrid approacho Once your VPC and VPN are created, you may

create EC2 servers in your VPC (Active Directory, File Share, etc.)

o You may point your Workspaces configuration to utilize your on premise AD server or a Cloud Directory server


Hybrid approacho From your AWS Console


Hybrid approacho First step is to setup your Directory connection


Hybrid approacho Directory Link


Hybrid approacho VPC details, put your Workspace in the same VPC as your

other EC2 servers


Hybrid approacho Once Directory is setup and active, you will see updated status


Hybrid approacho Add user(s) to Workspaces


Hybrid approacho Select your build – Hardware/Software specs


Hybrid approacho Once the build is done you would see an updated status


Hybrid approacho You can now have several options on what you may do

• Invite user – sends email to end user with connection instructions

• Rebuild, Reboot, Remove, Create Image


Hybrid approacho User invitation sends link to download client along with

registration codeo Login Screen


Notes to keep in mindo Each instance is a named instanceo Internet access for all Workspaces would be via a proxy servero Can use a Cloud or on premise Directory servero Bundles include Office 2010/2013 and Trend Micro Worry

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cloud based vdi: how using a cloud based desktop can make life easier

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