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Virtualization for your enterprise

A Dell Networking White Paper

Dell Networking Solutions - Virtualization

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THIS WHITE PAPER IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND MAY CONTAIN TYPOGRAPHICAL

ERRORS AND TECHNICAL INACCURACIES. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

© 2012 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material in any manner whatsoever without

the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information, contact Dell.

Dell, the DELL logo, and the DELL badge, PowerConnect, are trademarks of Dell Inc. Other trademarks

and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and

names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names

other than its own.

June 2012


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Contents A Dell Networking White Paper ....................................................................................... i

Virtualization for your enterprise ...................................................................................... 2

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2

Virtualization translated ................................................................................................. 3

Hypervisor and Client Virtualization Software .................................................................... 4

User devices ............................................................................................................. 4

The network ............................................................................................................. 4

Storage ................................................................................................................... 5

Services ................................................................................................................... 5

How will virtualization help my business?............................................................................. 5

Increase productivity .................................................................................................. 5

Heightened security .................................................................................................... 5

Expedite disaster recovery ............................................................................................ 6

Simplified provisioning and automation ............................................................................ 6

How do I get started? ..................................................................................................... 6

In-house talent .......................................................................................................... 6

Evaluating solutions .................................................................................................... 7

Implementation ......................................................................................................... 8

Management and support ............................................................................................. 9

Summary .................................................................................................................... 9


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Virtualization for your enterprise

Introduction Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has emerged as a powerful solution in the wake of recent advances

in server virtualization. VDI promises lower total cost of ownership and increased flexibility – engaging

benefits in today’s competitive economy.

Among the challenges IT managers face today is the necessity to manage a cost-effective infrastructure

(from the desktop to the data center) that is responsive to new business initiatives and flexibly adapts

to change. VDI allows IT administrators to more efficiently deploy data center and desktop resources,

while providing a high quality user experience, pervasive security and policy management to each

virtual desktop, whether the user is accessing resources from a campus or remote location. Companies

can drive increased productivity, enhance management flexibility and heighten data center efficiency

with VDI deployments that align core business objectives with end-user technology requirements.

While there are many advantages to VDI, the actual deployment of VDI is fraught with possible pitfalls

that can actually raise both CAPEX and OPEX, if not handled correctly. This paper explores the basics

of a VDI deployment, including a general overview of the components, the benefits of VDI and how you

determine if this technology is right for your business, and, in conclusion, how Dell can help you get

started with this exciting solution.


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Virtualization translated

Figure 1: The continuum of cloud adoption

The drive to virtualization began with server virtualization, which is the practice of consolidating and

partitioning servers in order to realize higher utilization at a lower cost. The result was it worked:

server virtualization resulted in tremendous data center savings.

Desktop virtualization takes the concept a step further, by separating the physical desktop from the

software and applications and isolating each. VDI enables enterprises to host virtual desktop machines

in their data center. Unlike other server-based solutions that are limited in their ability to provide a

complete desktop experience or are limited to specific architectures, VDI enables ubiquitous and

personalized user access, mobility and security without hardware or location limits, and allows

centralized management.

Unlike server virtualization, the overall virtualization solution essentially changes the typical enterprise

user’s computing paradigm from an individualized desktop to a client/server/management model. If

deployed correctly, virtualization brings the agility and availability of cloud computing to the desktop.

VDI dynamically allocates resources to enable a highly responsive and available environment to end

users regardless of location. Desktop services become scalable on demand to quickly meet changing

business needs and proactively protect against planned and unplanned downtime. Deploying and

supporting new services or applications becomes a much easier task for administrators, further

improving your operational efficiency.


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Virtualization vendors have different names for the elements that make up their solutions. This is one

reason a straightforward comparison between vendors can be difficult. At a high level, desktop

virtualization allows multiple users to access information via virtual machines, which are stored

centrally. Users must typically be connected to the central virtual machine (VM) server by a LAN, WAN

or the intranet.

Hypervisor and Client Virtualization Software

This figure presumes that the VDI deployment chosen will run via VMs. Hypervisor, which is also known

as a VM manager/monitor, enables multiple operating systems to run on a single set of hardware and

server resources. Hypervisors are typically installed on server hardware. Client virtualization software

enables the delivery of the desktop image.

User devices One of the purposes of virtualization is to enable flexibility in the type of end-user devices, which can

include managed and unmanaged devices and may encompass anything from a desktop to a laptop,

tablet or smartphone. Another purpose is to enable delivery of the user’s expected desktop to any

suitable device that can be securely connected to the server from anywhere.

The network The network is often overlooked when VDI is discussed, but it is, in fact, the heart of the solution.

Users must be able to securely access their virtual desktops, experiencing LAN-like performance

regardless of location and device type. This requirement dovetails with the current drive to simplify

and optimize the data center; in some cases, moving from legacy three-tier models to more efficient

deployments. As the “heart of the network” your data center must provide resiliency, line-rate

performance and unmatched scalability for the networking infrastructure required to drive successful

virtualization projects. Virtual environments are built to be completely dynamic, and demand robust

network automation that provides proper coordination between virtual network components and

connected physical network devices.

Figure 2: Desktop Virtualization Solution Enterprise Infrastructure


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Storage Storage is a key element of a desktop virtualization deployment, just as it is in server virtualization.

Storage must not only be cost effective, but also optimized to provide the right level of I/O to satisfy

end users. The type of storage chosen, as well as details in configurable backup, may seem like small

considerations during evaluation, but can quickly make the difference between success and failure.

Services The benefits of virtualization solutions are compelling, but the technology is still relatively new.

Understanding and planning for end-user requirements is not a trivial task, and for that reason we

recommend, as a part of the initial planning phases, incorporating services to help architect, roll out

and optimize VDI in the most non-disruptive manner.

How will virtualization help my business?

Increase productivity Today’s global business environment is creating new and greater demands on corporate networks.

Users require access to network applications and resources anytime, anywhere and from any device. A

correctly deployed virtualization solution can meet this demand, by enabling remote and onsite user

access via whatever device they choose.

Heightened security The desktop environment has become extraordinarily complex. Today, it is practically unheard of to

provide users with a “standard,” corporate-issued PC. Even with corporate IT governance and policies

in place, users are adding their own settings and preferences, and often their own applications. This

overwhelms IT staff that must learn not only how to service corporate devices, but also how those

devices can interact with the vast number of elements users add. In addition, many users may access

the corporate network through their own, unmanaged devices. OS updates and security patches can

become extremely difficult to administer in this environment. This end-client diversity also increases

the chance of a security breach. Virus and malware remediation is already challenging enough in

today’s desktop environment. This opens up not just the end-user’s device to corruption, but, by

extension, the entire corporate network. And, unfortunately, you’ll never know about the breach until

it is too late. A correctly deployed VDI solution makes OS patches, software updates and virus/malware

remediation much easier and transparent. In most cases, the user is unaware that it has even

happened.

Network security and compliance are also compelling values of a virtualization solution. Most security

restrictions, from PCI DSS and HIPAA, to Gramm Leach Bliley and Sarbanes Oxley, require some level of

access control. While access control can be deployed in a variety of ways throughout the network,

virtualization provides a simple means to this end. Users must be authenticated in order to even have

access on their device, let alone the network as a whole. Virtualization can also ease the burden of

compliance reporting, by providing thorough records of end-user activities. In addition, virtualization

simplifies your forensic process should there be a security breach or a suspected violation of policy.


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Expedite disaster recovery One of the primary benefits of virtualization is recovery. The need for recovery can be caused by lost

or stolen devices, or by a disaster. In a typical desktop model, information recovery is limited to the

last backup of the device, and work in progress cannot be resumed if the device is gone. In a VDI

model, however, recovery is as simple as accessing the virtual desktop from a different device.

Downtime is dramatically reduced, and your users are back up and working faster.

Simplified provisioning and automation Provisioning a new user in a physical desktop model can be an arduous task, made more so in a

situation with limited IT staff. With VDI it is simple to provision new desktops and to keep the image

updated. It is also much easier to roll out new applications, add or make changes to users and fine tune

the network as your business grows and changes. As a result, your operational efficiency is improved

and staff can focus on more strategic efforts.

How do I get started? Through this paper, you have explored many of the benefits of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. As you

have read, the benefits are extensive. A correctly deployed virtualization solution can get your IT staff

out of the endless loop of servicing a myriad of disparate user desktops, and on to improving your

bottom line. The key to success, however, lies with the term “correctly deployed VDI solution.”

Virtualization remains a relatively new technology, and has been dominated thus far by a few large

vendors. The technology is highly specialized today, and fraught with opportunities to make costly

mistakes. Nonetheless, if properly managed, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

In-house talent The first thing you must consider is whether you have the expertise needed to perform a thorough

business analysis of virtualization for your situation. Ironically, many of the businesses that would most

benefit from a virtual desktop infrastructure cannot clearly evaluate whether the business is a

candidate for the solution. Virtualization is extremely beneficial, but proper deployment can be

complex, so expertise is important. A complete evaluation would include the list below.

• An overview of user types. VDI can be used for all user types, but the storage and processing

requirements for task workers is generally less than that required for mobile “power users”.

• A review of the end-user devices currently deployed and how they are used.

• An end-user security evaluation. Determine how end-users logon to their devices today and

whether the security requirements vary for different users or resources.

• A look at how updates and patches are currently handled. This can be a significant issue and a

major driver to virtualization.

• Virus or malware remediation. If you have had a breach, evaluate how it was handled.

• Understand all compliance requirements. Know which regulations you must comply with and if

they are going to change. If they are going to change, know how much time and effort are

required for your staff to compile this information.

• What operating system(s) are you using? Do you plan to update? How do you plan to accomplish

that?

• How do you handle remote access today? This is an area where virtualization can provide

enormous benefits.


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One of the places to find this expertise, of course, is to consult one of the large virtualization vendors.

While this will get you the guidance you need, it also surrenders your IT strategy to a single vendor. At

Dell, we believe that you should control your strategy whenever and wherever possible. Dell offers

complete consulting services, including “best practices” workshops, and full assessment services to

help you get the expertise you need to develop an actionable plan for the network topology, protocols

and architecture that would be of the greatest benefit to your company.

Figure 3: Ingredients for successful deployments

Evaluating solutions Once you decide that a virtualization solution is right for you, it is time to determine the evaluation

specifications for deployment. At this point, there are a few critical details that must be highlighted

for the overall deployment to succeed. They include:

• Open – Ensure the solution can grow with your business as requirements change. Without such

a consideration being made early in the evaluation process, you may find yourself in the same

predicament two years from now, once again having to evaluate your current network due to

its inability to scale with new requirements.

• Optimized – Many applications are deployed or licensed differently in a real world virtual

deployment versus in a POC or demo lab. The measure of success is constructing a virtualized

environment for real world scenarios that is optimized and efficient, with the rollout delivering

as advertised and CAPEX and OPEX kept in check.

• Automated – As often happens, you find a solution and then are left with the task of dedicating

resources to configure, deploy and manage access, security and routing policies. All of these

things can take substantial time and consume resources you cannot afford to dedicate to the

project. Best practices demand a level of automation, which frees up human resources from

tedious and time consuming tasks and refocuses them on innovation. This can save substantial

OPEX costs and leverages the experts only when necessary.

• Flexible – No piece of technology should be sold as a “box,” but rather as part of a solution. A

solution such as VDI should be flexible to accommodate and work in conjunction with

technologies, like storage, that you will ultimately require and find a vital and often tricky part

of a virtualization deployment. You must ensure that the hardware you are evaluating will work

as expected in your real-world environment.

Dell can help you through all of the above areas to ensure your evaluation criteria are properly

specified. We offer comprehensive, unbiased information about how to evaluate a virtualization

deployment, including those “hidden” charges and issues. We can help you ensure that when you are

ready to implement the solution, you get what you need and expect.


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Inherent to our approach, Dell will provide you with a VDI solution that is open, optimized, automated

and flexible. We partner and integrate with industry leaders to ensure that you get the best possible

solution while fully leveraging both CAPEX and OPEX. The result is a virtualization infrastructure that

will handle your needs both today and tomorrow, including those rapidly changing areas of compliance

and security. With Dell, you can easily enable a fully extensible and scalable infrastructure that can

support other important initiatives, such as storage and archiving, access control, compliance,

security, and much more. And all of it can be fully integrated and optimized based on your specific

requirements or industry vertical.

Implementation Some virtualization vendors may show expertise as you evaluate their products, but leave you on your

own when it comes to implementation. Not Dell. Our complete solution can assist you in deploying your

tailored network solution, while maximizing the potential of your existing infrastructure.

Figure 4: Components of the Dell VDI Integrated Solution Stack Solution

Dell makes virtualization easy, with a complete solution designed to enable:

• Mobility

• Cloud computing

• Converged voice and data

• Specialized business applications, such as EMR, trading, inventory, etc.

• Risk mitigation

• Future applications, easily enabled on a flexible, open platform

Dell’s VDI solution includes:

• Network switching (Dell PowerConnect or Dell Force10)

• User servers (12 Dell PowerEdge M610’s)

• User server chassis – M1000E

• Management servers (2 Dell PowerEdge M610’s)


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• Dell EqualLogic™ 3-tier storage

o Write Cache: 2 Hybrid SSD arrays - PS6010XVS SAN

o User Data: 48 TB PS6510E SAN

o Data Back-up/Recovery: 48 TB PS6510E SAN

• Dell Services (ProSupport, Deployment and Blueprint)

• Optional Components Available

o UPS, Security Software, Firewall, etc.

• OEM Software – Citrix and VMWare

Dell’s solution also includes a full complement of tested, preconfigured policies so rollout is simple.

Management and support The day-to-day maintenance and support of a VDI deployment is vital; after all, no network is static.

Dell can help you with an option for 24x7 network management. Dell operates, administers, maintains

and provisions all networked systems in compliance with the service-level agreement that works for

you. That means you--and your users--get back to business. Dell also offers complete technical,

warranty and product support services.

Summary Virtual Desktop Infrastructure can solve many of the challenges faced by today’s enterprise. It is

important to realize, however, that a successful VDI rollout requires specific expertise and knowhow.

Historically, this has limited many virtualization deployments to larger, centralized organizations--

those that are likely to have dedicated IT resources to dedicate to the issue.

Dell changes the paradigm to help you realize all the benefits of virtualization…today, regardless of

your company size or distribution. We start by helping you assess your organization to make sure there

is a good fit and readiness for virtualization. After that, we can help you with deployment, evaluation,

implementation and even day-to-day management. Dell tailor’s our solution to fit your specific

requirements, ensuring that you get the exact equipment and service you need.

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