Here's an example - I was brought in a couple of years ago for a customer that wanted "to do VDI". Why? They didn't know, they just thought it was the solution to everything. They were going to move 5000 PCs off user desks and into the datacenter, just because they thought it was the right thing to do.
What we did do was implement a robust application containerization system, coupled with profile management features, that allowed them to quickly deploy new apps, provision them without installing them, and maintain a similar look-and-feel across their existing devices. They ended up using Citrix for a limited amount of XenApp systems (to allow remote application access) and approximately 35 "power user" VDI instances that gave remote access to some overseas students needing to use "heavy" applications. 5000 VDI down to 30 saved them a lot of money. Their main requirement was easy deployment of applications, a cut-down "roaming" experience and the ability to deal with Windows 10 feature upgrades without the hassle of broken applications. TL:DR - VDI isn't the magic bullet. In truth, it isn't really a necessity for most projects. Some parts of it are, but you can replicate those with other tech. Happy to offer bits of advice offline if you need some help defining the actual scope, just shout. Cheers, JR From: listsad...@lists.myitforum.com [mailto:listsad...@lists.myitforum.com] On Behalf Of Heaton, Joseph@Wildlife Sent: 14 December 2017 17:34 To: ntsysadm@lists.myitforum.com Subject: [NTSysADM] RE: VDI options Very good points/questions, from you and Webster. I will go back and see if I can get further clarification of what they really want. VDI has been a buzzword thrown around here for years, but I was approached last week by my supervisor and told to look into it, but no real scope. From: listsad...@lists.myitforum.com<mailto:listsad...@lists.myitforum.com> [mailto:listsad...@lists.myitforum.com] On Behalf Of James Rankin Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2017 8:55 AM To: ntsysadm@lists.myitforum.com<mailto:ntsysadm@lists.myitforum.com> Subject: [NTSysADM] RE: VDI options I suppose it all depends on your use case for "VDI". Would a published desktop from a server do or does it have to be full fat client VDI for licensing or GPU reasons? Does it have to be on-premise or cloud? Citrix and VMware both have many pricing options now, which could be more palatable depending on what else you want with it (application packaging, profile management, etc.) We are a partner with Parallels, Citrix and VMware FWIW. I suppose a more detailed breakdown of your actual VDI drivers would allow me to give a more in-depth response. Cheers, [cid:image001.png@01D21FCA.D5DD9850] [cid:image002.jpg@01D21FCA.D5DD9850] [cid:image003.jpg@01D3750E.14C9D580] James Rankin CTA ACA vExpert Technical Evangelist / Media Hound Howell Technology Group Office: 0191 4813446 Mobile: 07809 668579 Email: ja...@htguk.com<mailto:ja...@htguk.com> www.htguk.com<http://www.htguk.com/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/htguk> | Linkedin<https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhtg> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HTGUK> COMPANY INFORMATION Howell Technology Group Ltd is a limited company registered in England with registered number 5520670 and VAT registered number GB 862 666 004. Our registered office is at 2.30 One Trinity Green, Eldon Street, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 1SA CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. PRIVACY POLICY For information about how we process data and monitor communications please see our Privacy Policy. To log a ticket please follow the link. https://htguk.on.spiceworks.com/portal From: listsad...@lists.myitforum.com<mailto:listsad...@lists.myitforum.com> [mailto:listsad...@lists.myitforum.com] On Behalf Of Heaton, Joseph@Wildlife Sent: 14 December 2017 16:21 To: 'NT System Admin Issues Discussion list' <ntsysadm@lists.myitforum.com<mailto:ntsysadm@lists.myitforum.com>> Subject: [NTSysADM] VDI options I know there are tons of options for VDI out there today. I'm asking what you guys are using, and why. We are a VMWare shop, running ESXi 5.5, but don't own licensing for Horizon. That is currently the front-runner for the VDI project. I have looked at Jentu, very briefly, and while it sounds awesome, there's not a whole lot of info on how it does what it claims to do. I think Citrix would be a non-starter, due to licensing, but I haven't looked at Citrix in over 10 years, so if something has changed, I'd love to be enlightened. Thanks for any and all input, Joe Heaton Information Technology Operations Branch Data and Technology Division CA Department of Fish and Wildlife 1700 9th Street, 3rd Floor Sacramento, CA 95811 Desk: 916-323-1284
