Overview

With virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), users connect to their desktop environment remotely with a "thin client." This eliminates the need for powerful processors, large hard drives for storage, and constant system updates. With VDI, all software, security programs, and hardware are operated on a remote server where an IT professional maintains the entire system, including updates.

Features

• Lower total cost of ownership. Thin/zero client workstations have the advantages of longer equipment lifecycles, lower initial cost, and less power use than a traditional desktop.
• Efficient use of resources. Each thin/zero client server is capable of running up to 200 sessions simultaneously.
• Increased security. Data remains in the ISU data center rather than being stored on hardware that could be lost or stolen.
• Decreased recovery time. The recovery time after an infection or upgrade to a new operating system decreases from hours to minutes.
• Ease of updating. Lab managers can update entire labs remotely in minutes, or present multiple configurations in the same lab based on who logs in to the endpoint.

CorePlus VDI/Thin Client Services

CorePlus clients using thin client/VDI have additional VDI-specific support, in addition to CorePlus user and workstation support (see the Desktop Support service page for more information).

• VDI central infrastructure and licensing
• VDI image maintenance, including operating system patches, upgrades, and security settings
• VDI image standard application software testing, installation, configuration, patches, and upgrades
• Support for client to install and configure specialty software to VDI image (as needed)

Requirements

• ISU Net-ID
• 100Mbps network connection
• Desktop configured with minimal software OR hardware capable of running VMWare View connection client. Recommended hardware includes:
  • Dell FX100 zero client (available through TechCyte or Dell Premier)
  • Wyse P20 zero client (available through TechCyte or Dell Premier)
  • Samsung NC190/NC240 zero client (available through CDWG)
  • HP5740 thin client (available through CDWG)

Rates

Service	Cost	/Unit
VDI Session	$13	/user/month
VDI CorePlus User Support	$10	/user/month
VDI Workstation (Hardware) Support*	$7	/station/month
ITS Lab Hardware Support	$2	/station/month
Custom Virtual Desktop Image	$100	/image

*A VDI workstation may be a thin client, zero client or desktop computer configured with minimal local software.