Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a complex technology. Its success for end users and IT alike depends on many factors – servers, network, storage, software and more. To reap the benefits of computing and cost efficiency VDI has to be rolled out correctly from the start.

The concept of VDI is not new. It really is a throwback to the mainframe. Computing is taken off individual machines and held in a server environment. This approach allows for consolidated management of systems rather than individual devices.

VDI Deployment Benefits

Centralized management
Ease of OS and app migration
Mobility enablement
Streamlined and consistent patching and security updates
Increase in business continuity
Lower long-term operating costs

A Desktop that Follows You

With VDI, it does not matter if users are accessing information on a hardwired terminal at the office, a laptop at home or a mobile device at the airport. They are served a consistent desktop experience and workflow across all of these devices. VDI provides flexible access across a broad range of devices.

Realizing Total Cost of Ownership

For organizations looking to make a hardware or OS migration, a move to VDI achieves the technical goals with long-term savings. A VDI environment, once set-up, provides a platform for continuous technology refresh and improvement without the need to do mass updates of hardware and software.

VDI Assessment

A VDI assessment can spot problems before deployment. The Iron Bow VDI Assessment is focused on end-user experience and backs into the technical requirements needed to meet those expectations. The assessment collects a wide variety of physical desktop data points to provide a view of what environmental variables will impact infrastructure design and performance.

An Iron Bow VDI Assessment includes:

Understanding the environment and goals of VDI deployment
Deployment of software on virtual machines to collect data around server/storage sizing, desktop image and application design and user pooling and tiering
Analysis of that data to:
- Develop a baseline user experience that defines normal thresholds meeting user expectations. This finding is used to define the success of the deployment by meeting or exceeding user expectations.
- Determine which users and applications are compatible with virtual desktops
- Delivery of findings document including recommendations for hardware, software, CPU, storage and network
- Recommendations for a VDI solution

Iron Bow in Action

A Showcase for Others

As part of the design and development of an active-active data center for a Department of Defense client, Iron Bow conducted pre-installation assessments to ensure this high availability system would perform as expected. The VDI for over 2,000 users was designed to be hot-hot, rather than the standard hot-cold design in which half of the assets remain offline. It was critical to the client that they never experience any loss of production in the event of a single site failure. The finished system met all requirements, received Department-wide recognition and serves as a showcase for groups across the Department looking to move to VDI.

An Integrated Data Center Desktop Solution

Iron Bow worked with the Department of Defense to determine the best path forward for a VDI solution. The assessment resulted in a solution that integrated data center desktop optimization technology, including thin clients and desktop virtualization. This resulted in increased cubicle workspace, reduced heat output, reduced power consumption and increased staff efficiency. Additionally, the team replaced and upgraded servers to achieve data center optimization across five training delivery and development networks.

Common User Services in New Facility

A Department of Defense client teamed with Iron Bow to establish common user services at a new building on their base. Each workstation contained up to four different LAN classifications of devices (classified, unclassified, etc.). Assessments were critical before, during and after to ensure all of the connections worked. PCs, phones, Desktop Secure KVMs, monitors, servers and storage were procured and installed at desk locations. The building had a smooth move in, with users able to get to work immediately.

Resources

VDI Overview

VDI Infographic

Strong

Deep experience with and understanding of VDI technologies and how they work in a variety of environments.

Flexible

Assessments enable VDIs to be deployed in a way that works for your users.

Targeted

Able to look at and resolve key barriers to VDI deployment and adoption.