DABCC

Check out dabcc.com. Actually, most of you probably have. The only reason I discovered it was because I noticed a large amount of traffic coming here from there. Someone (thank you!) posted a link to my article on VDI there.

As much as I appreciate the publicity, I'm more happy that they turned me on to a great resource for server-based computing information. I'm a firm believer that server-based computing improves the ability of LonelyTechs out there to support their organization. This site collects the information, downloads, news and tips you need to make it work for you.

Now excuse me while I start adding their RSS feeds to my Bloglines page...

Why I'm Losing My Excitement Over VDI

I spent some time talking with reps from Neoware about their VDI offerings. I've also spent some time at the VMware VDI forums and read Brian Madden's article on it (which I posted about here). I've gone from feeling like this is the next big thing for my organization to deciding to hold out for now. I think that this technology has its place but let me tell you why I'm no longer excited about it in a school setting.

As I understand VDI (VMware's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, for the uninitiated), you create a virtual machine for each user (I'm unclear on whether you can use one created VM and copy it each time a user logs in, which would be a cool concept in my mind). Each PC or thin client (or laptop) has a connection broker installed which finds the proper VMware host containing the user's VM. The user is then connected to their VM and the screens, keystrokes, and mouse clicks/movements are sent between the client and the host over RDP.

So, this could replace my Terminal Services setup. To do so would require me to install enough servers to contain all the virtual machines I would need (about 250) and deal with all the network traffic. I don't think that I want to manage that. Managing 250 virtual machines sounds an awful lot like managing 250 desktop PCs. (Granted, I would have them all in the same room and not spread over the entire district, but still... I don't want to manage 250 desktops!)

I do think that I could get out of the refresh cycle for PCs and laptops by switching to thin clients and a combination of VDI and Terminal Services. I could put 90% of my users on thin clients connecting to Terminal Servers. The remaining users, administrators mainly, could have virtual machines. This means I never have to buy another PC. The refresh cycle on thin clients is five years compared to three years for PCs. This puts nearly all the maintenance costs on the server end.

Top this off with the lack of clarity in Neoware's message about VDI (they really haven't thought this completely through yet) and I am happy to wait another year to see how it shakes out before committing to the concept.

VDI vs. SBC vs. Traditional Desktops

Thanks to John in the comments, I made the trek over to VMware's site. Their VMTN blog linked to a great Brian Madden article comparing three desktop delivery methods.

I've always enjoyed Brian's material. He's a server-based fanboy without the annoying fanboy-ness. He's pretty level-headed, articulate and he puts his research in before he posts anything. His site is must read for anyone looking to implement server-based computing (SBC).

In this article, Brian spells out the advantages and disadvantages of VDI as compared to SBC and traditional desktops. I've been around technology for awhile and I've never found a one-size-fits all approach. Whenever someone is completely positive about something without acknowledging the drawbacks, I wonder about their bias. Brian doesn't worry me. He rightly points out that there are good reasons to use VDI and there are instances where it just won't fit.

I'm looking at VDI as possibly helping me with the the younger grades (I work in a K-12 public school). Their "Reader Rabbit" type programs don't run well on Terminal Servers.

There's still some research to do, so I'm following John's advice and heading over to the VMTN VDI forums now!

VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Is anyone using VMware VDI? I'm wondering if it can help me out.
OK, you all know that being the only technician can be a pain when PCs start dropping like flies. To help alleviate that pain, I'm encouraging our organization down the path of thin clients. I love diskless, fanless thin client devices because there are no moving parts. No moving parts means less breakage.
That's great, but not every app works well in Terminal Services. I've especially had problems with graphic-intensive apps. Being a school district, there are many cartoony educational gaming apps here.
VDI seems great, pumping out full desktops to thin client devices, but how can I pump a couple hundred desktops over the WAN - half of them with high graphics games running - and not bring my network to its knees?
I've got some calls out, but if anyone here has firsthand experience, I'd love to hear about it.