Windows Virtual Desktop
Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Suvinda Govindraj
Paul Rudolph Architect
Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth 2
3Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
WVD Implementation Team
Damon Gatenby
Project Manager
Suvinda Govindraj
IT Service Center
Technician Mike Pacheco
Systems Administrator
Dinh LeTechnical Support
SpecialistRich LegaultSenior Technical
& Training Specialist
Rick ReillyEnterprise Systems &
Support Coordinator Mac / Linux
Sean Adams Systems
Administrator -Windows
Holger Dippel
CIO
Jessica DowneyIT Director
Andrew DarlingDirector IT
Infrastructure
4Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Windows lab in CVPA with 40 computers
• GPU intensive software
• Reduced upgrade cost by over $50,000
• WVD provisioned for 100 seats, total 140 seats available to the students
• Allows CVPA students access university software using BYOD
• Accessible from Macs
• Launch specific application and/or full desktop
5Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Why Windows Virtual Desktop?
• Reduced desktop management and infrastructure
• Efficient upkeep
• Allows staff to focus on other projects
• Convenient for students to access any time of day
• Weather
6Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
7Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
8Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
CVPA Programs
Game & Animation Design Lab• Graphic Design• Interior Design• Game Design
• Unity• Zbrush• Maya• Mudbox
9Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Implementation
• Provisioned with 12 vCPUS, 112GiB Memory, 680 GiB SSD, 2 GPUs, 16GiB GPU Memory
• Seven servers
• Scaling
• Scripting• Turn on/off VMs• Add/Remove Users
• Managing groups
10Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Scaling
• 3 VMs online 24/7• Empty VMs stay online
Peak Hours
• VMs run at minimum Level• Non-Active VMs are shutdown
Off Peak Hours
• VMs are at 80%• Move to VMs at <25%• If none available, create new VM
Breadth First
11Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
FS Logix
• FS Logix implementation for login
• Known Login Issues• Prompt twice
• FS Logix for profile management
• Hosts profiles• Native integration
of OneDrive sync
• Group policy updates
12Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Stress Test
• Provisioned 50 users
• GPU ran out of regular cycles
• VM became unresponsive
• Fixes
• End results
13Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Changing Cultures
Cloud Storage
• Apprehensive users• Data subject to internet
access• Uploading large project
files
Local Storage
• Data under your control• Data subject to wear and
tear of the host• Ease of access
Disconnect v/s logoff from Windows Virtual Desktop
14Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Feature ComparisonFeatures Physical Lab Desktop Microsoft Virtual Desktop
Access Only when Lab/Building is open
Anywhere, Anytime
Network connection Only for first time login Always required
Storage USB, Network Shares, and Cloud
Network Shares and Cloud only
Rendering Works well Web Client: Smoother VisualsRDP: Pixelation while moving windows
Hot Keys Available Web Client: Not AvailableRDP: Available
RD Client Windows only
15Windows Virtual Desktop - Implementation at UMass Dartmouth
Future Plans
• Test WVD with thin clients
• Test with peripherals including graphics tablets
• Scale out to other departments
• Provide dedicated virtual workstation for faculty research
• Breadth first v/s Depth First Configuration for Finals
16
Any Questions?Suvinda Govindraj
[email protected] Virtual Desktop - Implementation at
UMass Dartmouth