Thin Clients in Actual Practice: Efficient and Flexible Provisioning of Virtual Desktops

Transcription

1 Thin Clients in Actual Practice: Efficient and Flexible Provisioning of Virtual Desktops

2 Thin client computing with virtual desktops places particular demands on both manufacturers and end users. Universal solutions can be readily integrated into virtual environments and generate valuable synergy effects that can permanently cut the overall costs of centralized IT infrastructures. Now, with desktop virtualization (DV), the already proven concept of server-based computing (SBC) boasts a new, very attractive variant. The DV system is now fully ready for the market, and more and more enterprises are using solutions of this type from VMware, Citrix or Microsoft. The increased deployment of DV is largely due to the availability of new functions that increase effi ciency, such as desktop cloning or offl ine capability that allows virtual desktops to be used on mobile end-user devices with intermittent network connections (such as laptops). This increased level of suitability for real-world use is also impressing industry analysts. In fact, estimates by Gartner indicate that the number of hosted virtual desktops (HVD) will increase from today s 500,000 to 49 million by In the business sector, this would amount to a market share of 40%. A major motivating force behind this development is also the continuing increase in computing power and resources available in data centers, where virtual PCs are increasingly running 64-bit systems with multicore CPUs. These vastly more powerful data centers allow virtual PCs to be compiled, made available and then removed on an ad hoc basis within mere seconds. The Perfect Enhancement: Thin Client Computing Even the physical desktop structures themselves are becoming more and more effi cient, providing the ideal basis for adding and supporting desktop virtualization. The catch phrase summing up this concept is thin client computing. With thin clients, applications and desktops in (different) centralized IT infrastructures can be provisioned in an energy/cost-effi cient manner by means of standardized end-devices (the thin clients) able to be remotely managed. Compared to a conventional physical PC-based environment, the thin client scenario can cut the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by up to 70%. That is one of the results of studies 1 of server-based computing (SBC) recently conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT). Although these studies are, in fact, based on a terminal server solution, the latest effi ciency improvements by solution providers make it realistic to assume that virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI) could also yield comparable savings. The primary reason for this conclusion is the recent achievement of optimized resource allocation. By using desktop cloning, the data volumes required to create a PC image can be limited to just a few MBs, whereas the memory requirements for a full PC image with Windows XP lie in the GB range. Special Demands on Thin Clients If enterprise applications are to be provisioned by means of virtual desktops on thin clients, this means that these lean enduser devices should be able to meet some specifi c requirements. These requirements start with a fl exible, open approach to the technology used. In other words, the system should support more than one solution for desktop virtualization. A major reason for this approach is the fact that VDI technology is a relatively new fi eld and the related licenses are still very expensive, leading many companies to migrate their computing environments in stages. Given this background situation, universally deployable thin clients do not lock users in with a particular technology or provider. A major factor in selecting a device provider is the quality of the included thin client fi rmware. In addition to common, popular SBC protocols such as Microsoft RDP, Citrix ICA or X.11 with NoMachine, the fi rmware should also support the associated software clients needed to access the respective connection brokers in use. These brokers coordinate the distribution of remote access from users to make sure that the correct virtual machines (VMs) are selected. If necessary, they resolve provisioning/allocation issues, start new VMs or switch off unused ones. Technologically open thin client solutions, like the Universal Desktop concept from IGEL Technology, support VDI solutions such as those from Citrix, Ericom, Leostream, Microsoft and VMware. Readily Migrated and Ready for the Future Universally deployable thin clients are also a good choice when implementation planning calls for a complete or partial migration from terminal servers to virtual desktops. In this case, all that is required is an upgrade to the correct thin client fi rmware, and the new deployment technology will be supported by the end-user devices. In terms of IT strategy, it is really only in the fewest cases that it is a question of either or. In fact, quite the opposite is true mixed models consisting of server-based com- 2/11

3 puting and virtual desktops are generally the most economical ones. Many companies provision their standard applications by means of terminal servers, with virtual desktops being used for those applications incompatible with terminal servers or for those IT workstations requiring an especially high degree of graphics quality and computing power. What is more, terminal services and virtual PCs can also be combined. One of the advantages of these hybrid solutions is that the image of a virtual desktop can be kept really lean and basic and standard applications will run effi ciently on the terminal server. Even cloud services can be part of this approach, especially whenever the thin clients feature an integrated, local web browser along with a Java or.net runtime environment. Development Expertise In view of the sometimes large migration challenges arising in connection with VDI projects, it is important to be able to concentrate enough IT personnel on the server side. To this end, a thin client provider with the requisite experience and expertise can signifi cantly ease the changeover at the desktop level. Such experienced thin client partners are known for their development collaboration with leading solution providers such as VMware and Citrix. In addition, they have the relevant product certifi cations and the latest software clients. Thin client providers with their own R&D departments can even fi nd ways to compensate for functional limitations should the need arise and also support critical features such as multimedia or USB redirection. A prime example of a company capable of undertaking such leadingedge development work is the German thin client manufacturer IGEL Technology, whose Universal Desktop devices not only come standard with fi rmware featuring integrated software clients, tools and protocols that are consistently available in virtual desktops, but also have the necessary hardware interfaces and supporting technologies such as WLAN. Further examples of their fl exibility are terminal host access or even legacy interfaces such as serial and parallel ports. These legacy interfaces can be expanded as needed by means of USB adapters or an optional free-standing device base. Furthermore, optional, on-board smartcard readers are also a benefi cial enhancement for implementing solutions for two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO) or session roaming ( hot desking ). Keep as Close as Possible to a PC A critical factor in introducing thin client computing is end-user acceptance. To make sure that users do not feel that they are lacking their full range of familiar, trusted functions, it is important that the user experience ( look and feel ) with thin clients be as close as possible to the PC environment that they are already accustomed to. This goal is best achieved with what is known as virtual appliance mode. With this method, the thin client is accessed and started by means of a PC-like logon screen. After logging on, the user still sees the typical Windows desktop with all user-specifi c applications available as usual. Devices that support this approach are called appliances. IGEL offers an appliance mode for VMware and Citrix (VMware Appliance Mode or Citrix Appliance Mode). What is not always easy is assignment of printers or USB ports in virtual environments. But, here too, thin clients can bridge the gap by supporting solutions such as ThinPrint with an integrated software client, handling the assignment of print jobs to printers. Implementation and Management One of the biggest arguments in favor of server-based-computing approaches is the time and money to be saved in administration, management and support. To ensure that the typical weaknesses of the client-server confi guration, with its high administrative workload (patch management, etc.) are not repeated with SBC, major thin client suppliers include specifi c management tools with their devices. These powerful tools allow the lean end-user devices to be remotely managed in groups over the system network. One key requirement for virtual desktop infrastructures is the ability to also make specifi c thin client settings, such as the number and resolution of the connected monitors, in an effi cient and group-based manner. Another key requirement, for cutting management costs on the desktop side, is automatic confi guration of thin clients by means of their unique IP or MAC addresses. This means that right after being connected to the network, the device locates the remote management server, logs itself on and is then automatically assigned its local settings. This saves both time and money not only during the initial rollout but also in the rare event a device needs to be replaced. That is because even end users can easily hook up replacement units themselves. Then, when the new unit boots up, it automatically obtains its proper confi guration. 3/11

4 An Example of User Success: The SPAR Austria Group Additional cost savings can be realized by outsourcing the infrastructure management as a cloud service. In this case, the thin client management solution should have suffi cient encryption options and be set up as platform-independent as possible. Speeding up The Return-on-Investment (ROI) For those companies whose budgets do not, at fi rst glance, appear to be large enough for parallel deployment of virtual desktops and thin clients, there are still some attractive alternative solutions out there on the market. For instance, existing desktop PCs can be fi tted with migration kits (converters) allowing them to run thin client fi rmware. In this way, they can continue to be operated, but now functionally as thin clients. For instance, IGEL Technology has both USB-based and IDEbased converters available for this (often interim) purpose. The USB version updates not only PCs but also previous models of IGEL thin clients as well as certain thin clients from other companies. All end-user devices migrated in this manner can then be be centrally managed by means of the IGEL Universal Management Suite, which comes standard with the IGEL Converter. An effective way of freeing up additional budget resources to deploy either migrated or real thin clients is the reuse of existing software licenses for virtual desktops. Under certain circumstances, even support agreements can be similarly recycled, such as in the context of Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. Conclusion: Proper Planning Promotes Greater Savings Projects to implement desktop virtualization require precise planning, perhaps even supported by an external consultant. After all, this process often involves integrating very complex and specifi - cally confi gured PCs into an existing data center. If external consultants or systems suppliers are involved, then it is a good idea to make sure that they do, in fact, have the necessary expertise in server-based and thin client computing that will allow the synergy effects of both technologies to be fully leveraged, minimizing both the initial investment costs and the subsequent operating-cost overhead. The best way to come up with a precise, customized strategy for implementing this new approach is to fi rst conduct a thorough analysis of the existing infrastructure, carefully noting all of its strengths and weaknesses. To preclude any unnecessary diffi culties and maintain full fl exibility in implementing the new strategy, the recommended thing to do is to consider only well-tested and appropriately certifi ed thin client solutions. It is The Spar-Austria subsidiary Hervis Sports is currently working on implementing its second wave of thin clients. As part of the expansion of its network of retail stores/ branch offices into eastern Europe, the company first introduced thin clients as offline-capable point-of-sale (POS) systems. Now, work is in progress on a migration project to provide both the financial accounting and controlling departments with virtual desktops and thin clients. The new provisioning model is based on the good experiences that Hervis Sports has had with virtualization software from VMware and provisioning solutions from Citrix. The virtual desktops run in the VMware environment, explains Marcus Pichler, Systems Architect at SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG, one of Austria s largest chains of food and non-food stores, adding that we use hypervisor software and connection brokers from Citrix. With the help of the development kit from VMware, Pichler and his team developed their own mixed solution for desktop provisioning. Both this solution and the associated thin clients, IGEL Universal Desktop model UD9 ES, have passed all tests so far. The 19 LCD monitor with integral thin client starts within just a few seconds in dualview mode with a second screen. USB redirection has also been successfully tested with such typical devices as USB memory sticks and digital cameras. To support efficient multimedia direction, codecs supplied with the IGEL thin client firmware are locally installed. This local decoding of video formats conserves server resources. When the project is finally completed, Hervis Sports will be making about 10% of its desktops virtually available through thin clients. According to Pichler, the upcoming rollout should be an exceptionally smooth one: Thanks to our consistent use of the Active Directory directory service, our support staff only have to drag a given user into another group and the new workstation is immediately live and all ready to go. important to keep in mind that sustained enjoyment of standardization benefi ts and lower costs is best achieved with thin clients designed for universal application. These units typically have an average service life of from six to eight years. 4/11

5 IGEL s Universal Desktop Concept Whether it is server-based computing, virtual desktops or cloud computing IGEL s Universal Desktops work well together with the greatest variety of centralized IT infrastructures. In particular, their powerful hardware and excellent graphics performance, along with continuously developed firmware, provide future-readiness that safeguards this major investment. Thanks to different device designs, operating systems, alternative firmware features (tools, clients and protocols) and a wide range of hardware options, the selection of a suitable model can be tailored to meet the exact needs of the installation and ensure cost efficiency. Other, but no less important, considerations are that IGEL Universal Desktops use minimal energy, have long service lives and come standard with the IGEL Universal Management Suite, a proprietary remote management solution. Full Support of Peripherals IGEL Universal Desktops can be integrated into a vast variety of peripheral-device environments. That is because several USB ports, audio inputs/outputs as well as at least one DVI-I interface all come as standard equipment. With an optional Y video cable, all models can even accommodate dualview monitor setups. They also support widescreen formats. Beyond all this, IGEL offers USB serial or parallel adapters, optional mounting bases, integrated smartcard readers and supports external security solutions. The optional bases with their WLAN capability and/or an additional integral serial or parallel port greatly enhance system connectivity. To conserve desktop space, VESA monitor mounting systems are available along with rubber bases allowing horizontal positioning of thin clients for an even smaller device footprint. Head Office United Kingdom United States Singapore Hong Kong IGEL Technology GmbH Hanna-Kunath-Strasse Bremen, Germany Tel.: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) IGEL Technology Ltd Parkview Arlington Business Park Theale Reading Berkshire RG7 4TY UK Tel.: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) IGEL Technology America, LLC 2106 Florence Avenue Cincinnati OH USA Tel.: Fax: Toll free (US only): GET IGEL info@igelamerica.com IGEL Technology Care of: C. Melchers GmbH & Co. Singapore Branch 101 Thomson Road # 24-01/05 United Square Singapore Tel.: Fax: IGEL Technology Care of: Melchers (H.K.) Ltd Shun Tak Centre West Tower Connaught Road C. Hong Kong Tel.: Fax: IGEL is a registered trademark of IGEL Technology GmbH. All hardware and software names are brand names or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Errors and omissions excepted. info@igel.com 07/2011 IGEL Technology 99-US