Desktop Strategy. 28 th CompRep Gianluca Capitani. Head of Servers and Desktops Section. ECMWF June 7, 2016

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1 Desktop Strategy 28 th CompRep 2016 Gianluca Capitani Head of Servers and Desktops Section ECMWF June 7, 2016

2 Once upon a time but not long ago 2

3 What is currently happening around us 3

4 Risks Client and server applications often ignore the device status Inflexible approach towards user habits High volatility of hardware and software vendors Too many devices to support Single solutions do not fulfil all users and business requirements Fragmented management Security and compliance challenges due to users self support Policies and procedures outdated and inadequate for today s reality 4

5 ECMWF The old Windows desktops paradigm Many Windows flavours Windows 7 desktop Windows 7 laptops (VPN access) Virtual Windows 7 running on Linux desktops (VMware Player) Different Windows 7 images for different hardware Remote access requirements (VPN, NX, webmail, DMS ) Users in different locations and far from the computer centre Limited support resources 5

6 Control Shift away from devices towards applications and data Centralised management Strategy S t r a t e g i e s Hardware Diversify and strive for independence Solid infrastructure User demand New services for changing habits Prioritisation Core business and key user requirements Tech awareness Monitor innovation and alternative solutions Single image Security VDI Management extra software Laptop as desktop Configuration Patch management EMM Linux Client Thin apps Desktop hw alternative Policies Update to reflect new business requirements Cloud EFSS Office tools Today 6

7 VMware Horizon Horizon Client is available for Windows, Linux, Mac, IOS and Android Web access through recent browsers: Firefox from version 28 Chrome from version 33 Internet Explorer/EDGE from version 9 Client with very reduced footprint in the system Permits access to the local disks, USB devices and local printers Different pools can be created to adapt to demands 7

8 VDI with VMware Horizon View User Desktops are Virtual Machines on a vsphere Cluster VMware vsphere 6 cluster 4 physical hosts with NVIDIA GRID K1 GPUs VMware Horizon 6.2 with 200+ Virtual Desktops Two connection servers for internal and external access 200 Virtual Desktops can be provisioned in less than 1 hour 8

9 VDI Platform 4 Servers serving desktops NVIDIA GRID K1 GPUs 2 sockets x 16 cores 512 GB RAM 2 x 300GB SSD and 6 x 900 GB SAS 15K 4 x 10GE ports with dynamic LACP V-SAN (12TB usable storage) 2 Servers for cluster management (vcentre) Floating pool with stateless machines (user home via NAS and separated profile) Linked clones (master image + users delta disk) with great savings on storage. No backup requirements No vmotion due to NVIDIA K1 9

10 Generic VDI limitations Licensing Software manufacturer have different licensing models for virtualised clients Not all software is allowed everywhere User experience Influenced by bandwidth availability No off-line capability One image for all users Not suitable for graphic intense applications (even if ) Infrastructure High initial costs Desktop customization storage and storms Graphical resolution limitations 10

11 Other parallel initiatives One windows image FS Logix Customisations, functionalities and security enhancement Laptop as desktop On-line monitoring Wireless LAN configuration (802.1x with self-signed certificate) Desktop synchronisation for off-line Docking stations Windows management Landesk for all windows systems Weekly patch updates with User Acceptance Group to validate 11

12 Still to be addressed Laptop on-line monitoring & patching EFSS Dropbox alternatives VDI Virtual desktop for Linux guest Thin apps Smart appliances Office cloud services 12

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15 Unified management a step further 15

16 Immediate challenges Policy adaptation in response to new trends Shift the controls from device to applications and data Prioritize core business and key users Avoid single manufacturer approach Monitor technological innovations closely for alternative solutions New user habits create demand for new services Increased use of bandwidth Monitor user requirement and quickly adapt. 16