Entries tagged with remote desktop services - TechNet Edge

Concept of Desktop Virtualization

yung — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:21:00 GMT

The traditional desktop computing model, as shown in Fig. 1, has been one where the operating system, applications, and user data and settings are bonded to a single computer. We will buy a computer either with OS and some applications pre-installed, or apply a hard disk image with targeted OS and selected applications to the computer hardware. Once a computer is deployed, a user can then log in the system, customize the environment, run applications, change settings, create data and files. This model is straightforward and easy to understand. With respect to desktop deployment, this means that the OS, application execution/presentation and user data are all self-contained within a single device. This model has the advantage of simplicity because it leverages well understood technologies that ship with Windows. In addition, because a PC with this model is configured to be completely self-sufficient, this solution is well-suited to mobile use. However, the tight binding between the various layers may not be a preference for all scenarios. This model has its limitations.

The tight couplings between each layer provide efficiency; they also introduce dependencies, hence complexities. And these complexities make it difficult for users to move the applications, settings, and files from one PC to another in case of upgrades or a lost or stolen laptop. When exemplified by thousands of desktops and laptops, as many enterprises do, the management of these laptops and desktops becomes a major concern. As mobile work force and the number of branch offices continue to grow with the proliferation of Internet and the advancement of networking technology, the work environment and data access patterns of information workers have become dynamic and been rapidly evolving. The long term maintenance associated with computing resources based on the traditional computing model is becoming cost-prohibitive for many companies, while impairing the IT’s ability to quickly prepare for or respond to a business opportunity.

Desktop Virtualization is the process of separating, or more precisely isolating, out these individual components, and managing each one separately. Fig. 2 shows by isolating these components, we can now abstract and virtualize the computing resources. Each layer can then reference a resource in other layers based in the abstraction or virtualization boundary and without specifying the specifics of how a referenced resource is configured within its host layer. Over all this reduces complexity and improves PC and application management.

When it comes to virtualization, not all solutions are equal. Microsoft has developed a number of virtualization solutions to address specific issues as depicted in Fig. 3. There are times a virtualization solution may not be cost-effective while offering deployment flexibility. It is crucial to recognize that and architect a virtualization solution accordingly to produce maximal business benefits.

Microsoft VDI Part II - Virtual Desktop Configuration

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:11:00 GMT

Microsoft VDI Part II: Virtual Desktop Configuration

Welcome to part 2 in a 3-part series focused on the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through configuring Microsoft VDI, and in part 2, we walk through the Virtual Desktop Configuration!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

Microsoft VDI Part III: Client Side Experiences

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:12:00 GMT

Microsoft VDI Part III: Client Side Experiences

Welcome to part 3 in a 3-part series focused on the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through configuring Microsoft VDI, and in part 3, we wrap up by taking a look at the Client Side Experiences!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

Microsoft VDI Part I - Server Side Configuration

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Microsoft VDI Part I: Server Side Configuration

Welcome to part 1 in a 3-part series focused on the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through configuring Microsoft VDI, starting, in part 1, with the Server Side Configuration!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

Reducing Desktop Costs Part 2 Virtualizing the Desktop – Tech Focus September 2009

Alan Le Marquand — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:11:00 GMT

The question posed in part 1 was Is the cost of ownership of your Microsoft client systems rising? Are you looking for ways to reduce the costs associated with deploying Windows and managing it thereafter?

There are two solutions available to help combat these costs. The first post covered deploying an actual client and the issues that need to be addressed there, this post and the next will cover the potential cost savings using the virtualization options.

So if deploying a Windows 7 client is not an option, then an alternative solution is to virtualize. There are two core options to this. Each has different cost saving benefits. The two options are:-

A complete desktop virtualization
Virtualization of just the applications.

These are in no particular order. The potential cost saving depends on your current environment and what you obviously need to add or change to implement them.

This post looks at the desktop virtualization option and within this concept the first virtualization option is what is often called “Presentation Virtualization”. Microsoft’s technologies for this option is Remote Desktop Services.

Remote Desktop Services, formerly known as Terminal Services, provides technologies that enable users to access Windows-based programs that are installed locally on a Remote Desktop Session Host server, or to access the full Windows desktop.

So what are the advantages and therefore cost saving of this? Basically Remote Desktop Services lets you deploy and maintain software from a central location. Because you install the programs on the RD Session Host server and not on the client computer, programs are easier to upgrade and to maintain, which in turn helps to reduce maintenance costs. Before going into the potential cost saving of this solution, it’s worth looking at these 3 webcasts to expand on the technologies more.

If you’ve watched these webcasts you now know that clients connect to a central resource to gain access to applications or a desktop. Clients do not have to be all local to these servers, the service can be made available beyond the corporate network with services such as TS Gateway and TS Broker service. There is an IPD guide for Terminal Services and a detailed web page that leads you step-by-step through the process of planning a Remote Desktop Service infrastructure. If webcasts above are a bit long there is also a video series on TechNet Edge, this also takes you through 5 steps to install and configure RDS.

So where do the saving come in?

The centralization of software, the applications are installed in one place, makes maintenance and updating easier. It also helps radically simplify the burden of regulatory compliance.
The specification of clients needed to run the software via RDS is lower than clients that have the software installed locally.
You can ensure all clients have access to a consistent suite software regardless of location, thus reducing calls to help desks to install software and the potential lengthy install process of low bandwidth links.
Your data has an extra level of security. RDS can help eliminate data theft if a laptop is stolen or lost.

Before we go further, one last point on RDS. If you’ve read the additional information above and the idea of making applications available via RDS sounds like something that you want to investigate further, then I’d suggest reading the next post in this series on Application Virtualization. For pure application deliver App-V is a better choice – also see the diagram at the bottom of this post.

Next on the Desktop Virtualization front is Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V). MED-V basically enables deployment and management of Microsoft Virtual PC Windows desktops, this is designed to help organizations upgrade to the latest version of Windows even when some applications are not yet functional or supported on this version. The diagram opposite shows the difference between MED-V and APP-V – which I will cover in the next post.

The bottom line to remember about these two solutions is that MED-V resolves conflicts between operating system and Application, App-V at a minimum resolves conflict between Applications running on the same operating system, however it’s potential use is much wider and potential for cost savings much greater.

There is a lot more to MED-V, more than I can cover in this post, plus article linked to the diagram above does a great job going through it in detail.

This post was about desktop virtualization using technologies like RDS, VDI and MED-V. Each solves a different business problem and so in that respect do represent a cost saving to your organization in respect of how you operate today. How you measure the saving depends on how fast a return you are looking for. VDI will potentially save you money, but the saving is offset by the initial outlay. In all the solutions above there is the potential for initial outlay in infrastructure, the level of outlay will obviously lengthen the time before you see potential cost savings.

Next up I’ll cover App-V, and this technology will certainly make you think hard about how you deliver applications in the future and the cost savings that entails.

Windows Server 2008 R2, Remote Desktop, VDI and Virtualization

James O'Neill — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:01:00 GMT

With the arrival of Server 2008 R2 the range of choices an IT pro has for delivering an application to users desktops is quite bewildering. In this video we look at the new Remote-Desktop - how it it builds on the technologies we have had, but also how new possibilities to deliver a virtual desktop infrastucture are opened up by the combination of Hyper-V and the new connection broker

Microsoft Vista Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Licensing and Windows Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktops (VECD)

yung — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:31:00 GMT

In TechNet Game-On Tour currently being delivered in the US east coast, I talked about Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and got very overwhelming response. It’s indeed an exciting feeling when witnessing desktop virtualization works in a predictable way and behaves as designed. In my conversations with the attendees, one of the frequently asked questions has been the licensing of VDI and I thought to point out some pertinent information here.

The basic Windows Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) license with traditional desktops is not designed for use in VDI, since it is bound to the OEM hardware device, with no reassignment rights.

Software Assurance (SA) provides organizations with additional values including the ability to reassign a license after 90 days, upgrading or downgrading to latest versions of the OS, and accessing to desktop virtualization technology in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). Still it does not provide the ability to create desktops dynamically or move desktops across different hardware and storage platforms, etc., i.e. a level of flexibility that a VDI solution needs.

Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktops (VECD) is a new type of license designed to help customers license virtual copies of Windows. It is a device-based subscription, which means the total number of licenses is equal to the total number of devices that access the virtual environment. VECD is an annual subscription, following the SA model. Additional information on Licensing Microsoft Windows for virtual environments is available. Or simply download the VDI Licensing brochure.

VECD:

Allows customers to make as many copies of the OS image as they like, which is helpful when creating dynamic desktops.
Allows customers to move the image onto any combination of servers and storage devices.
Comes bundled with work at home rights.
Comes bundled with Software Assurance benefits.

Building Sandbox for Evaluating RDS and VDI

yung — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:00 GMT

I have just finished developing the content of RDS and VDI to be soon delivered in the Session 3 of the upcoming TechNet events. To minimize the required hardware, both the RDS and VDI demos are to be carried out using one laptop. In this screencast I briefly described how my demo laptop was set up. In upcoming screencasts, I will walk through the steps to manage applications for remote access, integrate RDS components for VDI, and via a browser access a personal or pooled Virtual Machine running in data center without VPN.

WS2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services (CZ)

Karel Florian (KFL) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:59:00 GMT

Popisný screencast na téma Remote Desktop Services (neboli také Terminal Services), který vás provede nasazením a základní konfigurací těchto oblíbených služeb.

Autorem screencastu je Martin Pavlis (CZ).

1. Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services – The Series (P1)

Matt McSpirit — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:28:00 GMT

Part 1: RDS Session Host - Initial Installation & Configuration

Welcome to part 1 in a 5-part series focused on Remote Desktop Services in 2008 R2!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through the different areas of RDS, starting, in part 1, with the initial installation and configuration of the RDS Session Host!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

5. Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services – The Series (P5)

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:00 GMT

Part 5: RDP7 Deep Dive & User Experience

Welcome to final part of the 5-part series focused on Remote Desktop Services in 2008 R2!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through the different areas of RDS, and in Part 5, we take a look at RDP7 in more detail, including the user experience!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

4. Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services – The Series (P4)

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:00 GMT

Part 4: RDS Gateway - Initial Installation & Configuration

Welcome to part 4 in a 5-part series focused on Remote Desktop Services in 2008 R2!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through the different areas of RDS, and in part 4, we cover the initial installation and configuration of the RDS Gateway!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

3. Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services – The Series (P3)

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:16:00 GMT

Part 3: RDS Connection Broker- Initial Installation & Configuration

Welcome to part 3 in a 5-part series focused on Remote Desktop Services in 2008 R2!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through the different areas of RDS, and in part 3, we cover the initial installation and configuration of the RDS Connection Broker!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

2. Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop Services – The Series (P2)

Matt McSpirit — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:11:00 GMT

Part 2: RDS Web Portal- Initial Installation & Configuration

Welcome to part 2 in a 5-part series focused on Remote Desktop Services in 2008 R2!

In these videos, Partner Technology Specialist, Matt McSpirit, from Microsoft UK, walks through the different areas of RDS, and in part 2, we cover the initial installation and configuration of the RDS Web Portal!

You can view the rest of the series, and more, here!

Technet Video: Remote Desktop Services (Windows Server 2008 R2 - Teil 8)

Ralf M. Schnell — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:11:00 GMT

In Windows Server 2008 wurden die Terminal Services um einige neue Funktionen ergänzt (z.B. Remote Applications). Nun werden diese nochmals erweitert und heißen nun ‚Remote Desktop Services‘. Wir geben einen Überblick über die Funktionalität und erklären die Konfiguration der neuen Funktionen, z.B. des Remote Desktop Services-Broker.

Referent:
Ralf M. Schnell
Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Deutschland GmbH
http://blogs.technet.com/ralfschnell