CSE are the market leaders in supplying desktop virtualisation to schools.
We can supply you with a leading edge virtual desktop infrastructure with Citrix XenDesktop.
Firstly, what is a virtual desktop? A virtual desktop has the same look and feel as a normal fat client PC, however it is stored on and accessed from the server farm. Unlike Terminal Services systems, the virtual hardware is allocated to the desktop upon provisioning and therefore is able to run high utilisation applications such as Adobe CS4, ProDesktop and Hi-Res Video. The hardware isolation means that no matter how many of your users access the system, resources will not suffer meaning a rich experience can be seen at all times. In conjunction with the Citrix Access Gateway this also means this same performance can be seen outside the network as well as inside through a secure SSL VPN connection. This server based solution also means almost any device can connect to the system and have access to applications or your full desktop. This device may be an iPhone, a Power over Ethernet PC, a Linux netbook or virtually any other mobile device.
Imagine a field trip where users can access the network through a 3G or satellite connection and work in the field yet on the network. This extends to accessing all systems, such as your MIS system, home directory or any application you may not have available at home
A Virtual Desktop infrastructure gives the school the ultimate in control and flexibility. Desktops can be provisioned with the click of a button, and repaired just as easily. Security is very easy to manage and implement as the management of a software solution is so much more integrated. Rules can be created so that users only access the desktops, software and areas they are meant to and the virtualised solution ultimately gives the school the ability to change to a cloud based computer system with no change or impact for the end user.
Advantages of a Citrix XenDesktop system include:
· Dramatic savings in power consumption are seen by the use of thin client devices and intelligent server power and cooling
· The system automatically turns desktops on and off and keeps a configurable number ready for connection. If users log off, the system will shut down their desktop after them to save resources
· Citrix XenDesktop can be configured to provision desktops in different configurations to the school, including dedicated customisable desktops for some students and locked down desktops for others
· Schools can allow students the responsibility of installing applications to their desktops and choose whether they are stored for their next session, or the desktop is restored to its original configuration with no changes
· Multiple desktops can be provisioned from a single image, making administration very simple and controlled centrally with the desktop management software embedded in the image
· Give some users more memory or processing power than others, depending on their need
· Users can work on a document at home, close down their session and then instantly log in to see their document still on the screen, in the position they left it.
· Application security is increased. By the use of application virtualisation and Citrix XenApp, make applications available to only those you wish to see them (MIS Software for instance). For those who cannot see them, there is no risk to the system as these important applications are not actually installed until the user accesses the shortcut.
· Management is much easier. Applications, updates and security changes can be made on “test” desktops, allowing testing to go on in the background. When you are happy with the results, just change the desktop people access. Applications added to the core desktop will instantly appear for users the next time they log in. No need for MSI deployment.
· The same applies with your Windows 7 upgrade – the whole school changes to Windows 7 with the click of a mouse button (and back again, should you need to!)
· Citrix XenDesktop is built on a proven, trusted core technology utilising the Citrix ICA communication protocol (Microsoft Terminal Services is built on a early version of ICA), staff and students can access desktops and applications remotely with no performance loss
· Citrix XenDesktop v4.0 is specifically designed to enhance the end user experience and can utilise local hardware resources to aid ‘rich media’
· Citrix XenDesktop includes the integration of Citrix XenApp, the market leading application virtualisation solution. Applications can be made available to specific machines or students
CSE’s specific reason for choosing the Citrix virtualisation solution is that the virtual desktop solution is simply far and away better than any comparable solution on the market, regarding speed, remote access, multimedia re-direction and functionality. Also, the XenDesktop licensing system now hooks into a Microsoft SLA making the cost of this solution very small for the functionality gained. Regarding the server virtualisation, any school buying a XenDesktop licence means that all XenServer Essentials licences, now and in the future, are completely free. |