Description:
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) allows remote access to university resources, including a windows desktop with a standard set of preinstalled applications or direct access to certain applications accessed by either a downloadable client or through a web browser.
This allows for access to shared internal files and folders and applications from any location without needing to connect to the campus Virtual Private Network (VPN). The technology currently used for this service is Omnissa (Formerly VMWare) Horizon.
Offerings that can be arranged with the VDI team:
Complimentary Desktop
- A Windows 11 desktop with Outlook, Office, Teams, Zoom, web browsers, and various other common productivity applications.
- Non-persistent only. Once logged off, all contents of the computer are deleted. Work must be saved to network mapped drives or OneDrive
- Session idle limit of 1 hour
- Operating System and applications, including updates, are managed by the ISS VDI team
- Preconfigured at no cost to current CUDenver/CUAnschutz Faculty and Staff
Persistent Profile Desktops
- Also referred to as “Persistent desktops”, these sessions retain the user’s settings so their windows preferences are retained across login sessions.
- Files should still be stored in network mapped drives or OneDrive or other campus and department approved file storage.
- Recommended maximum session time of 3 days
- Operating System and applications, including updates, are managed by the ISS VDI team
Managed Zero clients
- Zero Clients are low power and low-cost compute devices that allow connections to the VDI environment. receive hosted desktop and application computing systems for paid subscribers at the university.
- Can be issued to users for home use.
Physical desktop pool remote access
- Utilizing horizon as a transport mechanism to access physical or other virtual desktops located on campus.
Hosted custom image
- IT partners can provide their own gold image to be used within the Horizon VDI environment if current ISS offerings do not meet your needs,
Delegated management permissions within Horizon
- IT partners can be delegated management permissions within Horizon so that they can perform most management functions without needing to request help from the ISS VDI team.
VDA
- Multi-user offering utilizing windows server base operating system (similar to RDS farms)
Linux desktop or published applications
IT Team Privileged Access Workstation
- Jumpbox for secure remote access to isolated, secured environments
This service offering may also be known by the deprecated names “Omnissa Horizon”, “VMware Horizon”, “Remote Compute Initiative”, “Remote Desktop”
Who can use it:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Researchers (Clinics and Labs)
- IT Partners
Cost:
- Remote Desktop (not persistent): Free
- Thin Client: Price varies
- Virtual Machine (persistent): Price varies
How to proceed:
Click the Access VDI button on the right to access the Horizon Virtual Desktop Infrastructure environment using your web browser. This option is available for users who already have VDI access, including staff and faculty using the Complimentary Desktop.
Click the Request VDI Services button on the right to work with the VDI team to design and implement a solution that meets your needs. Available options include persistent virtual desktops, managed thin clients, physical desktop pool access, hosted custom images, delegated Horizon administration, VDA environments, Linux desktops and applications, and privileged access workstations. An IT Professional will review your submission during regular business hours and respond within established Service Level Objectives.
Click the VDI Support button on the right if you are experiencing issues with VDI access, desktop performance, applications, connectivity, Horizon clients, published applications or other VDI services. An IT Professional will review your submission during regular business hours and respond within established Service Level Objectives.