A large travel agency utilizes virtual desktops (VDI) for internal services, such as operating their own travel agencies. These virtual desktops are distributed across servers in their own data center and in the cloud, specifically on VMware VMC on AWS.
comdivision was consequently comisioned to conduct a health check and optimization workshop with the administrators of the environment. The goal was to enhance the existing solution and identify new approaches to address current issues.
Currently, due to existing hardware, the PCoIP display protocol is used for the virtual desktops. Access is provided from the internal network, the internet, as well as through various VPN providers. There is currently no optimization of the codec for the different types of access.
The Horizon solution for hosts in the VMC on AWS Cloud was not scaling to its full potential. Even though the use of virtual desktops was significantly reduced after working hours, there were still not enough hosts that could be decommissioned to save costs.
The user login time to the virtual desktops was often up to 3 minutes. A solution for greater efficiency and optimization was needed to address this issue.
Jens Hennig, a comdivision specialist, worked through all the issues with the environment administrators through an on-site workshop. For optimizing the VDI connections, VMware Dynamic Environment Manager was utilized to individually optimize the PCoIP connection. For going forward, the recommendation was made to consider using a different protocol in the future, such as VMware Blast.
The scaling issues with the hosts in the VMC on AWS environment were attributed to a lack of anoptimized vSAN setting.
The long login times for users can be drastically reduced by implementing modern profile management software like FSLogix, in tandem with system settings through VMware Dynamic Environment Manager.
Jens Hennig stated that the workshop was a complete success. Not only were new approaches discovered for a more efficient utilization of VMware Horizon, but significant cost savings were also achieved through a now possible greater reduction of VMC on AWS hosts during low-usage periods. Solutions for an improved user experience were also discussed, and preparations for implementation were made.
