Creating a Cloud Shared Drive

Virtual Server is offered free via HyperV from MS Servers, while VMware will cost.  Using a virtual server is identical to the setup of a physical server, with the exception the you first create the virtual server 2008 64bit etc., and allocate sufficient memory.  We recommend 8 or more GIG ram. You will need a Static IP for the virtual server.  This Virtual server becomes the dedicated computer or server to stay on and be the “Main” server for virtual connections.  By creating the static IP for the device (192.168.xx.xx) you can then connect via the end user application or IOS app into the virtual server.   Firewall settings can be made to forward certain ports that contain the encrypted usage packets to the correct machine via a PORT FORWARD rule.  If you don’t want to enable outside connections, simply do not create a firewall rule (one to one NAT or forward), and enjoy the connect from anywhere within a LAN convenience from any device via a direct 192.168.xx.xx path.

Network setup is simple once you have found a powerful computer or server with Tons of RAM.  A software designed for windows (best on 64 bit) will be sufficient.  The software will always listen for connections, then respond, ask for authentication, and begin the process the user requests for applications, data and more.

For Networking, there are some general practices that you will need.

  1.  Load the software on your virtual server by visiting _____________ if you do not already have it.
  2.  Determine what applications are needed (office, word, etc), find file shares required across company (shared drives) and where they reside.
  3.  In the setup options configure to allow users to copy / paste, remote print and timeouts for disconnected sessions.
  4.  Load end user applications on MAC and Windows machines, or IOS apps.

To Purchase software, you will need to visit ___________  and select the appropriate amount of concurrent user licenses.

Determining which applications that can be used is one of the most important but commonly overlooked decisions in virtualization.  Only about 5 programs are generally needed or used.  By Virtualizing, you can actually increase your security by allowing through the virtual only the applications you want the organization to use.

Shared files and enforcement of AD or other folder / file security is then offered once purchased, allowing some users access to certain shares while others cannot.  Making a quick list of who can access what prior to installing the software can help speed up the installation and ensure compliance with your policies.

Computer / Server sizing is important and a virtual host uses tremendous amounts of memory to be capable of real-time service to multiple users. It’s a good rule of thumb to allocate 2Gig per user if you want fast performance.  One computer (non – server) can usually host 5 virtual workstations, while beefing up the ram and processer or switching to an 8Gig server 2008 can probably service 12-15 without an issue.

Creation of the users is simple as you can simply create a profile on the Gateway for each user, load their email, files and more.  Some organizations can even have shared drive access elsewhere that is usable by the virtual workstation.  Best practice is to create a “LOCAL” profile on the Gateway PC or Server, and then logon and make sure everything works.  The virtualization will come when someone connects via remote client software, IOS, or other method and be provided with the applications and data you pre-loaded.  A user switching from one device to another is a non-issue as the gateway has all the information and nothing is saved on the connecting device.

Printing can become a burden if users are offsite so make sure to know if you want to allow home printers to be used before you install and configure the software.

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