Virtualization can happen with a central server containing end user files, with end users having access through dummy devices or simple interfaces like iPads/iPhones and small workstations with keyboards and a mouse. The centralized model has existed for years but traditionally lacked the horsepower from servers and the bandwidth limitations to be an effective solution. Not so anymore. Bandwidth is readily available, mobile devices have become widespread and interfaces have become smarter. Combine that with much faster Servers as well as dedicated host computers and you can easily virtualize any small office on one central host computer. This is the model that Virtual Workstation recommends…
The “how to” of virtualization consists of a company or organization answering three questions and sizing appropriately:
- How many concurrent sessions or users will need to use virtualized workstation at any given time?
- What is the largest available workstation or server (RAM memory and processer) that already exists that could perform the task of being dedicated and on 24/7?
- Do you want to have users access the files remotely when outside the building at a coffee shop or home from their own devices?
Sizing Up A Server
Sizing of a server becomes a simple task of adding concurrent users and multiplying by 1.5 Gig of ram. For example if you have ten people you want to virtualize but only 6 will be on at any time, then it’s 6 x 1.5Gig Ram = 9 GIG ram required. It’s always best to also have 2 GIG for the base OS, so in that example it would be best to have an 11 or 12 Gig RAM computer or Server to Virtualize your workstations.
Setting up remote is as simple as a Port forward change on your public address of your firewall. This means you enter your firewall or DSL / Cable router configuration and tell it to forward the encrypted Virtualized Port you chose in setup to the IP of your internal computer that should have a static internal address like 192.xxx.x.xx.