VDI - virtual computer client

The service includes

• Rental of virtual clients (VDI) based on a number of predefined standard configurations.
• The virtual clients belong to a so-called VDI pool, which defines:
  • Which named users may connect to it.
  • The maximum number of simultaneous users of the clients.
  • The performance of the virtual clients in the pool.
  • A VDI pool can only contain one configuration – you cannot mix different configuration levels in the same pool.

Security levels in the VDI service

1. Standard access

This VDI can access KI's services and the internet, and you can also reach all of KI's file servers as if you were on campus. There is therefore no need for VPN.

• This VDI is similar to a physical Karyon Windows computer.
• Profile management for all software, Windows settings and Edge. This means your settings are retained if you log out of your VDI and log in again later, even from a different device.
• Roaming for Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music and Video – meaning the files you save in these folders are synchronised.
• If you connect to VDI from several different computers, all files you save on the desktop and in the Documents, Pictures and Music folders will be available there regardless of which computer you log in from.
• Applications that are centrally procured and that you hold a licence for will be available automatically once you have logged in. See the list of available software below.
• For other applications, you need to create a ticket in KI Self Service. ITA and the user assess whether the application should also be made available in VDI.

Differences between VDI and Karyon Windows computers:

• You need to sign in to your Office applications.
• The OneDrive app is not available; you are referred to OneDrive in the browser, and there is a shortcut to it on the desktop.
• You cannot use Teams for meetings. You can access Teams via the browser but cannot use your microphone or video. There is a shortcut on the desktop.
• You can install certain programs yourself in VDI, but they will disappear when you log out.

2. Restricted

This service is recommended when information security is a very high priority. It is a locked-down environment that can be described as a "bubble" isolated from other IT systems.

• These VDI clients do not have access to IT services such as KI's data network and other IT services, file servers, the internet or Teams.
• VDI in the restricted zone can only use a dedicated storage area (W:) intended solely for the virtual clients in the pool.
• Data is moved to and from W: via a dedicated MFT solution by predefined, authorised users. Dedicated storage is ordered separately. The Edge start page is set to VDI transfer.
• The virtual clients are accessed via Omnissa Horizon Client.
• Local Office applications are installed (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). All files are saved in the personal Documents folder or on W:.
• Profile management for all software and Windows settings – this means your settings follow you if you log out of your VDI and log in again later.
• The Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music and Video folders are saved on the security zone's own storage (W:).
• This VDI cannot access storage devices on the physical client you connected from. You therefore cannot reach the local hard drive or connected USB storage devices.
• Copy and paste only works into the VDI.

Important to know about the service

• Installation of applications is handled by ITA.
• Data stored outside the specified roaming folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music and Video) on the virtual client is not backed up by any separate service.
• Data placed in the dedicated MFT service for VDI pools in Restricted is automatically deleted after approximately 7 days.

Support

• Report faults and support issues to the ITA Helpdesk.
• The service may be affected by ITA's service windows.

Ordering, price and delivery time

New VDI pools are ordered in the Wisum ordering portal. The delivery time for the service is approximately five working days.

To change an existing pool, create a ticket in KI Self Service.

The following parameters can be changed in an existing pool:

• Maximum number of simultaneous users.
• Adding and removing named users.
• Configuration level (CPU, RAM, disk size).

Cost

• Ordering and configuring a new VDI pool is free of charge.
• The monthly cost is calculated by multiplying the maximum number of simultaneous users by the cost of the selected configuration level.

Example: if you order a pool at Performance level 1 with a maximum of three simultaneous users, the total monthly cost is 346.40 x 3. The cost is the same regardless of how many individual users are granted access to the pool.

File storage

• Prices for file storage (W:) are the same as for other file storage and are not included in the pricing of the VDI service. Read more on the page Servers and storage.