Away to Provision New Desktops for Users, in the Virtualization + Server-Based Computing forum on BrianMadden.com

When I look at VDI, I think of performance gains over traditional methods of using workstations. I think a fresh desktop when a user uses their desktop is faster and better than one that has been worked on and abused by wear and tear over months to years.

My question is simple. Lets say a user has centain customizations done to the applications loaded already on there profile, ( cad stuff or Email for their signature, etcs). In therory each time the user logs onto a fresh desktop, they will need to configure that or have IT (ME) configure it.

Is there a script or way that can see how the user customizes their desktop and mimic on each or any other fresh desktop for ther profiles. That way the user will never truely know if they are on the same machine?

That is my question. Maybe I missed something, but thats my question! Any help would be great!!!

All you need is a roaming profile that you have the system delete from the local system when it unloads, or a hybrid user profile system. Login consultants provides the Flex Profile Kit which is absolutely free, but you'd have to teach yourself how to use it.

There are several companies including the one that I work for that make Hybrid User Profile Management programs. Some are available as standalone products, and others are part of product suites.

Could you please give me some more information on what you are proposing. Sorry. Also, What happens if you decide to use this "Flex Profiles" out of a citrix "xenapp" environment.

Flex Profile Kit allows users to save administrator approved settings and merges those at each logon to a local mandatory user profile. At logoff it exports those settings, stores them on the network and discards the local changes. Instead of copying the entire profile across the network, it zips only the specific user settings authorized by the administrator and transfers just those.

Google Flex Profile Kit and you'll find all kinds of information.

Why do your refer to XenApp when talking about VDI? Did you mean XenDesktop?

I have an idea, but I am not sure if it will work. It can revolve around VDI or traditional setups of workstations.

I want somehow, to have a master image of a workstation. Then, if a users PC goes down I can reimage the OS with Apps. Keeping it clean and fast, However, if a user can logon to any other machine in the domain, without having the IT people to "Preconfigure" the users profile and settings on each logon, then that saves alot of time and flexibitliy. Also, Users who work on a desktop, may want to logon to a notebook to take home and log back on to a desktop when done.

I guess this profile thing is like a passport. You take your settings and email and application custumizations with you, where ever you go.

I liked the idea of the XenDesktop with the Provovisioning of a new desktop, however, if the user was to logon, I would not think with this idea, that they would have any problems.

What is your thoughts?
Thanks!

Have you looked at ACE from VMware? It may give you the functionality you are looking for.