Author: Phil Spitze

In recent years, the realm of education has been undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the rapid advancements in technology. One such change that’s garnering both attention and debate is the transition from traditional, brick-and-mortar computer labs to cloud-based desktop solutions on college campuses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind this shift, its potential benefits, and the considerations that come into play.

The Evolution of Learning Spaces

As institutions of higher education navigate the digital age, the concept of learning spaces has evolved beyond the confines of physical classrooms and computer labs. The emergence of cloud computing has presented a unique opportunity for colleges to rethink their approach to providing technological resources to students. Cloud desktops, which offer virtualized computing environments accessible from any device with an internet connection, have garnered attention as a promising alternative to the traditional computer lab setup.

Reasons Driving the Transition

Several factors contribute to the growing interest in migrating from physical computer labs to cloud desktops:

1. Accessibility: Cloud desktops break down geographical barriers, allowing students to access their personalized desktop environments remotely. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for students who may have commitments outside of campus or face challenges commuting.
2. Cost Efficiency: Maintaining and updating physical computer labs can be resource-intensive. Cloud desktop solutions offer the potential for cost savings, as they eliminate the need for ongoing hardware maintenance and upgrades.
3. Scalability: Cloud solutions offer scalability that physical labs struggle to match. Institutions can easily scale up or down based on demand without the need for significant infrastructure investments.
4. Flexibility: Cloud desktops provide students with the flexibility to work on assignments and projects at their convenience, promoting a more self-directed learning approach.

We find all of these reasons and more in the 2023 Students and Technology Report: Flexibility, Choice, and Equity in the Student Experience from EDUCAUSE.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, educational institutions are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for students. One such transformative change gaining momentum is the transition from traditional physical computer labs to virtual counterparts. This shift not only aligns with the technological advancements of our time but also offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve campus life and educational outcomes. In this article, we will explore the top 10 compelling reasons why colleges and universities should consider making the switch.

1. Cost Efficiency and Sustainability

Physical computer labs require substantial investments in hardware, maintenance, and infrastructure. By adopting virtual labs, institutions can reduce overhead costs, energy consumption, and e-waste, contributing to a more sustainable campus environment.

2. 24/7 Accessibility/Security

Virtual computer labs provide students with unrestricted access to resources, software, and applications round the clock. This accessibility empowers students to work on assignments, projects, and research whenever it best suits their schedules, fostering a culture of flexibility and autonomy.

Because students don’t need to visit campus during off hours, they will be safer and complete assignments from any location.

3. Enhanced Learning Experience

Virtual labs offer a personalized and interactive learning environment. Students can experiment with various software configurations, collaborate seamlessly on projects, and gain practical skills that mirror real-world scenarios.

Student Collaboration with Apporto

4. Remote Learning and Flexibility

The rise of remote and hybrid learning models demands a robust online infrastructure. Virtual computer labs facilitate distance education by allowing students to access software from anywhere, promoting inclusivity and accommodating diverse learning needs.

Top Market Trend:  Digital Equity

5. Resource Optimization

Virtual labs eliminate the need for redundant software installations on multiple machines. This optimizes resource allocation, ensuring that software licenses are utilized efficiently and reducing software procurement costs.

6. Scalability

As student populations grow, virtual labs offer the advantage of easy scalability. Institutions can quickly accommodate more users without the hassle of physically expanding lab spaces or procuring additional hardware.

7. Security and Data Protection

Virtual labs provide enhanced security measures, including centralized data storage, regular backups, and controlled access. This safeguards sensitive student information and intellectual property while minimizing the risk of data breaches.

8. Use Case: STEM Programs and Simulations

In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, virtual labs offer realistic simulations and experiments. Students can manipulate variables, observe outcomes, and hone their analytical skills in a controlled digital environment.

9. Use Case: Fine Arts and Graphic Design

Art students can access specialized software for graphic design, animation, and multimedia projects. Virtual labs enable them to explore their creativity without limitations, fostering innovation and artistic expression.

10. Future-Readiness and Technological Literacy

Transitioning to virtual labs equips students with digital competencies vital for their careers. They become familiar with cloud-based tools, virtualization technologies, and remote collaboration tools, enhancing their readiness for a tech-driven job market.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, colleges and universities are embracing digital transformation to enhance learning experiences and optimize resource allocation. One significant stride towards this transformation is migrating a physical computer lab to a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) model. This shift not only offers cost savings and improved efficiency but also empowers educators and students with flexible access to cutting-edge technology. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of migrating a college campus computer lab to DaaS, ensuring a seamless transition that enriches the academic environment.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding DaaS: A Brief Overview
2. Benefits of Migrating to DaaS
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Your College Campus Computer Lab

 – Assessing Current Infrastructure and Workloads

– Choosing the Right DaaS Provider

– Data Backup and Migration Strategy

– Application Compatibility Testing

– User Training and Onboarding

4. Ensuring Security and Compliance
5. Monitoring and Continuous Optimization
6. Conclusion

1. Understanding DaaS: A Brief Overview

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing solution that provides virtual desktops to users over the internet. It allows institutions to centralize desktop management, making it easier to deliver and manage applications and resources to a diverse range of devices.

Apporto is delivered as a fully managed service, so much of the heavy lifting is handled for you thus keeping the impact on the IT department to a minimum.

2. Benefits of Migrating to DaaS

Migrating your college campus computer lab to DaaS offers several advantages:

• Cost Savings: DaaS eliminates the need for on-premises hardware maintenance and reduces the total cost of ownership.
• Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on the number of users and their resource requirements.
• Remote Access: Students and faculty can access their virtual desktops from any device with an internet connection, promoting flexibility and remote learning.
• Enhanced Performance: DaaS leverages cloud resources to provide consistent and high-performance computing experiences.
• Centralized Management: Simplify desktop management, updates, and software installations across all virtual desktops.
• Reduced Downtime: Rapid disaster recovery and minimized downtime in case of hardware failures.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Your College Campus Computer Lab

Assessing Current Infrastructure and Workloads

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your current computer lab infrastructure, including hardware specifications, software applications, and user requirements. Identify any resource constraints or performance bottlenecks that need to be addressed during the migration.

Choosing the Right DaaS Provider

Research and select a reputable DaaS provider that aligns with your institution’s needs and budget. Consider factors such as data center locations, security measures, support options, and compliance certifications.

Apporto is the #1 DaaS provider for education, according to Gartner Peer Insights, and 100% of respondents would recommend Apporto to their peers.

Data Backup and Migration Strategy

Develop a comprehensive data backup and migration strategy to ensure the seamless transition of user profiles, data, and applications to the DaaS environment. Prioritize critical data and establish a testing environment to validate the migration process.

Data migration and protection is included with the Apporto service at no additional cost. Customers can focus on supporting the education efforts rather than data center operations.

Application Compatibility Testing

Thoroughly test the compatibility of your existing software applications with the DaaS platform. Address any compatibility issues by exploring alternative software solutions or virtualization options.

User Training and Onboarding

Educate faculty, staff, and students about the new DaaS environment through training sessions and documentation. Provide guidance on accessing virtual desktops, utilizing applications, and leveraging collaboration tools.

Apporto includes training for all customers at no additional cost.

Introduction

In an increasingly digitized world, where cyber threats loom large and data breaches are becoming all too common, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has reached critical levels. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so do the sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks. To safeguard our digital infrastructure and protect sensitive information, we must address the shortage of trained cybersecurity workers. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind this shortage, its potential consequences, and the urgent need for more cybersecurity professionals to combat the ever-growing cyber menace.

The Rising Cyber Threat Landscape

In recent years, the cyber threat landscape has witnessed a monumental surge in both the number and complexity of attacks. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime damages are projected to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This exponential growth of cyber threats has left organizations vulnerable and scrambling to secure their networks, systems, and data.

Source: https://cybersecurityventures.com/hackerpocalypse-cybercrime-report-2016/

The Alarming Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Despite the growing demand for cybersecurity experts, there exists a significant skills gap in the industry. In the past 12 months, “employers have posted some 663,434 open cybersecurity positions over the past 12 months, but that hasn’t been enough to solve a supply-demand ratio of 69 workers for every 100 job openings.” Read on to see what impact this might have and how higher ed institutions are planning to help.

Source: https://www.dice.com/career-advice/cybersecurity-job-gap-remains-huge

Impact on Organizations and Society

The scarcity of trained cybersecurity workers poses substantial risks to organizations across all sectors. A breach can lead to financial losses, tarnished reputations, and legal ramifications. Moreover, the consequences are not confined to individual entities alone; they can have a cascading effect on the broader economy and society. For instance, attacks on critical infrastructure or government agencies can disrupt essential services and undermine public trust.

Read more:  https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/risk-and-resilience/our-insights/the-energy-sector-threat-how-to-address-cybersecurity-vulnerabilities

Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

To bridge the gap between the demand and supply of cybersecurity professionals, concerted efforts are required from multiple stakeholders:

1. Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges must enhance their cybersecurity programs to provide students with comprehensive, up-to-date training. Partnering with industry experts and offering hands-on experience will better prepare graduates for real-world challenges.
2. Industry Collaboration: Private sector organizations should collaborate with educational institutions and offer internship programs, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities. This can attract more individuals to the field and provide them with practical exposure.
3. Government Support: Policymakers need to invest in cybersecurity initiatives, fostering the growth of a skilled workforce. Public-private partnerships can also play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities.
4. Continuous Learning and Certifications: Cybersecurity professionals should prioritize continuous learning and obtain relevant certifications to stay abreast of evolving threats and technologies.

Introduction

University and college computer labs have undergone a remarkable evolution that mirrors the advancement of technology and its impact on education. From their early days as mainframe sanctuaries to their current role as digitally connected hubs, these labs have played a significant role in shaping students’ technological literacy. This blog post delves into the rich history, transformative journey, and future prospects of computer labs on university and college campuses.

The Early Years: Tracing the Genesis of Technological Access

In the mid-20th century, the emergence of computer labs marked a significant milestone as universities gained access to mainframe computers. These labs initially catered to computer science and engineering students, offering hands-on experience with computing power that was otherwise inaccessible. The massive mainframes, often requiring dedicated rooms for installation, were managed by specialized personnel. Students would write programs on punch cards, submit them for processing, and eagerly await results, showcasing a stark contrast to the immediacy of today’s digital landscape.

Read More: ‘Hidden Figures’ by Margot Lee Shetterly

The Rise of Personal Computing: Shaping a New Paradigm

The 1980s marked a transformative era for university computer labs, as the introduction of personal computers ignited a seismic shift in their role and significance. This period witnessed a revolution in technology that would redefine the way students interacted with computers and set the stage for the digital landscape we know today.

Empowering Student-Centered Learning

Personal computers, with their compact design and user-friendly interfaces, democratized access to computing resources. University computer labs underwent a metamorphosis, expanding their reach beyond the realm of computer science and engineering departments. Suddenly, disciplines across the academic spectrum could harness the power of computing to enhance their learning experiences.

For instance, art and design students found newfound avenues for creativity through graphic design software, allowing them to experiment with digital artistry and manipulate visuals in ways previously unimaginable. Economics students leveraged spreadsheet software to analyze complex data sets, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of economic trends and theories. Language and literature students delved into word processing, revolutionizing the way they wrote and edited essays, dissertations, and creative works.

Facilitating Collaborative Endeavors

The rise of personal computing within university computer labs also fostered a spirit of collaboration among students. Software applications for communication and project management began to emerge, empowering students to work together on assignments and projects regardless of their physical locations. This newfound connectivity transcended geographical boundaries, enabling cross-disciplinary teamwork and information sharing.

For instance, a group of engineering and business students could collaborate on a prototype for a sustainable energy solution using specialized design software and then present their findings using multimedia presentation tools. Similarly, biology and computer science students might collaborate on computational modeling projects to simulate complex biological processes, enhancing their collective understanding of intricate biological phenomena.

Cultivating Technological Literacy

Personal computers not only reshaped the dynamics of university computer labs but also played a pivotal role in fostering technological literacy among students. As these labs expanded their offerings, students from diverse backgrounds gained proficiency in using a range of software applications, hardware components, and digital tools. This fluency not only enhanced their academic pursuits but also equipped them with practical skills that were increasingly valued in the job market.

For instance, a sociology major might become adept at data visualization tools, enabling them to transform sociological trends into compelling visual narratives. A music student could explore music production software, composing and arranging intricate pieces that blend traditional musical elements with cutting-edge technology. These skills, cultivated within the university computer lab environment, would go on to enrich students’ professional journeys across various industries.

Stop Using RDP for Remote Access

In today’s ever-changing hybrid and remote working environments, it’s often necessary for users to connect back to their company-issued desktop PC sitting on their desk. This might be due to a custom security configuration, specialized software, or restricted access to sensitive data. Regardless of the need, a popular way of establishing this connection is through a remote desktop connection utilizing the Microsoft standard protocol of Remote Desktop Protocol or RDP.

But a recent joint warning from the FBI, along with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) indicate that attacks against this popular connection method are on the rise, getting more sophisticated, and seeing some breaks in the connection encryption.

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/17/fbi_cisa_bianlian_advisory/

So what other options exist? Luckily, there is a large list of options available from different vendors, but which is best and more importantly, which provides the best security and performance for users? Here is a comparison chart of some of a few of the most popular options:

One of the challenges with all remote desktop solutions is maintaining high levels of security without compromising user experience. These are some of the common security concerns when providing users with remote access to desktops:

Authentication and Access Control: Ensuring proper authentication mechanisms and access control is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to remote desktops. Weak passwords or inadequate authentication protocols can pose security risks.

Data Encryption: Remote desktop solutions should employ strong encryption methods to protect data transmitted between the local and remote systems. Without proper encryption, sensitive information can be intercepted and compromised.

Endpoint Security: The security of the local device accessing the remote desktop is vital. If the local device is infected with malware or compromised, it can potentially compromise the security of the remote desktop environment as well.

Network Security: Remote desktop connections often rely on network infrastructure that may be susceptible to security breaches. Employing secure network protocols and implementing appropriate network security measures, such as firewalls and VPNs, is crucial to protect against unauthorized access or data interception.

Auditing and Monitoring: It is important to have mechanisms in place to monitor and log remote access sessions. This helps in detecting any suspicious activity, identifying potential security breaches, and ensuring compliance with security policies.

Third-Party Security: When using remote desktop solutions, it’s essential to consider the security practices and track record of the solution providers. Ensure that they follow industry best practices, regularly release security updates, and have a robust vulnerability management process.

Session Hijacking: Remote desktop sessions can be vulnerable to session hijacking attacks, where an attacker takes control of an active session. Implementing techniques like session encryption, session timeouts, and regularly rotating session IDs can mitigate the risk of session hijacking.

Data Leakage: Remote desktop solutions may allow file transfer between local and remote systems. Ensuring proper controls and policies are in place to prevent unauthorized or accidental data leakage is important to protect sensitive information.

In today’s digital age, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has become a popular solution for businesses seeking enhanced flexibility, centralized management, and improved security. When considering VDI options, two main approaches emerge: multi-user virtual desktops and dedicated virtual desktops. Each has its unique strengths and considerations. In this blog post, we will compare these two approaches to help you make an informed decision about which solution is best suited for your business needs.

Multi-User Virtual Desktops:

Multi-user virtual desktops, also known as session hosts or shared desktops, are designed to allow multiple users to share a single server operating system instance. These virtual desktops enable multiple users to simultaneously access applications and data from a centralized server infrastructure. Here are some key advantages and considerations of multi-user virtual desktops:

Advantages:

• Cost-effective: Multi-user virtual desktops can significantly reduce hardware and licensing costs compared to dedicated virtual desktops, as resources are shared among multiple users.
• Efficient resource utilization: By leveraging shared resources, multi-user virtual desktops optimize server infrastructure and reduce the overall hardware footprint.
• Easy management: With a single instance to manage, updates, patches, and application installations are streamlined, reducing administrative overhead.
• Scalability: Multi-user virtual desktops can easily accommodate a growing number of users by adding additional session hosts or increasing server resources.

Considerations:

• Limited customization: Shared desktop environments restrict individual user customization options due to the shared nature of resources.
• Performance impact: Heavy resource utilization by one user can potentially impact the performance of other users sharing the same server.
• Application compatibility: Some applications may not be compatible with multi-user environments, requiring additional testing and configuration.

Introduction:

In today’s cloud computing landscape, Azure and AWS are two major players offering a wide range of virtual machine (VM) options to meet various workload requirements. When it comes to selecting the right VM instance or optimizing disk input/output (I/O) performance, understanding the specifications and capabilities of each provider becomes crucial.

Workloads in the cloud can vary significantly, and different applications have distinct resource requirements. When considering virtual machine specifications and disk I/O options, it’s important to align them with the specific needs of your workload. For example, GPU-intensive tasks such as machine learning or video rendering may benefit from instances with high-performance GPUs like NVIDIA Tesla V100 or T4. On the other hand, workloads that demand fast storage access or require low latency might require premium SSDs with higher IOPS and throughput. Understanding your workload’s characteristics and performance demands is crucial in selecting the appropriate VM instance and disk type to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.

In this blog post, we will compare the GPU options for instances with 4 vCPUs and 16 GB RAM, as well as the disk I/O specifications for virtual disks ranging from 250 GB to 1 TB in size. These specifications represent a good average across multiple workload profiles found in enterprise today. Cost comparisons are for Windows-based VMs running in the US-East region for both AWS and Azure, and are the straight hourly cost with no reservation or education discounts.

Virtual Machine Specifications:

Table: Comparison of GPU options for instances with 4 vCPUs and 16 GB RAM

*This is not an exhaustive list. Readers should confirm specs and current pricing from published documentation by Microsoft and Amazon.

Disk I/O Specifications:

Table: Comparison of disk I/O specifications for virtual disks

*This is not an exhaustive list. Readers should confirm specs and current pricing from published documentation by Microsoft and Amazon.

*This is not an exhaustive list. Readers should confirm specs and current pricing from published documentation by Microsoft and Amazon.

Citrix is a software company that specializes in digital workspace and cloud computing solutions. Founded in 1989, the company has a global presence and is headquartered in Florida, USA.

Citrix is most recognized for its flagship products Virtual Apps and Desktops, formerly known as XenApp and XenDesktop. It is a virtualization solution that enables businesses to deliver virtual applications and desktops to their employees from a centralized location. This allows users to access their workspaces from any device, anywhere in the world while maintaining a high level of security and control.

Virtual Apps and Desktops are priced based on a subscription model, which includes a base license fee and an additional fee per user.

The base license fee includes the software license and basic support and maintenance services, such as software updates and patches. The additional fee per user is based on the number of concurrent users accessing the virtual desktops and applications.

Citrix offers different editions of Virtual Apps and Desktops, each with varying features and capabilities, and the pricing may vary depending on the edition, deployment option, and level of support required. The following is a general pricing structure for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops:

• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Standard: This is the basic edition that provides application and desktop virtualization. The pricing starts at $12 per user per month.
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Advanced: This edition includes additional features such as remote PC access and virtual GPU support. The pricing starts at $21 per user per month.
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Premium: This edition includes advanced security features, such as secure browser and content collaboration, along with all the features of the Advanced edition. The pricing starts at $31 per user per month.

Citrix versus Azure Virtual Desktops

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft made a big splash in the market with their Azure Virtual Desktops product, formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktops. This offering quickly became an alternative to Citrix and other legacy on-premise solutions.

Comparing Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops with Azure Virtual Desktops depends on several factors, such as deployment options, features, pricing, and support. Here’s an overview of both solutions to help you understand the differences between the two:

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops:

Deployment Options: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. Citrix provides its own cloud infrastructure called Citrix Cloud, but the solution can also be deployed on other cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.

Features: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops provide a wide range of features such as application delivery, virtual desktops, secure remote access, and user management. It also offers advanced security features like secure browser and content collaboration.

Pricing: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops pricing starts at $12 per user per month for the Standard edition and goes up to $31 per user per month for the Premium edition.

Azure Virtual Desktop:

Deployment Options: Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-only solution that runs on the Microsoft Azure platform. It allows users to access virtual desktops and applications from anywhere in the world.

Features: Azure Virtual Desktop provides features such as virtual desktops, remote applications, and remote access. It also integrates with other Microsoft tools like Microsoft 365 and Power Platform.

Pricing: Azure Virtual Desktop pricing is based on the consumption of resources such as compute, storage, and network. The pricing can vary depending on the region, deployment options, and the level of support required.

Overall, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops offer more deployment options and features than Azure Virtual Desktop. However, Azure Virtual Desktop has the advantage of being a cloud-only solution and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools. When it comes to pricing, it can vary depending on the deployment options and level of support required for each solution.

Cloud desktops, or Desktops-as-a-Service (DaaS), refers to a cloud computing model where virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is delivered to end-users over the internet. In this service, the desktop operating system, applications, and data reside on a remote server or cloud platform, and users access their virtual desktops using various devices, such as laptops, desktop computers, or thin clients, through an internet connection. DaaS allows for centralized management, easy scalability, and remote accessibility, enabling businesses to provide a consistent desktop experience to their employees while reducing the need for on-premises infrastructure and enhancing flexibility.

This type of platform is exactly what today’s MSPs are trying to grow into so they can continue to build their MRR from customers.  However, there is a very high TCO with a DIY approach to cloud desktops or DaaS. Some of the expertise needed to be successful with DIY DaaS include:

• Networking
• Security
• Storage
• Data Protection
• Endpoint Protection
• DR/BC
• Customer Support
• And, more

This level of effort means hiring one or more experienced cloud engineers who can build, manage, monitor, and support the platform once sold to customers. The TCO for this can be astronomical and can place an MSP at risk for shrinking margins.

The DaaS market was estimated to be valued at around $4 billion in 2020, and it was projected to reach $10 billion by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 25%. The increasing demand for flexible and scalable IT infrastructure, the rise of remote and mobile workforces, and the need for cost-effective and secure desktop solutions were driving the adoption of DaaS.

Current Projection:  https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/desktop-as-a-service-daas-market-analysis-featuring-key-players-applications-and-projected-forecasts-2035-2023-05-31

MSPs looking to capitalize on the growth in the DaaS market without the risk or high TCO should consider partnering with Apporto.