This fall students
may no longer need to get up early and drive to campus to access OIT computer
lab resources. The Virtual Desktop Initiative (VDI) allows students to access
the academic software found on the computers in the OIT computer labs from any
computer with an internet connection. If a student can get access to the
Internet (aka “the cloud”) then they can get access to the academic software in
the OIT computer labs. This allows students to access the OIT computer lab
software from their laptop while sitting by the fountain on campus, or drinking
coffee at their favorite coffee shop, or visiting friends at another
university, or wherever. As long as you have a computer with an internet
connection, you can now get to the academic software in the OIT computer labs.
The VDI platform also
provides the capability to send your document to a Printshare printer on
campus. If you create your document on a computer through VDI, no need to wait
for a seat to open up in the computer lab so that you can print. Instead, print
your job directly from your own computer, through VDI, to a Printshare printer
on campus. You will still need to use your campus card to print your documents.
The software used to
power the VDI is called VMWare. OIT has been using VMWare technology in the
Seattle University computer room to streamline the management of servers for
the last several years. We have seen significant reduction in hardware and
energy costs as well as reduced requirements for physical space through the
adoption of VMWare technology.
The advantages for
OIT computer lab virtualization include extending the hours and physical reach
of the computer labs, creating a standardized environment that is easier to
manage, and extending the life of the computers in the OIT computer labs.
To access the virtual
lab desktop, point your Internet Explorer web browser to https://vlab.seattleu.edu. For more
information on the service, please visit http://seattleu.edu/oit/page.aspx?id=134.
Enjoy the virtual
computer labs. Don’t worry, OIT is still running the physical computer labs in
case you need to use them. Stop by some time, or drop us an email, and let us
know how you like the VDI service.
If
you have any comments on the virtual lab, including suggestions for
improvements, please send them Michael DeBlasi, Director of Learning
Technologies, Office of Information Technology, deblasim@seattleu.edu or
206-296-5964.