Transcript Experiences with Virtualisation in DCU

Experiences with
Virtualisation in DCU
Mahon Macnamara
Computer Services Department
DCU
Student Virtual Machine
Needed to address under utilisation of
student owned laptops
 Created a VM with DCU specific software
and settings
 Distributed to students via DVD
 Distribution of Office and Windows proved
in breach of our licensing agreements
 Could be rectified by purchasing Campus
License Student Option

Application Sandboxing
Test software suite created major
compatibility problems with another
application
 Created a VM in which the second
application was installed
 Looking at implementing application
virtualisation technology, e.g. Microsoft
Softgrid
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Work at Home Scheme
Most site license software allows for at
home usage
 Create a preconfigured VM for home PC
 Built in Novell and VPN client, Campus
licensing software
 Maintains autonomy of Home PC – One
installation, one shortcut
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OS and Application Testing
“Is there a spare PC I can try something
out on?”
 Allows us to create and maintain a
disparate range of Operating Systems and
environments
 Use of snapshots aids in the testing
promise
 Linux driver compilation would be an
example
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Platform Independence
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Allows us to deliver a working environment on a
wider range of platforms
As Vista is still not officially supported in DCU,
installing a Windows XP VM is the only support
option for a Vista-only machine
Currently starting to use VMWare Fusion for
OSX users
Using Unity to integrate with the OSX desktop