Windows Server 2008 R2 - Microsoft VDI Configuration

Microsoft Professional Advisory Services is a support option that provides short-term, proactive, consultative support beyond break-fix product maintenance needs. This includes working with the same technician for assistance with issues like product migration, code review, or new program development and is a remote, phone-based support option. This service is typically used for shorter engagements, and is designed for developers and IT professionals who do not require the traditional onsite consulting or sustained account management services that are available from other Microsoft support options.

For additional information on Microsoft Advisory Services, including on how to engage, refer to this Microsoft web page:

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/AdvisoryService

This Advisory Services scenario is designed to assist customers who are in the proactive planning stages of implementing a Windows Server 2008 R2 VDI solution.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is an alternative desktop delivery model that allows users to access desktops running in the datacenter. This allows administrators to decouple operating system, application and data from hardware and store them in a centralized location. This advisory will focus on the installation, setup and testing of Microsoft VDI.

Discussions topics will include:

• Documenting and taking inventory of the client and server hardware required.
  
• Installation of the Hyper-V feature.
  
• Installation and configuration of the RD Session Host Server.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Desktop Virtualization role.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Remote Desktop Connection Broker role.
  
• Creation of a load-balanced Remote Desktop Session Host Server farm (optional)
  
• Addition of Remote Desktop Virtualization Host server to RemoteApp and Desktop connection.
  
• Installation of Remote Desktop Session Host and set it up for Redirection Mode.
  
• Installation and configuration of Remote Desktop Web Access role.
  
• Configuration of VDI to use installed certificate.
  
• Configuration of installed virtual machines via configuration script.
  
• Setup Personal Virtual Desktops and\or Virtual Desktop Pools.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Remote Desktop Connection client computers.

Scoping questions

Out of Scope

• This deliverable will not include installation, configuration or operation of System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) 2008 R2.
  
• Deployment of session based desktops (traditional terminal server sessions).
  
• Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) for Remote Desktop Services.
  
• Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) via the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).
  
• Initial creation of client virtual machines for use in Personal or Pooled scenarios.
  
• Installation, setup and operation of third-party value-add products, such as Citrix XenDesktop.
  
• Setup and acquisition of certificates.

Included with Scope

• Installation of the Hyper-V feature.
  
• Installation and configuration of the RD Session Host Server.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Desktop Virtualization role.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Remote Desktop Connection Broker role.
  
• Creation of a load-balanced Remote Desktop Session Host Server farm (optional)
  
• Addition of Remote Desktop Virtualization Host server to RemoteApp and Desktop connection.
  
• Installation of Remote Desktop Session Host and set it up for Redirection Mode.
  
• Installation and configuration of Remote Desktop Web Access role.
  
• Configuration of VDI to use installed certificate.
  
• Configuration of installed virtual machines via configuration script.
  
• Set up Personal Virtual Desktops and\or Virtual Desktop Pools.
  
• Installation and configuration of the Remote Desktop Connection client computers.

Scoping questions

1. Do you already have a domain controller and domain set up and functioning?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue assessment.
   b.����� No. Stop; VDI requires a domain to function properly
   
2. Is the schema for your Active Directory Forest at least Windows Server 2008?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� No: Stop. The deployment of virtual machines via VDI requires schema level of at least Windows Server 2008.
   
3. Is the domain functional level at least Windows Server 2000 Native Mode?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� No: Stop. The deployment of virtual machines via VDI is not supported on a domain functional level of Windows 2000 Mixed Mode or Windows Server 2003 Interim Mode.
   
4. Do you already have an installed certificate, either internal or third-party?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� No: Stop. The scope of this offering does not include obtaining or setting up a new certificate for use by VDI.
   
5. Do you already have the Hyper-V feature installed on at least one server?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� No: Installation of the Hyper-V feature is included in the scope of this offering, but the initial installation and configuration of virtual machine guests is not. See question 6 below.
   
6. Do you already have the guest virtual machines installed and working?
   
   a.������ Yes. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� No. Stop. This offering does not include the installation of virtual machines for use with VDI.
   
7. Do you intend to access the virtual machines remotely (WAN)?
   
   a.������ No, LAN access only. Continue with assessment.
   b.����� Yes: Stop. The scope of this offering does not include accessing VDI remotely, either via Remote Desktop Web Access or other means (VPN etc.)
   
8. Do you already have separate Windows 2008 R2 servers installed for use as Hyper-V/ RD Virtualization Host, RD Session Host, RD Connection Broker and RD Web Access servers?
   
   a.������ Yes. Scope is complete, proceed with delivery.
   b.����� No. Stop. This offering does not include the initial setup and installation of the base operating system.
   
9. Do you intend to implement Personal Virtual Desktops, Virtual Desktop Pools or both?
   
   a.������ Personal Virtual Desktops. Use the document referenced below, �Deploying Personal Virtual Desktops by Using Remote Desktop Web Access Step-by-Step Guide�.
   b.����� Virtual Desktop Pools. Use the document referenced below, �Deploying Virtual Desktop Pools by Using Remote Desktop Web Access Step-by-Step Guide�.
   c.������ Both. Use both documents referenced below.