Putting the Classroom in the Cloud with Virtual Desktops

UNIST’s library has recently adopted a new system to better meet the diverse needs of an expanded campus community and the general public.

The essence of the newly developed system is Zero Client, also known as ultrathin client, is a server-based computing model in which the end user’s computing device has no local storage. By switching out PCs for Zero Client, besides the monitor itself, users only need a LAN cable, a keyboard, and a mouse to work with, thereby cutting down dramatically on costs.

A few clicks is all it takes to provide users with a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that is both high-quality and half the cost of traditional desktop computers. VID hosts virtual desktops on centrailized servers, giving users a full desktop experience while reducing the need for helpdesk and imaging support. Since it is all cloud-based as well, there is no need for additional hardware.

UNIST library to realize the full benefits of a Zero Client environment with no processor, no operating system, no memory, no software, and no moving parts.

In early 2015, the UNIST IT team solidified a plan to introduce VDI into the college environment. They, then, completed the conversion process by the end of the year, in which running and controlling over 70 servers with only 7 centralized servers.

Ms. Sun-mi Kim, team leader of UNIST Information Technology states, “With the introduction of zero clients, we expect to realize substantial power savings over the next few years.” She continues, “VDI also improves the user experience for students and employees by making it very quick and easy to access their required programs as they move across and between campuses.”