Kaviza FAQ
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM is the industry’s first and only turnkey desktop virtualization product that delivers production-ready virtual desktops that cost less than a PC. Kaviza accomplishes this by eliminating the expensive shared storage, high speed interconnects and server infrastructure that traditional server-based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) require.
Q: What is included in Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM comes packaged as a single virtual appliance. All the functionality needed to create, provision, manage and load balance virtual desktops is included in this appliance. Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM has a built-in connection broker, load balancer, user manager and desktop provisioning server. The Kaviza appliance runs on a commodity server running a hypervisor such as ESX. Multiple Kaviza servers can be linked together to automatically provide high availability. Kaviza handles all the connection brokering and load management across the grid and automatically handles failover in case of server failures.
Q: How does Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM work?
A: Kaviza virtualizes desktop images and runs them on servers that users can access from any location via repurposed PCs or thin clients. By virtualizing and centralizing the desktops, organizations decrease PC management costs and improve security, while end users benefit from flexible access and improved levels of SLAs. Unlike traditional server-based desktop virtualization, Kaviza requires minimal investment to get started because it eliminates expensive infrastructure such as shared storage that traditional VDI needs.
Q: How does Kaviza’s approach differ from other VDI solutions?
A: Kaviza has re-architected the VDI stack to create a desktop-specific, shared-nothing architecture that creates a highly available grid of virtual desktop servers out of commodity servers. Kaviza eliminates expensive infrastructure that traditional VDI typically needs. For instance, with Kaviza you don’t require high-speed interconnects and expensive high-throughput shared storage. You do not require additional management servers because Kaviza’s entire solution is packaged as one consolidated virtual appliance (i.e. a piece of software that is pre-installed and ready to run).
Q: How is Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM used in organizations?
A: Kaviza customers are radically improving PC management and availability by replacing traditional PCs with Kaviza virtual desktops that are centrally managed and provisioned. Since Kaviza costs less than PCs to deploy, and Kaviza scales on demand, organizations are able to repurpose existing PC budgets to deploy KavizA: Here are some scenarios in which Kaviza virtual desktops are used:
Q: How long will it take to break even with Kaviza virtual desktops?
A: Since the cost to acquire a Kaviza virtual desktop is lower than the cost of a PC, you break even immediately regardless of how small or large the deployment is. Kaviza gives you a breakeven on your investment from 25-50 desktops to several thousand. As the ongoing operational cost for virtual desktops is significantly lower than for PCs, Kaviza generates a return-on-investment within the first three months of deployment.
Q: How much does a virtual desktop with Kaviza cost? How does this compare with other VDI approaches?
A: The total cost per virtual desktop with Kaviza is lower than the cost of a traditional PC. The actual cost will vary depending on the size of your desktops, the types of servers and their resources and the thin clients you use. See Kaviza website to obtain a breakdown of costs.
Q: How do I buy Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM can be purchased through one of our worldwide resellers or directly from KavizA: To purchase, to find a local reseller, or to get more information, please email sales@kaviza:com
Q: How can I try Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: A free time-limited trial is available for download at http://www.kaviza.com/VDI/Registration.aspx
Q: How can I learn more about Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: There are several resources including online demos, free webinars, and whitepapers that you can look at. For a list of resources, click here.
Q: What do I need to get started?
A: Chances are you already have just about everything you need to get started. You will need the following:
Q: How do I access a Kaviza deskop?
A: The end device through which you can access a Kaviza desktop can be a PC or a thin client. Thin clients reduce power consumption significantly but many customers use old refurbished PCs to save costs. A Windows end device will require a browser and an RDP client. Note that most XPe, XP and Win7 operating systems come with RDP pre-installed. A Linux or Mac end device will require a browser such as Firefox or Safari and the open source “rdesktop” software.
Q: Are there other components?
A: Yes, in addition to the Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM appliance, Kaviza also provides two optional components: a Kaviza Client and a Kaviza Gateway. The Kaviza Client is a zero-install, self-managed client that provides a browser-less and a more locked down method for accessing Kaviza desktops. It is available free-of-charge to Kaviza customers and comes bundled with the Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM appliance.. The Kaviza Gateway allows you to access Kaviza desktops from outside the firewall without a VPN. The Kaviza Gateway can be downloaded for a free trial from the customer or partner portals.
Q: What do I need to run Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM in my environment?
Q: What steps are required to deploy Kaviza?
A: To deploy Kaviza requires three simple steps as outlined below. You can watch a video that walks through deploying a single Kaviza virtual desktop server at: http://kaviza.blogspot.com/2009_10_27_archive.html:
Q: How long does it typically take to deploy Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: In 2 hours you can create a production ready environment consisting of multiple Kaviza servers interconnected and working together.
Q: Which hypervisors does Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM run on currently? Which ones are planned?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM is currently supported on VMware ESX and ESXi versions 3.5 Update 3 or greater, including vSphere. Support is planned in upcoming releases for Hyper-V and XenServer.
Q: What client/desktop operating systems do you support?
A: Kaviza currently supports Windows XP and Windows 7. Support for Linux desktops such as SuSE is on the roadmap.
Q: What protocols does Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM support?
A: Kaviza’s solution is protocol agnostic. Kaviza supports RDP out-of-the-box today.
Q: Do you provide ways to enhance RDP?
A: Kaviza’s solution works seamlessly with Wyse’s TCX software that provides multi-media redirection, audio synch and support for a larger number of USB devices. Wyse thin clients V90L and C90LE are certified to work well with Kaviza.
Q: How can I estimate how many servers I need?
A: Please refer to the capacity sizing document for details. The number of desktops per server will vary on the size of the desktop in terms of CPU cycles and RAM per desktop, the types of applications being run, and the capacity of the server and its memory and storage subsystem. Since Kaviza is out-of-band software that generates very little overhead in steady state, the sizing rules of thumb provided by the hypervisor vendor are a good indicator of the number of desktops that can be housed on a given server. Typically the rule of thumb is a maximum of 4 to 8 desktops per core. Windows XP virtual desktops need at leasat 0.5GB of memory/desktop and Windows 7 virtual desktops need at least 1.5GB of memory/desktop . Example: A Dell 2970 with 32GB and 8 cores can therefore be used for 60 XP Desktops. At least 2GB should be set aside for use by the hypervisor and the Kaviza software. To support the I/O throughput generated by these desktops, we strongly recommend at least 3 to 5 platters in a Raid 0 or Raid 1-0 configuration.
Q: Where does Kaviza store user data?
A: User data (e.g. user’s documents, photos, etc) can be stored on the virtual desktop or more ideally on a networked filer. If it is stored on the virtual desktop, it should be backed up regularly to prevent data loss in the event of a failure. Kaviza does not back up user data stored in the virtual desktops. Note however that all the templates and configuration data are backed up by Kaviza across the servers in the grid. Kaviza’s recommended best practice is to store user data on a networked filer.
Q: How is user data protected in case of a server failure?
A: User data is typically kept in a filer outside the Kaviza servers. This protects against any desktop server failure. Kaviza always maintains a redundant copy of all configuration data and all the desktop templates to protect against data loss on server failure.
Q: Where does Kaviza store user profiles and preferences?
A: User profile data (e.g. profiles, preferences, cookies, favorites, etc.) are stored in the AD or LDAP, or in a profile management application (e.g. from Appsense or RTO Software).
Q: Does Kaviza support persistent and non-persistent desktops?
A: Yes! We provide policies that allow you to provision persistent and non-persistent desktops. On user logout’ and ‘Based on schedule’. The policy that allows support for persistent desktops is ‘Upon admin request’. The Kaviza persistent desktops behave like your physical computer. All the modifications made to the desktop such as additional software installations and such, are permanently stored on the desktop. Please note however that these desktops are not backed up by Kaviza and backup software should be installed on them to ensure that a copy of changes are kept.
Q: What are the benefits of pristine or non-persistent desktops?
A: There are several benefits of a pristine desktop. First, a user gets a “freshly brewed” desktop each time, thus guaranteeing a virus-free desktop that performs well. It reduces desk-side support for the IT staff because the user is given a standard desktop each time. If problems arise, the IT administrator can simply ask the user to log out and log back in and avoid the need to diagnose the problem. It allows the IT staff to provide a consistent, tested environment to a group of users and ensure that what they receive is exactly what IT tested and created.
Q: Are persistent desktops managed? What are the limitations of using persistent desktops?
A: Yes, persistent desktops are managed. Persistent desktops are generated from a template just like a non-persistent desktop. The difference between the two is their refresh policy. A persistent desktop is created with the “on administrative request” refresh policy whereby the desktops are not re-created from their template unless explicitly requested by the administrator. As a result, all changes made by the user of that desktop (e.g. installing software) are available across logins. However, Kaviza does not save the changes made to these desktops and, as such, they are not backed up. If the server housing the desktop fails, all changes will be lost. Therefore we recommend that these persistent desktops be saved from time to time with standard backup software. Note that using persistent desktops reduces the management economies of scale provided by VDI. Thus persistent desktops should be provided to users only if absolutely necessary.
Q: Does Kaviza support application streaming?
A: Yes. Application streaming solutions such as Microsoft’s APP-V runs seamlessly on Kaviza and can be used in conjunction with Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM.
Q: Do I need VMWare vCenter to run Kaviza?
A: No. vCenter is not required to operate a Kaviza grid. Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM has a built-in connection broker, load balancer, user manager and desktop provisioning server which allows you to manage all the servers in the grid as one logical server. But if you use vCenter to monitor your ESX servers, you may continue to do so with the Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM running on ESX. Kaviza strongly recommends that you make the vCenter information known to the Kaviza grid so that Kaviza can interoperate with vCenter.
Q: Can a user have multiple desktops assigned to them?
A: Yes, with version 2.2 a user can have multiple desktops assigned to them. When the user logs in, they will be provided with a choice of desktops they have access to.
Q: Can a user simultaneously login to more than one desktop?
A: Yes. Users may connect to multiple desktops that they have access to simultaneously.
Q: Does Kaviza support dual monitors?
A: Yes. Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM provides out-of-the-box support for the RDP protocol. The RDP multi-monitor and dual monitor options are enabled by default on the virtual desktops. The Kaviza desktops have the RDP dual monitor (span monitors) and multi-monitor (use multimon) settings enabled by default.
Q: Can I run graphics intensive applications (e.g. watching videos, CAD/CAM applications) with Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Yes. Performance of graphics applications relates to the protocol. Kaviza is protocol-agnostic and can run with any protocol, but RDP is supported out-of-the-box. You can get good performance for graphics-intensive applications by coupling Kaviza with thin clients such as those from Wyse with TCX and HDA: TCX provides multi-media redirection, USB redirection and audio synchronization. HDA provides compression for better user experience over a WAN. With Win7 the base protocol supported will be RDP 7.0 which addresses multi-media redirection and audio synchronization.
Q: Can I connect to USB devices from Kaviza virtual desktops?
A: Yes. You can connect to a variety of USB devices via the RDP protocol. However, by coupling Kaviza with thin clients that handle USB re-direction you can expand the range of devices that are supported. For instance, Wyse TCX supports a wide range of supported devices over USB.
Q: How does user authentication work with Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Kaviza can be set up to leverage your corporate user directory, such as a LDAP or Active Directory server. This ensures that Kaviza leverages the user credentials that you have already set up. Alternatively, you can set up a Kaviza user directory using Windows Workgroups.
Q: What are typical user wait times when logging into a Kaviza virtual desktop?
A: Login is typically just a few seconds since Kaviza can be set up to have desktops pre-started prior to user login. Most customers find Kaviza login times to be significantly faster than traditional Windows login times.
Q: What is the task of a Connection Broker? Does Kaviza have one?
A: The connection broker connects a user to a virtual desktop. Kaviza has a built-in connection broker, so no additional software is needed.
Q: Does Kaviza have a notion of “Linked Clones”?
A: Yes. Kaviza has an implementation of linked clones to reduce storage requirements. This is offered as part of our standard offering.
Q: What is a desktop template? Can I set up multiple desktop templates with Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM?
A: Yes. A “desktop template” is essentially a desktop image along with a policy wrapper that allows you to control the end user desktop settings such as RAM, access to local devices, and to manage the refresh cycle of the provisioned desktops. Desktops are created from a template. When a template is patched or updated, all of the desktops created from it are updated. In this fashion you can manage hundreds of desktops by managing just their templates.
Q: How do I assign desktop templates to users?
A: You can assign templates to either users or groups using Kaviza’s management console. These users and groups can be entries in your existing LDAP directory.
Q: How do I print from a Kaviza virtual desktop?
A: Printers attached to the endpoint device can be enabled through a setting in the desktop template. In addition, networked printers can be be configured to work with desktops.
Q: How do I estimate the number of Kaviza licenses I need?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-the-boxTM is licensed per concurrent user desktop. Desktops that are “On Hold” for a user are treated as a concurrent desktop.
Q: How does Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM secure access to desktops from users’ home or Internet cafes ?
A: Kaviza VDI-in-a-boxTM offers a secure Gateway that provides a secure SSL-tunnel to Kaviza desktops without the need for a VPN. This gateway runs on a Windows 2008 server.
Q: Can users access Kaviza virtual desktops without a browser – e.g. in locked-down kiosks?
A: Kaviza offers a zero-install Java client that can be used without a browser. Kaviza also offers a “kiosk-mode” where desktops can be accessed based on the device as opposed to user ID. This is useful when running Kaviza desktops in libraries and public access locations.
Q: Can Kaviza virtual desktops be accessed from regular (fat) clients? What are the requirements on the client to access Kaviza?
A: Kaviza virtual desktops may be accessed either via a browser or via a Kaviza Java client from either fat clients or thin clients running any OS that supports either a browser or Java (e.g. Windows, Linux, MacOS) and that has an RDP client. As such, it will work with Linux machines that have the free, open-source rdesktop client. Similarly, there is a free RDP client available for Macs. Please refer to the System Requirements guide for details.
Q: I am interested in becoming a partner. Can I obtain a NFR license?
A: To download Kaviza as a partner, please register here . You will receive an email and we’ll contact you soon after to qualify mutual interest and walk you through our partner program. We will then provide you with access to the partner portal from where you can download the software and other documents of interest. If you would prefer to try the software first, register as a customer and download the free trial.