Virtualization - Part 3: Solving the Computer Lab Conundrum

In the two previous articles we explored the concept of Shared Resource Computing, termed virtualization, and described a few ways to deploy virtual machines in your school. Let’s get a little more practical and focus on the benefits of using virtualization in your computer lab.
A computer lab is the one common denominator in virtually (there goes another pun) every school we have managed.  Computer labs come in all sizes, shapes, and conditions. Although universal in usage, they vary widely in functionality, ranging from a collection of mostly broken, outdated computers donated to you after the end of their useful life to a collection of brand new ‘out of the box’ desktops.

Regardless of circumstance, there seems to be 5 universal challenges associated with computer labs:

1. Cost to acquire the hardware, network, and installation
2. Cost to maintain the high usage in a semi-hostile environment
3. Noise and heat levels that can distract students
4. Distractions of an endless variety  (as in the internet) during instruction
5. Consistent computing environment, especially during testing

Managing your computer lab may in fact be the most time consuming technical support requirement in your school. That tends to be the case in schools with higher grade levels (see my previous article about managing computers in a hostile environment). So in addition to reducing upfront costs, reducing ongoing costs will also be of great benefit.

 

There are many virtualization solutions available that address computer desktops (as opposed to servers), but don’t invest a lot of time exploring them.  In my view there is only one solution that adequately addresses the specific challenges associated with the computer lab in education.

 

That solution is Windows MultiPoint Server 2011, a computer operating system designed specifically for the computer lab at your school. It is the only solution that addresses the above listed challenges completely.

 

Let’s look at each one:

 

1. The cost savings experienced is directly proportional to the number of multi seat sessions you provision per server. We have tested 5:1 (five computing session to one server), but Microsoft advertises up to 20:1. Even at 10:1 you are only buying a fraction of the computer hardware.
2. There are no moving parts in the T200 Zero Clients we recommend, no hard drives, cooling fans, disk caddies, etc. Far fewer parts require far fewer repairs. Your administrative costs for the lab will plummet.
3. Put 25 – 30 computers in an average sized room and you are going to have heating and cooling issues. And the noise level of that environment has never been conducive to instruction and learning.
4. Having tried to instruct adults in technology training with the internet staring them in the face is a challenge. With kids it is nigh unto impossible. With MultiPoint Manager you control access to the internet, and point all computing sessions at once to where you want the students to go.
5. Testing preparation becomes a breeze. You simply sign in differently on testing day and the students are presented with a sterile testing environment, with appropriate controls in place to insure testing integrity.

A worldwide study conducted by Forrester Research concluded the following with respect to Microsoft MultiPoint Server technology:

 

• Teachers and students report that using a Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 station is as good, in terms of speed and performance, as if they were working on a traditional personal computer. 
• Overall student energy and enthusiasm is boosted when more students have a modern computing station to work on, instead of sharing an older machine and dated operating system amongst their classmates or having no computer access in the classroom at all.
• Teachers very much appreciate the administration and monitoring capabilities of the new MultiPoint Manager, with which they can direct and control class and individual students' lessons more effectively. The console is reported to be easy to learn, even for non-English speaking and non-technical instructors. 
• A Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 system is relatively easy to set up and deploy, according to interviewees. This is especially valuable for schools in remote areas where IT skills are scarce.
• Power cost reductions are important in the many areas of the world where electricity is a large line item in the school's budget — assuming it is available. 
• The overall cost savings compared to a traditional PC environment is substantial and analyses of these costs comprise the bulk of this study.  All schools reported being able to re-allocate these savings to other assets for enhancing the education of their students.

So there you have it. A three part series about what you need to know regarding Virtualization. For most of you, the sweet spot will be your computer lab(s). Using virtualization will reduce both the initial and ongoing costs of the computer lab, improve the learning environment, and simplify life for your teachers.

And I will virtually guaranteed (my final pun) you will love it. Our early adopters are already coming back for more.

One final note; in order to use MultiPoint Server 2011, you will need to address your Microsoft software licensing. See my earlier article about this subject.  After all, you don’t expect Microsoft to allow creation of all those virtual computers without licensing them!