We are using Unidesk for persistent desktops for the entire organization for the users that demand virtual desktops. We find it so much easier and more efficient to use this layering technology to quickly spin up the virtual machines and assign the various layers to the desktops as we see fit. We are abstracting the desktops from the users so that if a desktop becomes corrupted for whatever reason, we simply assign them another one and do not worry about anything else since their data is on the network.
Pros
Creating application layers is easy to do. It's just a matter of installing the applications as you would normally do on a computer.
Unidesk's technology isn't sandbox like VMware's ThinApp technology so it works much better and is more compatible with other software.
The admin console and technology in general is easy to learn for the administrator while it's transparent to the end users.
Cons
Layering technologies still presents challenges in general. There are certain applications which are stubborn and do not work as intended so Unidesk keeps a library of "recipes" for many applications where it outlines specific ways or methods to install the applications so that it will work smoothly once it's assigned.
There are limits to the amount of layers that can assigned and the more layers you have, the more complex and more chances of the various layers stepping on each other toes. It may also slow the virtual machines but it's not that noticeable.
An application layer is tied to the OS that it's built from. So if you have two master OS images, you'll need to create separate app layers, one for each master OS, contrary to their claim.
Likelihood to Recommend
Make certain the applications you wish to virtualize work well with Unidesk's technology. I think Unidesk works great for the common desktop users. This is from anecdotal experience so I'm not sure how well it works for more advanced or power users which need to use sophisticated or uncommon applications.
Right now, I'm using Unidesk for a set number of machines and I'm using all persistent desktops. My major business problem being solved is reducing the number of images from several to just two (a Windows 7 32-bit and Windows 64-bit) and providing a quick easy solution for deploying applications that do not work with other application virtualization products.
Pros
Delivers the majority of applications without issue
Unified console for managing all aspects of Virtual Desktop management
User layer on a persistent desktop provide an easy profile solution
Layers provides the ability to reduce down to 1 Gold Image
No more interacting with Hyper-V, RDS or vCenter
Speeds up application turn around time
Cons
I would love if the User Layer persisted on non-persistent desktops
A better experience for the actual assigning of applications and desktops (improvements to the console)
Partner with a vendor that provides a legacy browser solution
Likelihood to Recommend
<p>Right now, I would advise it to anybody who has 1,500 or fewer users they wish to provide desktops for. I would advise to go with persistent desktops or use a UEM solution like AppSense or RES Workspace Manager when trying the non-persistent desktops. I would suggest that using an AppVirt product like App-V with Unidesk still makes a lot of sense as you can use Shared Content Store Mode and sequence once for many. AppVirt solutions still have value with isolation. </p><p>I would suggest looking at Turbo browsers for their redirect feature to an sandboxed browser running legacy IE or a browser with Java or Flash (to eliminate security threats related to these running locally on the system). Also, I would suggest looking at Atlantis for deduplicating those desktops and allow them to perform quicker with less storage required. Unidesk by itself is awesome. It really simplifies things. Throw it together with other products and each compliments the other well. Also, Unidesk makes some of those other products more valuable as you're not completely reliant on them like you would be without Unidesk.</p>
The application was used to quickly implement a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to create Virtual Computer Labs for students. It allowed us to quickly create customizable computing environments.
Pros
I really liked how easy it made it to create application layers.
Unidesk also allow us to created various combinations of software to suit different types of classrooms.
It's software version control made it easy to diagnose compatibility issues.
Cons
I would have liked for it to make it easier to work on simultaneous adding software layers.
Support on license/software authentication handling could be nice.
I would have liked a sleeker user interface.
Likelihood to Recommend
It is well suited for organizations that aren't very large, as it takes a lot of the busy work out of creating a VDI. It is also nice for organization that need to be able to create multiple environments quickly.
VU
Verified User
Technician in Information Technology (51-200 employees)
We use Unidesk to deploy and manage over 100 non-persistent virtual desktops within our organization. It is used across many departments, but is solely managed by the Information Technology Department. It provides a simple, friendly platform for developing customized virtual desktops that requires minimal time to manage.
Pros
Takes the complexity out of the virtual desktop development process.
Stays current with competitors in terms of features and standards.
Cons
More hands-on support while bringing Unidesk into a new environment would be useful.
More formalized training for those new to the product (I actually believe Unidesk has already developed something to address this).
Likelihood to Recommend
It is a great product, but as with any product that requires constant updates, it is important to set reasonable expectations around the time and resources needed to maintain this product once it is in place. While it is relatively simple, it does require ongoing management, particularly as the number of desktops and application layers increase.
VU
Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology (201-500 employees)
Our Unidesk solution is being used to simplify virtual desktop management across a few different areas. On the backend the savings in increased disk efficiency and data-deduplication means that our SAN can handle a larger number of desktops and maintain much higher operational IO compared to traditional persistent virtual desktops. Additionally our staff who handle deployments are able to provision and ready a virtual machine in under 10 minutes a desktops with very little technical experience needed for the deployment.
Pros
Increased efficiency of existing/new SAN infrastructure.
Prompt and responsive support.
Ease of deployment.
Efficiencies in workflow transparent to the end-user.
Cons
Disaster recovery options for the Unidesk solution are not easily accessible or require personalized attention from support.
Issues when creating software layers do not always have a obvious fix. Make sure to look for and follow Unidesk's published "recipes."
The software/OS layering introduced by Unidesk is not "sanctioned" behavior by Microsoft, and thus you're at the mercy of Unidesk's ability to keep up with widespread changes to operating systems.
Likelihood to Recommend
<p>Unidesk is well suited to environments where users are accustomed to using personalized and "unique" desktops where as other solutions cater <i>only</i> to standard or non-persistent desktop experiences. The personalization layer present in Unidesk allows users to feel as though they are using a personalized system without the complexities of managing dozens or hundreds of unique systems for users across your company. Updates to existing desktops/layers are accomplished with ease and can easily be done by lower tier support. </p><p>If your deliverable is to provide a persistent desktop experience while maintaining the best density and performance of your infrastructure then Unidesk is a hard solution to beat. </p>
We are in the architect engineering service sector. Our users variy from general office to 3D Cadd/Revit. The best thing about Unidesk is reduced provision time for application assignments. It is used across two of our four offices. I've found Unidesk drastically reduces my time to deploy apps to new hires, and allows for various OS version assignments to different types of users. The other thing that is big is storage saving on our SAN - big ticket item for us.
Pros
The various layers of applications allows me to pick and choose who gets what easily. The best part is these layers can be updated and re-assigned across desktops upon reboot.
Cons
Occasionally if a desktop is left on for too long some weird things happens. For example, the desktop is no longer recognized in AD - it could be AD, removal, etc., but I have checked all these. Refreshing and restoring the VM seems to solve the problem. This happened more than once.
We have redundancy (two) connection brokers - Unidesk has trouble from time to time knowing which one to use it seems.
The rebuild takes too long when the VM is larger. Users would reboot their desktop as a normal routine and they call to reboot thinking their VD is down when it was just taking its time to rebuild the layers (anywhere from 5 to 15 mins. Mostly 15mins).
Likelihood to Recommend
I guess probably Unidesk is best for companies with less than 100 users. I said that because too many layers being rebuilt could take a toll on the system on waiting time. I don't know if the space saving is worth the loss in productivity and users' frustration.
VU
Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology (201-500 employees)
