A private cloud infrastructure for desktop virtualization & application delivery based on Xen

Abstract

Todays computing environment requires IT departments to confront more PC management challenges than they did just a few years ago. With the increment in the complexity of software, more computing power is required for their execution resulting in cost and maintenance to surge up. Additional challenges stem from the need to access applications and data anywhere and from any device. To reduce maintenance, cost and time, desktop virtualization and application delivery come handy. Desktop virtualization prospects to offer a new, cost efficient paradigm shift to cater the demand for resources while amplifying the return on investment. Additionally, desktop virtualization can provide more dynamic streamlined management by isolating the elements of the traditional desktop computing stack. So, virtualized desktop is the key to progress towards a pervasive computing in cloud computing era. As the pace of cloud adoption accelerates, a high degree of flexibility will be the clue to architecting environments that provide for highly secure and available application delivery. This thesis describes the design, installation and deployment of a private cloud using Xen open sourced software solutions within the organization. A private cloud is setup in a virtualized environment of VMware hypervisor for virtual desktop delivery and application streaming to remote users on the LAN through a browser interface over a secured connection. The users of this service would be able to remotely login and access the virtual environment using the given authorized id over the browser.