Currently we use VMWare Ace to package and deploy images to our student computers which then require additional configuration as SysPrep runs. We then snapshot that state so that it can be returned to. But….
VMWare Ace has been discontinued
It has always been buggy causing additional problems and has started to die on us
Our needs are as follows:
- Be able to run three different operating systems (XP, Vista, Win7) Soon adding Win 8
- Run off a standardized image for each VM, which is cloned/copied out to each computer
Needs to comply with all licensing functions for Windows Software
Would be awesome if this process was relatively quick so we can re-do it every 3-6 months
- Be able to return the student machines to their pre-class state on-demand
This would need to account for things like students installing software during class
- Nothing related to the Virtual Machines should be visible while a student is in class, keyboard shortcuts or remote tools should be used for resetting the machines.
- We have a windows domain system, but we do not need it for any of our teaching.
- It would be awesome if this didn't cost us $20k to put in. We have a total of 16 student machines at the moment and I don't see that increasing above 30 anytime soon. I realize we will need a new server and licences, how beefy would the server(s) need to be?
- Specific to VMWare View, can we run PhotoShop properly, that would be our most demanding system.
Thoughts? Comments? Should I head in a different direction?