Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for virtual desktop infrastructure optimization. A computing device can create a plurality of predictions for future demand for the VDI, each of the plurality of predictions using a respective one of a plurality of resource models, each representing a separate approach to predict future demand for the VDI. Then, the computing device can calculate a plurality of anticipated resource costs, each of the plurality of anticipated resource costs being based at least in part on a respective one of the plurality of predictions for future demand for the VDI. Moreover, the computing device can include, within a user interface, the plurality of predictions for future demand and the plurality of anticipated resource costs. Then, the computing device can implement a resource model from the plurality of resource models to manage an allocation of resources for the VDI in response to a selection of the resource model through the user interface.

Abstract: A system is described for authenticating a user on a client device using the user's mobile device and utilizing the audio channel. An authentication server receives a request from the client to initiate a session for the user, creates the session, and sends a session token back to the client along with a request for authentication. The client broadcasts an audio transmission containing the token to the mobile device over an audio channel using data-over-sound transmission. The mobile device receives the transmission via a microphone, obtains the token and the server identity from the transmission, and sends user credentials that are stored on the mobile device along with the token identifying the session directly to the authentication server. The server verifies the received credentials, confirms the token, and logs the user into the session.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a host to perform authentication offload in a virtualized computing environment that includes the host and a destination server. The method may comprise detecting, from a virtualized computing instance, a packet destined for the destination server. The method may also comprise: in response to determination that the detected packet is an authentication request, obtaining, from the virtualized computing instance, metadata associated with a client application for which authentication is requested; and sending the authentication request and the metadata to the destination server to cause the destination server to authenticate the client application based on the metadata.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for grouping remote desktop sessions on servers in remote desktop environments according to predicted user logoff times so that sessions with similar predicted logoff times can be placed together on the servers, allowing for more efficient utilization of servers. A user can request a virtual desktop session. Once the request is received, a predicted logoff time for the session can be determined and the session can be placed on one of available host servers based on the predicted logoff time. Different logoff time ranges can be assigned to different servers and sessions can be grouped on the servers according to predicted logoff time.

Abstract: A method to improve virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) user experience includes providing a user access to a first virtual desktop executing a first set of applications and having a first virtual machine (VM) configuration, collecting VDI performance metrics associated with the first virtual desktop, detecting a problem from the VDI performance metrics, and changing a first remote display protocol configuration to address the problem. The method further includes collecting the user's feedback, training a model with the first VM configuration, the first set of applications, the user's feedback, and the first remote display protocol configuration, receiving a second VM configuration for a second virtual machine providing a second virtual desktop and a second set of applications on the second virtual desktop, using the model to generate a second remote display protocol configuration for the second virtual desktop, and configuring the second virtual desktop with the second remote display protocol configuration.

Abstract: A method to improve virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) user experience includes providing a user access to a first virtual desktop executing a first set of applications and having a first virtual machine (VM) configuration, collecting VDI performance metrics associated with the first virtual desktop, detecting a problem from the VDI performance metrics, and changing a first remote display protocol configuration to address the problem. The method further includes collecting the user's feedback, training a model with the first VM configuration, the first set of applications, the user's feedback, and the first remote display protocol configuration, receiving a second VM configuration for a second virtual machine providing a second virtual desktop and a second set of applications on the second virtual desktop, using the model to generate a second remote display protocol configuration for the second virtual desktop, and configuring the second virtual desktop with the second remote display protocol configuration.

Abstract: A system can allow a user to continue using a virtual machine while a background reboot occurs on a clone of the virtual machine. A backup agent operating on a server can receive a request from a virtual machine operating in an active state, to complete a reboot operation without operational interruption. A hypervisor can clone the virtual machine. During and after cloning, the backup agent can cause a filter agent to capture changes to the virtual machine. The virtual machine clone can notify the backup agent that the reboot is complete. Changes made in the interim on the virtual machine can be integrated on the virtual machine clone. Then the hypervisor can transition usage from the virtual machine to the virtual machine clone.

Abstract: A system is described for authenticating a user on a client device using the user's mobile device and utilizing the audio channel. An authentication server receives a request from the client to initiate a session for the user, creates the session, and sends a session token back to the client along with a request for authentication. The client broadcasts an audio transmission containing the token to the mobile device over an audio channel using data-over-sound transmission. The mobile device receives the transmission via a microphone, obtains the token and the server identity from the transmission, and sends user credentials that are stored on the mobile device along with the token identifying the session directly to the authentication server. The server verifies the received credentials, confirms the token, and logs the user into the session.

Abstract: A system can allow a user to continue using a virtual machine while a background reboot occurs on a clone of the virtual machine. A backup agent operating on a server can receive a request from a virtual machine operating in an active state, to complete a reboot operation without operational interruption. A hypervisor can clone the virtual machine. During and after cloning, the backup agent can cause a filter agent to capture changes to the virtual machine. The virtual machine clone can notify the backup agent that the reboot is complete. Changes made in the interim on the virtual machine can be integrated on the virtual machine clone. Then the hypervisor can transition usage from the virtual machine to the virtual machine clone.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a host to perform authentication offload in a virtualized computing environment that includes the host and a destination server. The method may comprise detecting, from a virtualized computing instance, a packet destined for the destination server. The method may also comprise: in response to determination that the detected packet is an authentication request, obtaining, from the virtualized computing instance, metadata associated with a client application for which authentication is requested; and sending the authentication request and the metadata to the destination server to cause the destination server to authenticate the client application based on the metadata.