Virtual Desktop

Fordham IT is developing more effective ways of bringing computer power and information storage to the University community.  Fordham connects to IT using a wide and growing range of devices-- and from all over the world - from laptops to mobile phones and  smart devices.  The community wants all their information and 'apps' quickly and effectively including information and systems that were traditionally housed solely on desktops/laptops. 

Fordham IT is offering a solution to meet these needs a University-wide "virtual desktop".  We are moving computing power and storage that was located on the desktop or other local device to secure and reliable University servers so that you can access it from any point on the network. We expect that the “virtual desktop” will significantly improve customer service in a world of rapidly changing technology and reduce current cost and complexity of University IT operations. 

Files, projects, and programs will be located on the server which will allow you to access files from any computer on campus simply by logging in to the virtual desktop or other similar device.  In addition, using virtual desktops will ensure that software will be up to date and ready to go since all system and program software will be updated routinely and remotely at the server.  During spring 2012, we are implementing a pilot program as part of a New York State e-learning grant for technology infrastructure and installing virtual machines in student labs and public access areas. In the fall we are evaluating the pilot and will propose to move forward with implementation of the "virtual desktop" in other areas of the University.