Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV) is a software solution that allows organizations to deliver applications and desktops as a service. It separates the operating system, applications, and user data from the end-user device, allowing workers to access their digital workspace from any device.
SWV provides a virtualized workspace that includes everything an end user needs to be productive – applications, data, settings etc. This workspace follows the user regardless of device or location. Some of the key capabilities and benefits of Symantec Workspace Virtualization include:
What is Symantec Workspace Virtualization?
Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV) is a VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) solution developed by Symantec Corporation. It allows enterprises to deploy virtualized desktops and applications to their users efficiently and securely.
SWV separates the desktop environment and apps from the physical client device, enabling users to access their workspace from any device, anytime, anywhere. This improves workforce mobility, business continuity, and security.
Some of the key features and capabilities of Symantec Workspace Virtualization include:
Virtual Desktops and Apps
SWV allows organizations to deliver virtual desktops and applications to users as an on-demand service. Users can access their personalized Windows, Linux, web, or SaaS applications and desktops from any device.
Device Support
SWV supports a wide range of endpoints, including PCs, Macs, thin clients, tablets, smartphones, etc. Users can switch between devices and still access the same unified workspace.
Delivery Models
SWV supports multiple desktop and application delivery models including persistent VDI, non-persistent VDI, hosted shared desktops, and application virtualization. Organizations can choose the right model based on their needs.
Management and Automation
SWV provides a unified management console for provisioning, deploying, patching, updating, and managing thousands of virtual desktops and apps from a central location. Automation helps reduce IT management overheads.
Security and Compliance
SWV offers multi-layer security, such as data encryption, network security, and role-based access policies, to protect sensitive data. It also helps meet compliance requirements like HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.
Scalability and High-Availability
SWV leverages VMware and Citrix technologies to provide scalable VDI deployments supporting thousands of users. Built-in high-availability features maximize uptime.
Integration and Customization
SWV integrates with Active Directory, PKI, antivirus tools, and other enterprise systems. The workspace can also be customized with corporate branding.
How Symantec Workspace Virtualization Works
Symantec Workspace Virtualization enables IT teams to create unified digital workspaces for their end users and deliver them securely across devices and locations. Here is an overview of its architecture and how the various components work together:
Centralized Management
SWV has a centralized management server that oversees all operational aspects of the VDI environment. It provisions desktops and apps, assigns policies, optimizes resources, and provides a unified admin console.
Hypervisor Layer
The virtual desktops and apps run on hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V hosted on physical servers. This decouples the desktop environment from the end-user hardware.
Virtual Delivery Agents
Software agents like VMware Horizon or Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) run on each virtual machine to enable connectivity. They establish secure connections between end devices and virtual resources.
Remote Connectivity
Users leverage thin native clients or repurposed PCs installed with remote connectivity software to access their virtual workspace over the network. The workspace looks and feels like a regular desktop.
User Profile Management
SWV provides roaming profiles and folder redirection to allow users to access their personalized settings, data, and desktops from any registered device. Profiles are dynamically assembled at login.
Storage and Backup
The centralized virtual disks holding the operating systems, applications, and user data reside on high-performance shared storage like a SAN. Backups can be scheduled to facilitate disaster recovery.
This architecture allows users to access virtual Windows or Linux desktops and hosted applications from a wide variety of devices while keeping data secure on the backend.
Key Components and Technologies
Symantec Workspace Virtualization utilizes several software components and technologies to deliver its capabilities:
Symantec Workspace Virtualization Manager
This is the centralized management server that oversees the functioning of the entire SWV environment. It allows IT admins to control, automate, and optimize the end-to-end workspace delivery.
Symantec Endpoint Virtualization Suite
This is the client-side software installed on endpoint devices like PCs and thin clients. It includes agents for communication, authentication, and HDX/ICA acceleration to enhance the virtual workspace experience.
Hypervisor Platforms
SWV supports VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisors. The choice depends on the organization’s existing infrastructure and virtualization stack. VMware tools like Horizon View are utilized for workspace delivery on top of vSphere.
Active Directory
SWV integrates with Microsoft Active Directory for identity management and access control. Users log in with their AD credentials and access permitted resources based on AD group policies.
Storage Solutions
The virtual hard disks hosting desktop OS, apps, and data are stored on shared storage platforms like SAN, NAS, or vSAN. SWV supports leading storage technologies from vendors like NetApp, Dell, HPE, etc.
Network Infrastructure
A robust and secure network infrastructure connecting endpoints, hypervisors, storage, and other backend components is critical for optimal SWV performance. SWV partners with Cisco, Aruba, and other networking vendors.
By combining these elements, SWV provides a comprehensive workspace virtualization solution tailored to the needs of large enterprises. The modular architecture allows the swapping of individual components based on infrastructure preferences.
Benefits and Use Cases
Symantec Workspace Virtualization offers organizations several benefits that make a compelling case for adoption:
Improved Business Agility
SWV’s fast, centralized provisioning of desktops and apps enables IT to respond faster to changing business needs. New workspaces can be spun up quickly for new hires, temporary workers etc.
Enhanced Mobility and Productivity
By untethering the workspace from devices, SWV provides access from anywhere, anytime. Employees can work seamlessly across locations without data loss or disruption.
Multi-Device Support
SWV allows users to access the unified workspace using any device, such as desktops, laptops, thin clients, tablets, or even smartphones. Users can switch between devices conveniently.
Increased IT Efficiency
Automated management of the VDI environment reduces repetitive tasks for IT teams. Patches, upgrades, and policies can be rolled out to thousands of desktop instances easily.
Better Data Security
Centralizing applications and data in the data centre enhances security and compliance. Data does not leave the protected perimeter, reducing endpoint theft or loss risks. Fine-grained access controls improve security.
Simplified Regulatory Compliance
SWV helps meet stringent regulatory mandates around data privacy (HIPAA, GDPR), financial compliance (PCI DSS, SOX), and industry regulations. Centralized controls and auditing simplify compliance processes.
Lower TCO
SWV requires lower upfront capital expenditures than traditional PCs and desktop software. The consolidated infrastructure also reduces overall IT management costs in the long run.
Some common use cases where Workspace Virtualization delivers value:
Enabling Remote/Mobile Workforce
SWV allows employees to work from anywhere, anytime while ensuring data security. It facilitates business continuity and productivity for remote employees.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures
During times of flux like mergers, acquisitions or divestitures, SWV can rapidly provision or de-provision secure access to facilitate employee transitions.
Temporary Workforce Enablement
SWV makes it easy to provide secure, temporary desktop access for contractors, seasonal workers, etc. Access can be revoked immediately after use.
Disaster Recovery
In the event of failures, disasters or pandemics, employees can work from home through virtual workspaces provisioned rapidly by SWV.
Multi-Shift Task Workers
For factories, call centers, etc., involving multi-shift task workers using shared workstations, SWV provides fresh, disposable desktops for each shift.
Software Development
SWV enhances developer productivity by allowing them to test across multiple environments and endpoints without affecting their main desktop.
Implementing Symantec Workspace Virtualization
Deploying Symantec Workspace Virtualization involves detailed planning, design, implementation, and post-deployment management:
Assess Requirements
Assessing the current state of endpoints, infrastructure, applications, and usage patterns is important. This helps size the SWV deployment appropriately and plan the migration.
Design the Architecture
The architecture should be designed considering factors like number of users, applications required, security policies, redundancy levels, and performance needs.
Select Supporting Infrastructure
The hypervisor platform, storage, networking, and backend systems need to be sized and selected as per requirements. SWV supports flexible implementation with different infra combinations.
Install SWV Components
The Workspace Virtualization Manager, Endpoint Virtualization Suite, hypervisors, and other SWV components must be installed and licensed. Integration with AD, storage, and network infrastructure is required.
Create Golden Images
The master template desktops and application packages with standardized configurations are created based on the needs of different user groups within the organization.
Configure Policies and Entitlements
User access policies, security settings, bandwidth throttling rules, backup schedules, and other aspects need to be configured centrally based on roles.
Deploy Virtual Workspaces
The golden images are used to rapidly deploy hundreds or thousands of personalized virtual desktops and assign application entitlements as per the entitlement matrix.
Manage and Update
Day-to-day management involves monitoring usage, applying patches and upgrades, adding/removing applications, adjusting policies, and handling user lifecycle activities.
Optimize Performance
Ongoing performance tuning activities like load balancing across hosts, storage optimization, image management, and WAN optimization help enhance efficiency.
Thorough planning and adoption of ITIL practices for service transition can help smoothen the implementation while minimizing disruptions to end users.
Comparison with Alternatives
Some of the alternatives to Symantec Workspace Virtualization in the VDI space include:
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
Citrix provides the market-leading Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) for virtually accessing Windows apps and desktops. It supports broad device coverage and the HDX stack for performance and integrates well with Microsoft environments.
VMware Horizon View
It enables the delivery of virtualized workspaces powered by VMware hypervisors. It seamlessly integrates with other VMware tools like vSAN and NSX and provides an optimized end-user experience.
Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop
Azure-hosted Windows 10 multi-session desktops and apps that can be accessed remotely. Tight integration with Microsoft ecosystem. Good for cloud-first implementations.
Amazon WorkSpaces
Fully managed cloud VDI service from AWS. It is quick and inexpensive to deploy but offers limited customization and reliance on AWS.
Nutanix Xi Frame
Hyperconverged infrastructure from Nutanix combined with native VDI capabilities. Leverages Nutanix AHV hypervisor and tight integration across stack.
Symantec Workspace Virtualization differentiates itself through:
- Unified management across on-prem and cloud infrastructures
- Agnostic support for hypervisors, network, storage, and hardware vendors
- Focus on enhanced security, compliance, and data protection
- Rich client-side optimizations for multimedia and 3D applications
- Independent solution with no vendor lock-in
Organizations should evaluate their needs, environment, and use cases to choose the ideal virtualization platform for their requirements.
Choosing Between On-Premises vs Cloud Deployment
Organizations can choose to deploy Symantec Workspace Virtualization on-premises or on the cloud. The following factors should be considered when deciding between the two approaches:
On-Premises SWV
- Better performance for graphically intense apps due to the proximity of backend resources
- Complete control and customization of virtual infrastructure
- Leverage existing on-prem investments in hardware, hypervisors etc.
- Meet security and compliance needs around data sovereignty
- Suitable for regulated industries like financial services, healthcare etc.
Cloud-hosted SWV
- Faster deployment leveraging cloud scalability and elasticity
- Usage-based pricing model, avoids large upfront CapEx
- Managed service benefits like automatic updates, maintenance etc.
- Flexibility to scale up/down capacity based on changing demand
- Multi-region capabilities for geographic expansion and redundancy
When deciding between on-prem or cloud, organizations should consider parameters like application type, compliance needs, in-house expertise, budget, and business agility. A hybrid model is also possible to reap the benefits of both.
Best Practices for SWV Deployments
Following some of the key best practices can help organizations optimize their Symantec Workspace Virtualization environment:
- Choose the right hypervisor – Assess application needs and infrastructure when choosing between VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V or Citrix XenServer as hypervisor platform.
- Standardize configurations – To simplify management, create a limited set of standardized golden images for desktops and apps.
- Implement QoS policies – Configure network quality of service (QoS) policies to prioritize virtual desktop traffic and ensure optimal performance.
- Storage performance tuning – Size and configure SAN/NAS storage appropriately to meet capacity and IOPS requirements considering boot storms.
- Use session scaling – Leverage non-persistent desktops or flexible app assignment to scale up/down sessions based on usage patterns.
- Profile user groups – Analyze usage data to categorize users into groups and assign resources accordingly for efficiency.
- Backup offline VMs – Leverage backup tools that can capture offline or powered down desktop VMs also for comprehensive backups.
- Monitor infrastructure – Actively monitor various infrastructure components like hosts, storage, network etc. for capacity management.
- Manage images – Limit image sprawl using versioning and automated cleanup of outdated images.
- Secure endpoints – Use device security features like full-disk encryption, firewall, antimalware on endpoints accessing the virtual workspaces.
Adopting these best practices can optimize investments in Symantec Workspace Virtualization and enhance the longevity of the VDI environment.
The Future of Workspace Virtualization
Workspace virtualization solutions like Symantec’s are likely to continue evolving to align with emerging technology trends and changing workplace dynamics.
Some possible areas of innovation for the future include:
- Cloud-hosted offerings – Broader adoption of VDI solutions offered through public cloud platforms for convenience and agility.
- Improved remote work support – Enhanced capabilities to enable secure remote work through any device, from any location.
- Intelligent provisioning – Self-service delivery models leveraging AI/ML to provision personalized desktops and apps tailored to user needs instantly.
- Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) – Tighter integration between VDI platforms and UEM tools for centralized visibility and control across user devices.
- Containerized apps – Broader support for containerized Windows/Linux applications that can run across any virtual environment.
- Augmented/VR capabilities – Solutions optimized for use cases involving immersive computing, such as design, engineering, training, etc.
- Edge computing integration – Localized computing, storage and network capabilities to deliver virtual workspaces to distributed endpoints.
As enabling technologies evolve, workspace virtualization platforms will adapt to new paradigms while providing enhanced user experience, security and agility.
Conclusion
In summary, Symantec Workspace Virtualization enables the modern digital workspace by separating applications and desktops from the underlying devices. This offers benefits like enhanced mobility, security, compliance, and IT efficiency.
SWV provides a unified management server to streamline and automate the delivery of virtualized resources across locations. It integrates with hypervisors, storage systems, networks, and end-user devices to provide the complete workspace virtually using a modular, vendor-agnostic architecture.
With the ability to choose between on-prem or cloud deployment, along with Hyper-V and vSphere support, SWV offers flexible options for most enterprise needs. Following best practices for implementation, management, and performance tuning can maximize the benefits for organizations adopting workspace virtualization.
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