Let's face it, end-user computing can be complicated. The whole idea of selecting and deploying hardware every year, procuring the equipment, developing and managing images, managing the assets, and then providing technical support for the next three to four years on that device is daunting. There is an easier way, a modern approach to end-user computing, but as with all things technology it comes with its own language and set of acronyms. eLumin is dedicated to making technology easy so that educators can focus on the learning rather than the tech support. In that light, let's break down the alphabet soup that is modern end user computing. 

People throw around terms like VDI, DaaS, Thin Client, Zero Client, Web Client, but what does it all mean and how does it make sense in your environment? Let's start with the difference between VDI and DaaS.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the legacy approach for desktop virtualization. VDI takes a lot of hardware and complicated software, installs it in your basement data center and provides services to your campus users. The idea of VDI is great, but there are challenges around cost, scalability, and performance. 

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a modern and flexible approach for providing virtual desktop environments to your campus. DaaS leverages the power of a public cloud provider, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), allowing you to economically and quickly scale services across your campus freeing up resources and staff to focus on adding value beyond commodity computing services. A real world example of this quick seamless scalability came in a project I was working on to provide virtual desktops inside a classroom environment for a large university. The original scope of the project was to deploy services for 400 students. Two days before go live, I received a request from the academic leadership to instead deploy the platform to over 3,200 students. With DaaS, we were able to scale and deploy on the go live date with no problem.

Now that we have established the flexibility and scalability of DaaS, let's look at how we access the platform. We hear terms thrown around like Thin Client, Zero Client, Web Client, and mobile access, but how do we make sense of it all and what is the best approach for your campus? Thin Clients allow you to repurpose the existing hardware you have in computer labs and across campus, increasing their usable life and allowing you to better leverage that capital investment. eLumin provides the glue to bring all of this together and provides the flexibility to mix and match the right connection methods for your needs. 

Zero Client devices are firmware based terminals with a singular purpose of connecting you to your virtualized desktop environment. You can leverage your existing Zero Client investment with the more modern DaaS approach with a few technical caveats, you must be using a Zero Client that supports the Teradici PCoIP (ideally version 6.x or higher). 

Thin Clients are very lightweight devices that run on highly optimized versions of secured operating systems and provide a more modern approach. For example, IGEL OS, is a next generation operating system specifically designed to convert any device to connect to your DaaS deployment. For those who don't have existing hardware to convert, IGEL also has a series of endpoints running IGEL OS, including a unique offering called UD Pocket - a thin client on a USB key. IGEL's Universal Management Suite allows thin clients to be easily managed and the configurations centrally deployed so that you never have to touch an endpoint again. 

Additional Clients can be used to interact with the Amazon Web Services DaaS offering called WorkSpaces. Not only does WorkSpaces support modern Thin Clients (like the IGEL series) and Zero Clients, but it also supports a web client and several installable clients on macOS, iPad, Windows, Android, Fire Tablet, and Chromebooks. This diversity of clients allows your students, faculty, and staff to access the services they need, when, where, and how they want to work. 

Now that you understand the differences between legacy VDI and the modern scalable approach of DaaS, and have an introduction to the power of IGEL OS and Endpoints, we would like to invite you to join us on June 4, 2019 at 2pm EDT for a co-hosted Webinar with AWS, IGEL, and eLumin. We will be talking about modern end user computing and how eLumin brings the powers of AWS and IGEL together to provide a seamless experience for your students, faculty, and staff. 

About Amazon Web Services

In 2006, Amazon Web Services (AWS) began offering IT infrastructure services to businesses in the form of web services -- now commonly known as cloud computing. One of the key benefits of cloud computing is the opportunity to replace up-front capital infrastructure expenses with low variable costs that scale with your business. With the Cloud, businesses no longer need to plan for and procure servers and other IT infrastructure weeks or months in advance. Instead, they can instantly spin up hundreds or thousands of servers in minutes and deliver results faster.

About IGEL
IGEL is the world leader in providing software-defined endpoint optimization and control solutions for cloud and virtualized workspaces. The company’s world-leading software products include IGEL OS™, IGEL UD Pocket™ (UDP) and Universal Management Suite™ (UMS). These solutions comprise a more secure, manageable and cost-effective endpoint management and control platform across nearly any x86 device. Easily acquired via just two feature-rich software offerings, — Workspace Edition and Enterprise Management Pack — IGEL software presents outstanding value per investment.

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice-enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

McLean, VA - March 18, 2019: Announcing Sandbox Builder, the next evolution in delivering hands-on learning environments that allow students to learn real-world applications and configurations in a safe and secure way. In combination with eLumin's Sandbox, the Sandbox Builder gives instructors, teaching assistances and technical staff the ability to point, click, and deploy multiple operating systems, configurations, and install software to support programs like Cybersecurity, Operating Systems, Malware Analysis, Digital Forensics,  Programming, Big Data and others. 

Key features of the Sandbox Builder include:

• Provision access for students to Classroom Virtual Desktop and Sandbox environments
• Select from a pre-defined service catalog of operating systems including
  • Windows Server 2012/2016/2019
  • CentOS
  • Ubuntu
  • Kali Linux
• Role based access to support Instructors, Teaching Assistants and Site Administrators.
• Approval workflow to ensure cost and integrity of the student experience.
• Create secure environments to mirror real-world scenario learning
• Deploy labs to a single class or multiple classes with the click of a button.
• Develop a catalog of labs for use across campus.
• Effectively manage costs with built-in monitoring and thresholds.
• Fully managed/supported environment.

"Sandbox Builder is a big step forward for the eLumin platform" said Mohammad A. Haque, Senior Vice President. Haque continued "putting the ability to create labs and exercises in the hands of faculty and staff allows instructors to pull in current events into the classroom, the latest cyber hack or malware story from the weekend can be a hands-on immersive learning experience for students on the following Monday." 

Sandbox Builder is available now. If you could like to see Sandbox Builder in action and better understand how the eLumin platform can help your students learn someone from our team would love to speak with you and can be reach at 1.844.4.eLumin (358646) or you request a Product Overview.

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice-enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#aws #workspaces #appstream #edtech #cloud #vdi #daas #virtuallabs #labs #campustech #edstart #cybersecurity #bigdata #malware #programming #forensics 

McLean, VA - February 1, 2019: eLumin welcomes Deanna Mayer, who joins the team as a Program Manager supporting implementations of Classroom Virtual Desktop and Open Access Labs. Deanna holds dual Master's degrees from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in Information Technology Management and Business Administration. and was certified as a PMP in 2017. Deanna has spent the last seven years working with UMUC and AccelerEd delivering cloud-enabled technologies to support learning. Prior to that she was working in operations and cryptography.

"I've had the privilege to work with Deanna for many years, she has been a trusted resource who lives by our core value" said Greg M. Smith, President. "Her hyper-focus on customer needs is evident in each interaction. Deanna is a fantastic addition to the eLumin team."

"I've had some really great opportunities throughout my career" said Deanna when asked why she accepted a position with eLumin? "Being involved in meaningful projects is one part of it, but I am really excited to be on the team because of the company mission and the impact we will have on our students."

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#aws #workspaces #appstream #edtech #cloud #vdi #daas #virtuallabs #labs #campustech #edstart #apn #highered

McLean, VA - January 21, 2019: eLumin is pleased to announce that Steve Schrock has joined the team to support our customers and students using the platform. Steve is a graduate from Goshen College and holds a Masters in Science from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He has spent his entire career in education beginning at the Scottsdale Unified School District as the lead technician responsible for solving problems for the administration, teachers, and students across Scottsdale. He later joined the W.P. Carey School of Business as a Cloud Engineer and holds a certification as a Solutions Architect - Associate from AWS. 

"I'm excited to have Steve as a part of the team" said Greg M. Smith, President. "It is very easy to see Steve's commitment to making learning easier for students. He will be critical in to the support of our customers and students."

"I've had really great opportunities in my career to work in K12 and higher education," said Steve Schrock when asked about joining eLumin "this role is the perfect combination of supporting students with the power of cloud computing. I'm excited to work with the rest of the eLumin team."

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#aws #workspaces #appstream #edtech #cloud #vdi #daas #virtuallabs #labs #campustech #edstart #apn #highered

McLean, VA - December 17, 2018: eLumin is pleased to announce it has reached the next milestone in its relationship with Amazon Web Services. In addition to being members of AWS EdStart, the AWS educational technology (EdTech) startup accelerator, eLumin is now an AWS Standard Consulting partner. Earning this designation was a direct result of the eLumin's demonstrated success for delivering cloud-based solutions to support learning at colleges and universities across the country.

"We have had a long standing deep relationship with AWS, the people, and the services," said Mohammad A. Haque, Senior Vice President, "achieving this next level in our partner standing will only enhance that relationship and benefit the students who use our platform."

eLumin recently announced three products built on AWS to enhance learning and level the technology playing field for students in college. You can read more about in the product announcement and the impact they are having on students by visiting our website.

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#aws #workspaces #appstream #edtech #cloud #vdi #daas #virtuallabs #labs #campustech #edstart #apn #highered

McLean, VA - October 29, 2018: eLumin is excited to announce three new product offerings designed to replace legacy, expensive, and complicated virtual desktop solutions. Over the last several months we have met with campus technology leaders across the country. With their feedback and a long history of industry experience, we have designed our new products with your students, faculty, and staff in mind. Built in the public cloud Open Access Labs, Classroom Virtual Desktops, and Virtual Applications provide a scalable, resilient, and economical way to ensure that technology does not get in the way of learning or productivity. Powered by Amazon Web Services, eLumin's cloud-native products provide peace of mind knowing they can scale during peak times on campus and you won't have students, faculty, or staff waiting to use critical technology resources.

Some of the highlights of each product are outlined below, but be sure to see our product pages for more detailed information.

Open Access Labs - Pooled and non-persistent environment

Ideal replacement for expensive physical computer labs across campus.

• Access from anywhere, almost any device with an Internet connection.
• Leverage existing SSO/SAML authentication services.
• Entirely web-based, nothing to install.
• Accessible from macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS clients.
• Available in Windows 7 or Windows 10.
• Leverage existing licensing if available.
• Define a burst capacity to meet the needs of your peak periods of usage.
• Software delivery based on end-user characteristics (major, course, class section, etc).
• Support for IP/Cloud printing.
• Access to campus resources (ie: license server, etc) as necessary.
• Fully managed/supported environment.

Classroom Virtual Desktops - Dedicated and persistent environment

Provide access to the latest real-world software and environments to students in the classroom.

• Persistent virtual desktop follows a student through a course, program, or lifetime at the school - defined by business rules.
• Entirely web-based, nothing to install
• Accessible from macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS clients.
• Available in Windows 7 or Windows 10.
• Leverage existing licensing if available.
• Software delivery based on end-user characteristics (major, course, class section, etc).
• Introduce complex hands-on learning through a secure sandbox.
• Support for IP/Cloud printing.
• Access to campus resources (ie: license server, etc) as necessary.
• Fully managed/supported environment.

Virtual Applications - When the whole desktop isn't needed

Perfect when a full desktop environment isn't needed but users still need access to Windows-based applications.

• Deliver a wide variety of applications from the most simple application to complex GPU, CPU, or memory intensive applications such as those used in 3D design and engineering.
• Software delivery based on end-user characteristics (major, course, class section, etc).
• Multiple directory-based integration options.
• Support for IP/Cloud printing.
• Support for HTML5 browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge.
• Fully managed/supported environment.

If you are in Denver for EDUCAUSE 2018, be sure to schedule a time at the eLumin Suite to discuss how we can help you support your technology needs on campus. If you want to learn more but have a packed schedule in Denver or aren't able to make it to EDUCAUSE setup a web conference, please contact us here.

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. We deliver cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice-enabled technologies to increase engagement on campus and support enhance learning outcomes. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#edu18 #aws #workspaces #appstream #edtech #cloud #vdi #daas #virtuallabs #labs #campustech #edstart #awsmarketplace

McLean, VA - October 28, 2018: eLumin is pleased to announce the formation of it's Board of Advisors. The advisors will help guide eLumin in shaping its strategy and defining the next generation of technology to enhance the student experience across campus.

"We are excited to bring together such an amazing team of advisors. The wealth of experience in education technology, product development, and operations will be incredibly valuable to the success of our customers and the rest of the eLumin team" said Greg M. Smith, President and co-founder of eLumin.

When asked why he joined the eLumin Board of Advisors Jason Reed replied, "eLumin has a great vision to change the student experience from computer labs to the way students interact with other campus resources. I'm looking forward to working with Ben and Shaun to support the team at eLumin."

The advisory board is comprised of the following individuals:

• Ben Brown, Chief Technology Officer at Definers Public Affairs
• Shaun Fanning, Chief Product Officer at Intellispark
• Jason W. Reed, Business and Technology Consultant

For more information about the eLumin management and advisor teams, please visit About Us.

McLean, VA - September 7, 2018: eLumin was selected this week to join the AWS EdStart program. The AWS educational technology (EdTech) startup accelerator, is designed to help entrepreneurs build the next generation of online learning, analytics, and campus management solutions on the AWS Cloud. The program is designed to enable EdTech startups to move faster with specially tailored benefits.

Mohammad A. Haque co-founder and SVP of Engineering at eLumin said "AWS has been an amazing partner to eLumin, both in the people we have been working with and the technology that helps to drive our student-centric Desktop as a Service platform. We are excited to join an amazing group of companies whose primary purpose is to solve problems in education."

"We have a long history of working with Amazon Web Services in education from cloud migrations, strategy and development to support learning in the classroom. The interaction with AWS goes way beyond that of a traditional vendor relationship, they are truly a valued partner in the work that we do" said Greg M. Smith, co-founder and President of eLumin.

About eLumin

eLumin was founded on the belief that technology should never stand in the way of student learning. Delivering on cloud-based solutions for Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and voice enabled technologies to advance the student experience. To learn more about eLumin, please visit elumin.co.

#edtech #aws #cloud #edstart #startup