Creating Linked Clones Desktop Pool on Horizon View
Purpose: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides step-by-step instructions for creating a Linked Clones desktop pool on Horizon View. Linked Clones allow you to efficiently deploy and manage a large number of virtual desktops by sharing a base image while providing individual customization and isolation for each user.
Scope: This SOP is intended for administrators or personnel responsible for managing virtual desktop infrastructure using Horizon View.
Procedure:
1. Access the Horizon View Administrator Console:
Launch a web browser and enter the URL for the Horizon View Administrator Console.
Enter your login credentials to authenticate and access the console.
2. Navigate to the Desktop Pools Management section:
In the Horizon View Administrator Console, click on "Inventory" in the left navigation pane.
Select "Desktop" to view the existing desktop pools or create a new one.
3. Create a new desktop pool:
Click on "Add" to initiate the creation of a new desktop pool.
Select "Automated Desktop Pool" or "Manual Desktop Pool"depending on your requirements. For Linked Clones, choose "Automated Desktop Pool."
Enter a name and description for the desktop pool.
Select the vCenter Server where the virtual machines will be provisioned.
Choose the parent virtual machine that will serve as the base image for the linked clones.
Specify the number of desktops or maximum number of desktops to be created.
Configure the user assignment and authentication settings as per your organization's requirements.
Select the appropriate provisioning options, such as whether to create all desktops up front or on-demand.
Configure any additional settings, such as pool identification or vSphere Storage Options, if required.
Review the summary page and click "Finish" to create the desktop pool.
4. Configure pool settings:
Once the desktop pool is created, select the pool from the list and click on "Edit."
Configure the display protocol, session timeout, power policy, and other settings according to your organization's needs.
Modify any other settings related to pool behavior, customization, or access control.
5. Customize desktop pool:
If necessary, customize the desktop pool by installing applications, configuring group policies, or making other modifications to the base image.
Ensure that any required applications or configurations are present in the base image before provisioning the linked clones.
6. Provision the desktop pool:
Select the desktop pool from the list and click on "Entitlements."
Add entitled users or groups who will have access to the desktop pool.
Specify the number of desktops or maximum number of desktops to be assigned to each user.
Save the entitlement settings.
7. Test and validate the desktop pool:
Use a client machine to connect to the Horizon View environment.
Log in with the credentials of an entitled user and verify that a linked clone desktop is successfully provisioned and accessible.
Ensure that any required applications or customizations are available and functioning correctly.
8. Ongoing maintenance and management:
Regularly monitor the performance and health of the desktop pool.
Perform necessary updates, patches, or modifications to the base image and propagate changes to the linked clones.
Maintain adequate storage capacity to accommodate new desktops or user data.
9. Documentation and reporting:
Document the desktop pool configuration, including settings, entitlements, and any customizations made.
Keep records of any issues, resolutions, or changes made to the desktop pool for future reference.
10. Backup and disaster recovery:
Implement a backup strategy to protect the base image and linked clones from data loss or corruption.
Establish a disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in the event of infrastructure failures or other emergencies.
