The Virtual Access Platform is an alternative service allowing access to office automation, access to business applications, and access to the Internet. This service provides a virtual Windows 7 desktop, which can be accessed by a variety of devices while on the internal ITS network and while working remotely. This platform is intended as a replacement to a traditional physical computing platform.

Service Description

The ITS Virtual Access Platform Service provides a virtual desktop implementation with network access, file and print service, client hardware and software management, incident and problem resolution, and end user service support. Virtual Access, including the provisioning and management of Thin Clients, re-purposed legacy hardware, the ITS PC-on-a-Stick device, and other complementary accessories, can be individually purchased with this Platform. Each device provides access to the Virtual Access Platform and other telework solutions such as Citrix, BPOS Web Access Portals (Outlook and Communicator).

What is included

•  Virtual Access Platform: Includes all applicable components from the Windows 7 Platform Service.
• Virtual Desktop Platform: Virtual Desktop Services provides secure internal and remote access to full desktop environments that are hosted in USDA data centers. Access may be achieved on a variety of devices, including Thin Client hardware, non-GFE computing platforms, mobility devices, and re-provisioned physical devices. Virtual Desktops are intended to replace or supplement traditional workstations in scenarios where the full feature set of the operating system is required; for example, in end user situations where there is a need for local resource access to storage and peripherals, in situations where there is a need for personalized software installation, and in situations where there is a need for full persistence (the ability to retain individual end user personal preferences) across different usage sessions.
• Virtual Access Devices: The following devices are available:
  • Thin/Zero Client Hardware
  • Repurposed legacy hardware as thin clients
  • ITS PC-on-a-stick
  • Mobility Tablets (iPad/Android)
• Complementary security devices are used in combination with the above to secure virtual access. These devices provide a 2-factor authentication mechanism through either:
  • RSA tokens
  • Smart Card Reader with LincPasst

How We Charge

• As a bundled service, charges are based on several cost metrics per approved ITS budgets.
• Virtual access devices are charged distinctly by individual purchase.

Service Level Metrics

Cost Savings Tips

• Using Virtual Access gives customers the option of using lower cost access methods to suit their needs.
• Maintain access to current software packages and customer software via remote methods while using customer provided hardware platforms.
• When a Virtual Access Device is combined with the Virtual Access Platform, computing can be performed using older, end-of-life computers. Instead of having to update these computers with a full hardware refresh, a user can use it as a way to access their new virtual desktop.
• A Virtual Access device may also allow a machine that is not capable of natively running a new operating system (such as Windows 7) to be used as an "access portal" to a Windows 7 virtual desktop, allowing the user to take advantage of the new features of that operating system without requiring a costly upgrade.
• With a thin client device, a user’s current desktop or laptop can be replaced with a low-cost alternative that will offer a computing experience virtually identical to your existing desktop.Teleworkers with PC-on-a-Stick can use personally owned computers while working away from the office.
• Users will be able to access shared and personal home drive data from any location that they can access the Virtual Desktop from. And given the number of different access methods available, users will have vastly improved access to data.

Additional Information

• A customer’s full and thin client workstation hardware can be purchased off of OCIO/ITS blanket purchase agreements (BPAs).
• Use of this service presumes use of ITS Network Services. For those customers where other networks are utilized, custom pricing may be required.