AWS WorkSpaces – Creating a WorkSpace Using an AD Connector

As a continuation of the AWS WorkSpaces series, I'll detail the steps to deploy a WorkSpace into an Active Directory domain using a customized WorkSpace bundle in this post. Creating a WorkSpace Using an AD Connector Within the AWS console, click WorkSpaces under the Desktop & App Streaming heading. On the WorkSpaces page, click WorkSpaces … Continue reading AWS WorkSpaces – Creating a WorkSpace Using an AD Connector

AWS WorkSpaces – Building a Customized Image Bundle

A standard procedure in any VDI deployment is to create a customized "gold image".  A gold image is simply a template machine on which the computing environment (OS, updates, applications, etc.) is customized to meet the needs of an organization, and this image then serves as the foundation from which copies/virtual desktops are built.  There … Continue reading AWS WorkSpaces – Building a Customized Image Bundle

AWS WorkSpaces – Creating an AD Connector

In order to join an AWS WorkSpace to and then login using existing "on-prem" Active Directory domain credentials, a WorkSpace directory using an AD Connector must be created. Amazon WorkSpaces uses a directory to store and manage information for your WorkSpaces and users. AD Connector Prerequisites Before jumping directly into creating the AD Connector, be … Continue reading AWS WorkSpaces – Creating an AD Connector

Thinking about AWS WorkSpaces….

Recently, two events got me thinking more and more about AWS WorkSpaces.  What is AWS Workspaces?  Basically it's VDI on AWS, but here's the official AWS definition/description: Amazon WorkSpaces enables you to provision virtual, cloud-based Microsoft Windows or Amazon Linux desktops for your users, known as WorkSpaces.  Amazon WorkSpaces eliminates the need to procure and deploy … Continue reading Thinking about AWS WorkSpaces….

Can’t deploy Citrix Receiver with the CLI when using NetScalers?!?!

As I begin typing this post, I'm not sure if this post will end up being informational, a plea, a rant, or some combination of all three.  Maybe it's just me, and I'm fully aware and able to accept that in all likelihood it probably is, but my biggest pain point when deploying new Citrix … Continue reading Can’t deploy Citrix Receiver with the CLI when using NetScalers?!?!

2018 AWS Public Sector Notes – Cost Optimization on AWS

As promised through Twitter, here are my notes from my second Thursday morning session from last week’s AWS Public Sector Summit in Washington, DC.  This session, on AWS Cost Optimization led by Matt Johnson, was packed!  Honestly, I was a little surprised by that initially though I’m not sure why….I mean, I have my AWS … Continue reading 2018 AWS Public Sector Notes – Cost Optimization on AWS

2018 AWS Public Summit Notes – Culture Shock: How a Legacy, Siloed Organization Can Move to the Cloud

In this session, which was filled to overflowing, Sherry Stevens of NAIC and Jeffrey Olson of The College Board discussed their organizations journey to the AWS cloud.  I found it interesting to hear their thoughts and appreciated that both organizations were in different stages of their cloud journey.  NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) is … Continue reading 2018 AWS Public Summit Notes – Culture Shock: How a Legacy, Siloed Organization Can Move to the Cloud