Hosted Virtual Desktop Use and Capability
DON CIO Memo - Publish Date: 07/31/13
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This memo discusses Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD), one cost saving possibility under evaluation. With HVD, instead of software loaded onto a computer, a network-centric virtual desktop is provided from a data center, giving the user increased flexibility, mobility, productivity and security.
Subj: HOSTED VIRTUAL DESKTOP (HVD) USE AND CAPABILITY
With the effects of sequestration being felt throughout the Department of the Navy (DON), we must continue to look for innovative ways to decrease our IT spend. One cost saving possibility under evaluation offers the additional benefit of an improved network user experience: the Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD). With HVD, instead of software loaded onto a computer, a network-centric virtual desktop is provided from a data center, giving the user increased flexibility, mobility, productivity and security. Because it is not physically located on a specific device, the desktop can be provided to a wide variety of devices both inside and outside the unclassified Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) network. Other benefits associated with HVD include, but are not limited to:
- Allowing the user to access HVD and files stored on the network from any non-NMCI Common Access Card (CAC)-enabled device
- Centralized security patching and updating
- Reducing requirements for onsite technical support
- Increased security achieved by establishing a secure, non-persistent operating environment for both Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) and non-GFE (i.e., does not allow processing, storing, transmitting, or receiving persistent information to the end user device)
Infrastructure supporting the DON HVD pilot will serve up to 7,500 users. However, current HVD use within NMCI is less than one third that capacity. Therefore, until the limit is reached, all NMCI seats eligible for technical refresh under the Continuity of Services Contract (COSC) will be evaluated for HVD suitability and transitioned as appropriate. Criteria for transition will be based on geographic location relative to supporting infrastructure, application requirements of the user, and number of accounts per seat. All transition efforts must be coordinated and agreed upon between the NMCI program office and the appropriate Echelon II Command Information Officer. Maximizing this pilot will allow the DON to fully evaluate functionality, costs, and risks associated with HVD.
Due to the increased security afforded by HVD, this office has approved the use of personally owned computers with HVD by employees requiring remote access, to include telework and for those whose positions require access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), provided DoD approved CAC middleware is used and other requirements of DoD instruction 1035.01 (telework policy) are followed.
Further rollout of this capability within the DON will be determined at a later date and will be dependent upon favorable feedback consistent with results of this pilot. My point of contact for this matter is Dan DelGrosso, (703) 695-2900, dan.delgrosso@navy.mil.
Request widest dissemination of this memorandum.
Signed by:
Terry A. Halvorsen
Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer