Delta Disk Mechanism for Offline Desktop Virtual Machine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server-based computing experiences suboptimal performance for graphic-intensive applications and local devices, and user access is limited to online connectivity, while client-side computing introduces management inefficiencies for enterprises.
Innovation Solution
Extending server-based desktop-virtual machine architecture to client machines, allowing remote desktop access with a delta disk mechanism that enables local access without network connection by creating a copy of the virtual disk on the client system, allowing users to access their desktops offline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If server-based computing is used to access remote desktop, then centralized management of computing resources is facilitated, but user access is limited to online connectivity and local devices may not operate as desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the desktop environment into two independent components: the virtual machine running on the server and the delta disk file stored locally on the client. This segmentation allows the desktop to be accessed remotely when connected and locally when offline, resolving the contradiction between centralized management and access flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the virtual disk (delta disk) from the server and stores it locally on the client system. This copy enables the user to access their desktop offline without requiring continuous network connectivity, while the server retains the master copy for centralized management and updates.
2Ease of operation
If client-side computing is used to work offline, then access without network connection is enabled, but enterprise management inefficiencies occur for updates and security enforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the client system periodically checks for updates to the virtual machine and delta disk from the server. This ensures that offline workstations remain synchronized with the centralized server, maintaining security policies and updates while enabling offline operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-configures the virtual machine and delta disk with all necessary updates, security policies, and configurations before the client needs them. This preliminary action ensures that when the client goes offline, it has the latest versions of all system files and security updates, eliminating the need for real-time network connectivity for management tasks.
3Ease of operation
If a full virtual disk is copied to enable offline access, then local access is achieved, but storage space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of copying the entire virtual disk, the system only copies the delta disk portion, which contains only the changes and differences from the base virtual machine image. This approach stores only the necessary data locally, significantly reducing storage space requirements while still enabling full offline access to the user's desktop environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A server-based desktop-virtual machines architecture may be extended to a client machine. In one embodiment, a user desktop is remotely accessed from a client system. The remote desktop is generated by a first virtual machine running on a server system, which may comprise one or more server computers. During execution of the first virtual machine, writes to a corresponding virtual disk are directed to a delta disk file or redo log. A copy of the virtual disk is created on the client system. When a user decides to “check out” his or her desktop, the first virtual machine is terminated (if it is running) and a copy of the delta disk is created on the client system. Once the delta disk is present on the client system, a second virtual machine can be started on the client system using the virtual disk and delta disk to provide local access to the user's desktop at the client system. This allows the user to then access his or her desktop without being connected to a network.