User Layer Migration Between VDI and RDS Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
User persistent data in desktop virtualization environments is challenging to seamlessly move between different operating system computing environments, such as from individual compute environments (VDI) to session host environments (RDS), due to compatibility issues with file system and registry objects.
Innovation Solution
A virtual server processor retrieves a user layer from a personalization container, modifies it to ensure compatibility with the target operating system, and mounts it to create a single composited layered image, using a migration policy to adjust specific file system and registry objects, allowing seamless data transfer between VDI and RDS environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user persistent data is moved between different operating system computing environments (e.g., VDI to RDS), then flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but compatibility issues with file system and registry objects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a migration policy as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the source operating system computing environment and the target operating system computing environment. This migration policy contains rules and mappings that translate file system and registry objects from the source environment to be compatible with the target environment, resolving the compatibility issues that arise when moving user persistent data between different virtualization environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying file system and registry objects according to the migration policy. The migration policy transforms the parameters and structure of these objects to match the target operating system's requirements, enabling seamless migration while maintaining compatibility. This involves changing path references, registry keys, and other system parameters to align with the target environment's configuration.
2Ease of operation
If profile data persistence is provided to users, then user experience improves, but IT cost of supporting the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user data into different layers: the operating system layer, the application layer, and the user persistent data layer. This segmentation allows the user persistent data to be independently managed and migrated without requiring migration of the entire operating system or application environment. The migration policy operates specifically on the user data layer, reducing the scope and cost of migration while maintaining full user persistence.
3Reliability
If user layer is modified to ensure compatibility with target operating system, then compatibility improves, but complexity of the migration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the migration policy before the actual migration process begins. The migration policy is prepared in advance with all the necessary rules, mappings, and transformation logic for converting file system and registry objects from the source operating system to the target operating system. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual migration execution, as the system only needs to apply the pre-established rules rather than dynamically determining compatibility transformations during migration.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual server includes at least one processor to retrieve a user layer from a user's personalization container, and initiate mounting of the user layer to a target operating system. During the mounting, the at least one processor determines that the user layer did not originate with the target operating system. The user layer is modified so that file system objects and registry objects are compatible with the target operating system. Mounting of the modified user layer is completed to create a single composited layered image.