Class Link | LaunchPad Virtual Desktop

Class Link | LaunchPad  

http://www.classlink.com/launchpad/

     I recently had a conference call with ClassLink to talk about their Virtual Desktop product.  I was particularly interested since we are constantly battling with different Grade Level images and platform issues with our 1:1 laptop program.  Another consideration for virtual desktop use is the inevitable integration of tablets in the next year or so which is going to make program access and equity across platforms extremely important.

     Virtualizing the Desktop seems like something to strongly consider.  ClassLink boasts the ability to work on any device: laptop (PC or Mac), Chromebook, iPad or iPhone, anything with a web browser built-in.  They did not specifically site Android devices, however those also use web browsers.


I am currently looking into a Demo account to see exactly how much of our software would be available on both platforms.  Apparently it allows the virtualizaiton of Windows applications.  I will have to look into how that translates across the devices that run the MacOS.

Notes:

Launchpad uses Single Sign On and works with Google Apps and Moodle. 

     We would be able to maintain some of the core features even with a virtual desktop.  Integrating with Active Directory reduces the work for maintaining different usernames and passwords.

Virtual Desktop

     The Look + Feel is customizable and could be tailored to match Harker branding.  This would be particularly useful when branching out amongst the Lower School and potentially having young students bringing devices home or on trips.  The desktop would be easily recognized as belonging to Harker.

Windows Apps can be pushed to any device. 

     They did specify Windows apps, which does mean that some applications specific to the Mac platform would only be available to students with Mac laptops or devices.  We currently have the same issue without a virtual desktop so this is not a deal breaker.

Host applications on own server or theirs. 

     ClassLink does offer application hosting.  With our current application list, we could find out what site licensing for particular software would cost through them.  This would also allow a leveling of the playing field when it comes to different campuses using more current versions of software than others.

Virtual desktop allows editing of any document even if you don't have the assigned software.

     A user can open a document on an iPad, edit it and save, and then open the same document on a different device and the changes are there as well.  We have had issues in the past with users changing a network document in one location and then not having those changes when they accessed the document from a different machine.
ClassLink uses ZOHO or Google Docs to read the format of the file the user is accessing and the remote device does not need to have the original software program to open and edit the document.  The example was a Word document being opened on an iPhone that does not have Microsoft Word and the Virtual Desktop used ZOHO to open it.

LaunchPad is completely browser based (Browser agnostic) and works with laptops, iPads, iPhones.  It is built in HTML5 and is compatible with whatever default HTML client is used on the device.  This also translates to access to all files and programs from any internet connection.  This would remove many of the issues we have with faculty and students forgetting where they have saved documents and needing to remember how to access files remotely.

Cloud storage of files is provided. 

     I did not remember the base amount of storage per user.  With Google Drive, Dropbox and Evernote also being considered, space in the cloud is not going to be the issue.

LMS

     While ClassLink does support Moodle, it also has an online class management product that allows many of the same features.  The one feature that looks of particular interest is the live webcast ability.  This would allow absent students or remote students to participate in classes live.


Student self-enrollment
Discussion Board
Pages
Shared Docs
Chalkboard
Live webcast of classes

Can create collaborative docs, shared folders

Instructional Desktop View

Some annotation and real-time whiteboard features built in.  It did not seem like this could replace the use of Doceri with the new Multi-Media Room setup we are testing.  It did look like something worth testing in that students could utilize a live 'whiteboard' space to share with other students or the class.

Admin

Add applications to specified groups.  We would no longer have to test images so intensely.  We can have applications available in a directory and assign them to particular user groups.  this also removes the need to physically touch a machine if a program update or new installation needs to occur.  The Tech department could simply click a user and assign them the new program.  The new program appears on the user's desktop the next time they login.

Reporting

Shows how system is being used

customizable report email lists

most used applications

browsers, operating systems, resolutions

Storage summaries

Demo Account, Try & Buy

$4995 per building or $7/user (if doing multi-bldg) min 500 students


some one-time fees (setup & admin)

$995 (also a trial setup fee 90 days)  Pilot price and then decide to buy or not with subscription pricing







Train the Trainer included in fees



Professional Development optional