Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Platform

The VDI Platform has been a free academic service offered by DSI to EPFL users since 2016 and managed by an expert team.
VDI - Students in classroom

VDI – Students in classroom with thin client

The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Platform provides remote access to virtual desktops (Windows / Linux) for education in areas such as data science, IT, networking, biology, architecture and more, supporting everything from student courses & exercises to exams, plus special events.

The VDI Platform has been a free academic service offered by DSI to EPFL users since 2016 and managed by an expert team.

What do we deliver?

  • Access 24/7, anywhere: Work remotely anytime on custom Linux and Windows virtual operating systems with business applications for teaching.
    • Access via Horizon Client on your BYOD (preferred).
    • Web browser https://vdi.epfl.ch.
    • Or on the Thin Clients in IT Classrooms.

  • Focus on teaching, not troubleshooting.
    • No more hardware, software, compatibility or performance issues on students’ BYOD. You need no configuration, licensing, or special requirements to access course applications on the VDI.

  • NVIDIA-accelerated graphics [GPU]
    • Desktop-like experience, lag-free with pixel-perfect support for up to three 4K displays.
    • Support for compute-intensive 3D simulations and ML/AI inference for educational purposes only.

Some Examples

For Teachers

  • Multipurpose VM for course-oriented applications like CATIA, Ansys, Cinema 4D, Rhino, Blender etc… 
  • Exams VM:  Virtual Machines with special configuration tailored made for your security requirements (AI blocking, Internet blocking, etc…).
    Used with Thin Clients, this provides a 100% secure environment with built-in anti-cheating policies and rules. 

For Students

  • Multipurpose VM with instant access / anywhere to a remote virtual desktop with all required applications, API & plugins configurations.
    Avoid compatibility and performance issues, no matter what system you use.
  • Exams VM: Exams take place in a controlled environment. No configuration or troubleshooting time needed.
    Security & Performance is consistent for every student.