AWS EUC @re:Invent: Managing application deployment in an Amazon WorkSpaces environment

Managing application deployment in large virtual desktop environments is time consuming and challenging. Join me at AWS re:Invent for my chalk talk, EUC 205 – Managing application deployment in an Amazon WorkSpaces environment where I discuss application deployment strategies, and explore ways to manage application deployment using Amazon WorkSpaces at scale with AWS Systems Manager.

Deploying applications has been a challenge ever since desktop computing entered the workplace. The balance between automation, scalability, and personalization has pushed IT administrators to search for mechanisms that can achieve the needs of their organizations. This led to a diverse set of strategies which are often unique in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment.

How is your business currently deploying applications to your corporate end user computing fleet? Does that solution translate to a DaaS platform like Amazon WorkSpaces? Does your team install applications in the golden image or do you deliver your applications once provisioned? How do you scale your deployment?

Application deployment strategies vary based on the business need and user persona. This topic is critical during the whole lifecycle of an Amazon WorkSpaces deployment but should be a priority during the planning stage. While planning, you decide how to deliver line of business (LOB) applications based on unique user persona. Then, the next challenge is how you scale and maintain your application for the lifecycle of your deployment.

By automating the activation of Amazon Workspaces outlined in this supporting blog your organization can now manage your Amazon WorkSpaces deployment with Amazon Systems Manager. Using the hybrid activation feature, you gain operational insight and the ability to deliver software packages to both Linux and Windows WorkSpaces. With an agile solution like Systems Manager, IT administrators can now incorporate LOB applications with automation. This simplifies the need to create a base image for each LOB, and simplifies IT administrators’ image management process to ensure their product is secure, consistent, and easily managed.

To deploy applications with Systems Manager, leverage several features to meet your unique business needs. One feature is AWS Systems Manager Distributor, which helps you package and publish software to managed nodes via a Systems Manager document. Leverage Distributor to deploy software one time by using AWS Systems Manager Run Command or schedule with AWS Systems Manager State Manager. State Manager checks for compliance and installs any targeted software. Use AWS Systems Manager Automation to automate common IT task, enable scripting support with Python and PowerShell, run automations across multiple AWS accounts and regions from a centralized location, and integrate other AWS services, third party automation platforms, and enterprise service managements systems.

To learn more and sign up for this chalk talk visit EUC 205. Rember to also RSVP for our AWS End User Computing Reception Wednesday evening at re:Invent.