For Citrix-based virtual environments, the Citrix RealTime Optimization Pack is recommended. (Thin client devices using these operating systems and supported by Microsoft include: Dell Wyse Z90D7, Dell Wyse R90L7, Dell Wyse X90m7, HP t610 and HP t5740e.) This plug-in is still supported, but no future updates are planned.

The plug-in does not require a Skype for Business client to be installed on the local computer or thin client, which must run Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows Server 2008 operating systems. It's a stand-alone application that installs on the local computer and allows the use of local audio and video devices with a client on a virtual desktop. The Lync VDI plug-in was developed for Lync 2013 and is compatible with either the Lync 2013 or Skype for Business 2015 client running on a virtual desktop. The original Lync VDI Plug-in is still supported for the remainder of its lifecycle. For new deployments, Microsoft recommends using either the Citrix HDX RealTime Optimization Pack solution or the VMWare Horizon Virtualization Pack. There are three solutions available for the VDI plug-in component, offered by Microsoft, Citrix, or VMWare. Additional VDI plug-in software is available that offloads that processing to the end user's local machine, and reduces the load on the virtual desktop. Using Skype for Business with full audio and video on a connection like that requires heavy loads of audio and video processing on the client homed on a virtual desktop. Their users do their work on a virtual desktop with all their desktop applications and files using Remote Desktop Services or a similar remote connection. This topic discusses planning considerations for using Skype for Business while connecting to a remote virtual desktop.Ī Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment is used in some organizations where security and compliance issues are especially sensitive.

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