Introduction

Overview

CloudLabs VM Labs offers a streamlined solution for creating and distributing VM Labs at scale. This service handles all aspects of infrastructure deployment, management, and cleanup, allowing you to set up a lab in minutes.

The service is delivered through the CloudLabs portal, providing an easy-to-use interface for lab creators and consumers.

Designed for a variety of educational and training scenarios—from hackathons to software training with GPU requirements to general VM needs—CloudLabs VM Labs ensures efficient and effective learning environments.

Key Capabilities

The following list offers a detailed overview of the key capabilities:

• Automatic Infrastructure Management at Scale: CloudLabs VM Labs provides a fully managed service that automates the deployment and management of your lab’s infrastructure at scale.

• Rapid Deployment and Customized Labs: Deploy labs within minutes using existing images from the compute gallery or marketplace. Customize environments to specific requirements by installing the software and settings you need, ensuring each lab is perfectly suited for its intended purpose.

• Effortless Management and Distribution: Manage and distribute access to labs effortlessly with CloudLabs VM Labs. Invite bulk users via email or share a redeemable code. Administrators can easily control lab access by enabling or disabling user permissions and starting or stopping labs as needed.

• CloudLabs Direct Web Connect: Learners can access their VM directly through a web browser without having to install external applications. Additionally, instructors and administrators can utilize the Shadow VM feature to connect to any VM within the lab, enhancing oversight and support capabilities. Note that the Shadow VM feature will only work on Windows Server-based VMs and does not support any Linux images.

• Advanced Cost Optimization Features: CloudLabs VM Labs maximizes cost efficiency with on-demand resource deployment, activating resources only when learners need them. The 'Hot Instances' feature allows for the pre-creation of instances, reducing setup times for learners. Additionally, automatic shutdown capabilities ensure that costs are minimized by turning off VMs when not in use.

Use Cases

Here is a list of use cases for CloudLabs VM Labs explained:

• GPU-Based Software Training: CloudLabs VM Labs is ideal for training sessions involving GPU-intensive software. Easily distribute GPU-equipped VMs to learners and schedule classes effectively. To optimize costs, VM availability can be limited to the scheduled class times, ensuring resources are utilized only when necessary.

• Large-Scale Hackathons: CloudLabs VM Labs excels at supporting large-scale hackathons, providing the necessary infrastructure to handle events that last a day or two. Utilize our Hot Instances feature to pre-deploy labs, ensuring they are ready for immediate use by participants. This setup includes predefined VM quotas for each user, enabling smooth and efficient event execution.

• Isolated Testing Environments: CloudLabs VM Labs facilitates the creation of isolated testing environments with nested virtualization for technical teams. Ensure a secure and dedicated space for rigorous testing with controlled uptime and automatic shutdown features to manage costs effectively. This setup is perfect for in-depth testing and development without impacting the main operational systems.

Support

CloudLabs VM Labs offers round-the-clock support, ensuring assistance is always available when you need it with a quick turnaround time.