Services
Open-Source Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (OSVDI)
OSVDI is being developed to provide remote access to bioimage analysis workstations. The idea is to allow users to connect to dedicated analysis computers over a network rather than relying solely on the hardware available on their own devices. This service is intended to help imaging facilities make analysis resources more accessible and support the shared use of workstation infrastructure. OSVDI is currently in a testing phase, and we are exploring potential applications together with the community. If you would like to learn more or try the test instance, please contact our Help Desk.
What is OSVDI?
Open-source Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (OSVDI) enables remote access to a physical workstation hosted within an imaging facility or IT center over the internet. The workstation itself runs centrally, while users can connect to it from their personal computers or laptops. This setup supports the use of computationally demanding applications for image processing, 3D visualization, and high-resolution exploration of bioimaging data.
Since data is stored on facility file servers that are located within the same local network as the workstations, large datasets can be accessed and processed with very fast transfer speeds and low latency. This tight network integration enables efficient handling of data-intensive bioimaging workflows without the need for repeated data transfers across external networks. In contrast to accessing and processing data from outside the facility network – where performance is often limited by the user’s internet connection – OSVDI ensures that computational performance is governed by the internal infrastructure of the facility rather than external network constraints.
The remote environment behaves like a local desktop: users can install required software, configure their working environment, and use applications as if they were physically present at the workstation.
OSVDI is currently in a testing phase. Facility staff or institutions interested in evaluating or adopting the service are encouraged to get in touch. We are actively seeking early adopters to help refine OSVDI and better align it with the needs of the bioimaging community.
What is the difference to other Desktop as a Service solutions (e.g. BAND/BARD)?
With BAND/BARD, you launch a configurable computing environment where you can select resources such as CPU cores and memory according to your needs. A predefined software stack is available, and if additional software is required, its installation must typically be requested from the platform administrators. Data is usually accessed over the network from external storage systems, so performance depends on the available network bandwidth.
With OSVDI, you remotely access an existing workstation located within your imaging facility. While the hardware configuration is fixed, the environment behaves much like a local desktop computer and may allow the installation of additional software, depending on local policies. Because the workstation is closely connected to the facility’s storage infrastructure, access to large imaging datasets is often significantly faster than through BAND or BARD.
In summary: Use BAND/BARD when you need a configurable computing environment, and use OSVDI when fast access to facility-hosted data and a workstation-like user experience are more important.
How can you test the OSVDI demo instance?
We support the development and maintenance of OSVDI at the University of Freiburg. Reach out to our Help Desk for more details and support or try out the demo instance.