The Lync 2013 VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) plugin is an optimization pack released by Microsoft to enable the Lync 2013 client to use local headsets and webcam for audio and video in a VDI environment. The following is its deployment process in a nutshell (at the same time with all the necessary details 
) and a few gotcha’s you need to keep in mind.
Prerequisites
As per TechNet, the following are the requirements for user and user’s local computer.
- The user must be homed on Lync Server 2013.
- The local computer / thin client must be running Windows Embedded Standard 7 with SP1, Windows 7 with SP1, or Windows 8.
- 32bit or 64 bit VDI plugin must match the architecture of the local computer / thin client. Also depend on the VDI providers instruction as it will also depend on the PCoIP process architecture.
- If Office 2013 or Lync 2013 is already installed, its version should match the local computer’s architecture.
- Latest version of remote desktop client – RDP8 update. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2592687/en-us
- Remote desktop client settings
- Remote Desktop Connection > Options > Local Resources > Remote Audio > Settings
- Remote audio playback – Play on this computer.
- Remote audio recording – Do not record.
- Experience > Performance > clear Persistent Bitmap caching.
- System requirements
- Supported Operating System
- OS – Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows Embedded Standard 7
- 1.5 GHz processor
- 2 gigabyte (GB) of RAM
- HDD space for 32 bit: ~700 MB
- HDD space for 64 bit: ~900 MB
Devices
At the time of writing, Lync VDI plugin is supported by Microsoft on Dell Wyse Z90D7, Dell Wyse R90L7, Dell Wyse X90m7, HP t610 and HP t5740e.
Process
1. Create Lync client policy for VDI users.
New-CsClientPolicy -Identity VDIUsers -EnableMediaRedirection $true -AddressBookAvailability WebSearchOnly
2. Grant the policy to the VDI users using Lync Server control panel or powershell
Grant-CsClientPolicy -Identity <User SIP URI> -PolicyName VDIUsers
3. Install RDP 8.0 on the local computer – http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2592687/en-us
As mentioned in the above link, If RDP 8.0 is enabled, the connection quality button will be displayed in the connection bar. Click the connection quality button to open an information dialog box that resembles the following. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).
4. Modify the remote desktop connection options as mentioned earlier if required.
5. Download and install the relevant VDI plugin
Microsoft Lync VDI 2013 plugin (32 bit)
Microsoft Lync VDI 2013 plugin (64 bit)
6. Add the following registry keys on the local computer: (Thanks to Mike Bookham in pointing this out)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Lync]
“ConfigurationMode”=dword:00000001″
“ServerAddressInternal”=”<Lync FE FQDN>”
“ServerAddressExternal”=”<Access Edge FQDN>”
7. Install Lync 2013 client on the virtual desktop.
8. Once Lync detects the VDI plugin, it will prompt for credentials to commence pairing.
9. Once pairing is complete, the ‘workstations’ icon will have a green tick.
10. Else, it will have a red cross. (obviously, right ? )
11. If there are any issues with pairing, check
a. Only one instance of RDP / mstsc.exe is running.
b. Whether the following files LyncVdiPlugin.dll and UcVdi.dll are located at the correct folder (Drive:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/Office15).
c. Correct credentials were entered during the prompt.
On another note, to enable and support QoS on VDI clients create a GPO / Modify the Lync client GPO with Audio, Video & App sharing entries for Mstsc.exe for the same ports and DSCP value as Lync.exe.
Have fun…
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