An on demand lab platform automatically provisions reliable lab environments for skills-based training, sales, and marketing events. It enables remote access to these lab environments from anywhere in the world. The platform aims to minimize complexity and maximize hardware utilization to reduce costs. Labs can be provisioned locally, with remote equipment, or in the cloud based on delivery method and requirements. Benefits include enhanced learning through flexible skills practice without travel, and delivering more training for less through reduced costs and easy content repurposing.

1. [1]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
On Demand Lab Platform
An On Demand Lab Platform provides the lab
infrastructure and session support for all skills
based activities including training, sales, and
marketing events.

2. [2]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
Lab Operational Goals
• Automatically provision reliable, and highly
available lab environments.
• Enable remote access into these lab
environments from anywhere in the world.
• Minimize platform complexity for improved
reliability, lower development and delivery costs.
• Maximize lab hardware utilization to reduce
overall cost of ownership.

3. [3]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
The Lab Environment
All seven need to be
provisioned based on the
delivery requirements of:

local vs. virtual classroom,

instructor-led vs. self-paced,

on-site vs. remote equipment
There are seven components outlined below which make
up all lab environments.

4. [4]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
Local Instructor-led Training
All lab components (including students and instructor) are
provisioned and accessed locally within a classroom.

5. [5]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
Local ILT + Remote Lab
A shared remote lab data center (RLDC) houses expensive
hardware/software which supports multiple delivery locations.

6. [6]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
Live Virtual Class
Students and instructors connect into a virtual classroom for
knowledge sharing, and the RLDC for lab sessions.

7. [7]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
On Demand Labs
On demand lab provisioning occurs in the cloud with immediate
access via virtualization and “follow-the-sun” or peer support
services.

8. [8]Lab Operations
Access andAccess and
User InterfaceUser Interface
ProvisioningProvisioning
ContainerContainer
SessionSession
ManagementManagement
ImageImage
Lab Stack
Portal based configuration, and scheduling of labPortal based configuration, and scheduling of lab
sessions, as well as student access into coursesessions, as well as student access into course
documentation and support servicesdocumentation and support services
User desktop interface and shared connections intoUser desktop interface and shared connections into
the lab environment.the lab environment.
Intelligent software which marries the correct container,Intelligent software which marries the correct container,
with the session lab image(s) and user access.with the session lab image(s) and user access.
Hardware or virtual machine which hosts the labHardware or virtual machine which hosts the lab
environment.environment.
Pre-configured lab states which bind to the lab containerPre-configured lab states which bind to the lab container
and maps to the various lab activities.and maps to the various lab activities.

9. [9]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
The Value of On Demand Labs
•
Enhanced Learning
-
Sophisticated, flexible, just-in-time skills practice without travel
-
Targeted learning through automated lab state management
•
Delivering More for Less
-
Reduced development, delivery, and travel costs
-
Affordable scalability – less equipment, energy, computing power
-
Easy repurposing of learning content – write once, deploy to many
•
Business Value for Company
-
Greater customer gain from your solutions worldwide
-
Just-in-time access of product labs for training, sales, and marketing

10. [10]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
Learner Benefits
•
Unprecedented access to needed skills practice
-
Flexibility: 24/7, independent of formal training, online or offline
-
Autonomy: Learners choose which lab module to explore/practice
-
Choice: Multiple delivery modality options, labs to reinforce or
prepare for learning
-
Speed and Ease: Fast deployment on newer versions of technology
-
Support: Support features aid self-directed learners
•
Significant savings of time and money
-
No travel: Airlines, rental cars, hotels costs go away
-
Minimal time away from the office: Learner locally available for
business needs outside of class hours

11. [11]ODL ServicesJeff Wheelock
On Demand Lab Business Benefits
•
Lower costs
-
Use learning tools more efficiently – write once, deploy many
-
Reduce or eliminate instructor and learner travel costs
-
Save energy and computing power, purchase less lab equipment
•
Sophisticated training on complex solutions
-
Better train employees, customers, partners and communities,
strengthening the impact of your products and services
-
Offer innovation that reflects the company’s thought leadership
•
Superior product development cycle
-
Facilitate rapid prototyping and enable just-in-time training during
new product development