Skype – VMware optimised solution

VMware Optimization for Skype

VMware has specifically optimized its solutions for Skype for Business, particularly within virtual desktop environments. This optimization addresses the unique challenges of running real-time audio and video communications over Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), where traditional centralized processing can degrade performance and user experience.

Key Details of the Optimization

• Collaboration with Microsoft: VMware and Microsoft have worked together to develop a seamless experience for Skype for Business users on VMware Horizon virtual desktops145.

• VMware Horizon Virtualization Pack for Skype for Business: This solution offloads audio and video processing from the virtual desktop to the user’s endpoint device. By doing so, it reduces the load on datacenter infrastructure and improves call quality and responsiveness2356.

• How It Works:

  • The Horizon Media Proxy (installed on the virtual desktop) and the Horizon Media Engine (installed on the endpoint) work together.

  • When a Skype for Business audio or video call is initiated, the media engine processes all media locally and sends the real-time transport protocol (RTP) streams directly between endpoints, bypassing the virtual desktop’s resources568.

  • This approach enables direct peer-to-peer media delivery, ensuring high-quality communication and minimal latency469.

• Benefits:

  • Improved User Experience: Users get native Skype for Business audio and video quality, even in virtualized environments356.

  • Reduced Infrastructure Load: Media processing is handled at the endpoint, freeing up datacenter resources and minimizing network bandwidth usage457.

  • Consistent Experience Across Devices: The solution supports a range of client devices, ensuring a uniform experience regardless of endpoint platform46.

Supported Scenarios and Limitations

• The VMware Horizon Virtualization Pack is recommended for organizations deploying Skype for Business in VDI environments23.

• The optimization is not available for Skype for Business Basic clients2.

• Initial support focused on Windows clients, with plans to expand to other platforms over time56.

Summary Table

Conclusion

VMware has actively optimized its Horizon platform for Skype for Business, working closely with Microsoft to deliver a high-quality, efficient, and scalable unified communications experience in virtual desktop environments. The VMware Horizon Virtualization Pack for Skype for Business is the primary solution, providing direct media offload and peer-to-peer delivery to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction234569.