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Virtual Lab Integration

Updated

What are virtual labs?

Virtual (cloud-based) lab environments use hosted infrastructure to deliver simulated IT environments to learners. These services are typically offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), where the vendor manages the hardware and infrastructure, and customers access labs remotely over the internet.

Virtual labs allow learners to work in realistic, hands-on environments without requiring local hardware installations.

Why use a virtual lab?

  • Virtual software training — Learners can practice in real-world simulated environments instead of only reviewing PDFs or slides. This is common in IT and cybersecurity training.
    • Virtual labs can be used for employees, partners, or customers who need hands-on exposure to products or systems.
  • Proof of concept — Safely test and demonstrate new ideas in an isolated environment. Results can be shared easily, reducing time to market.
  • Sales demos — Provide a “try before you buy” experience. Prospects can access environments remotely without dedicated hardware installations.
  • Sandboxing — Simulate multiple platforms and operating systems for development and testing without building physical environments.

What is CloudShare?

CloudShare is a platform that allows training providers to create virtual computing environments for learners. Instructors can build remotely accessible virtual machines that students can access, while instructors monitor activity.

For example, a trainer might create an environment with an Active Directory server and an Exchange server to teach Windows Server administrators how to configure enterprise email systems.

What is the CloudShare integration?

The CloudShare integration uses Administrate’s Add-ons framework. From within an event, administrators can click a button to push event and learner details to CloudShare.

This integration automates the creation of CloudShare classes and learner access using information already stored in Administrate.

Set up

CloudShare configuration

  1. Create a CloudShare account with API credentials.

Administrate TMS configuration

Contact Support to enable the CloudShare integration. You will need to provide:

  • CloudShare API credentials
  • Administrate API credentials

Once enabled, you will see:

  1. A Sync with CloudShare button under the Add-ons menu on the event screen.

Sync with CloudShare button in Add-ons menu

  1. Three new custom fields on course templates:

    • CloudShare Project
    • CloudShare Policy
    • CloudShare Blueprint

    These fields determine which CloudShare configuration is used when creating a class.

Before using the integration, enter the appropriate CloudShare Project, Policy, and Blueprint IDs on the relevant course templates.

Using the integration

Basic workflow

  1. Ensure the course template contains valid CloudShare Project, Policy, and Blueprint IDs.
  2. Create your event and assign an instructor who has a CloudShare account.
  3. Click Sync with CloudShare to create the CloudShare class using event details.
  4. Register students. The CloudShare class URL and passcode are stored in the event notes, allowing you to include them in automated communications.
  5. Click Sync with CloudShare again to add newly registered learners.
  6. Deliver the course. Instructors and learners log in to CloudShare when the class opens.
  7. If event details change (dates, instructor, learners), click Sync with CloudShare again to keep both systems aligned.

FAQs

I use a different lab provider. Can I integrate with that?

Yes. You can build custom integrations using the Administrate API.

  1. Review our API documentation and Developer Portal.
  2. Consider using an iPaaS platform such as Workato or Boomi.
  3. Contact Support for API-related questions.

What should I check if I encounter an error when syncing?

  1. Ensure an instructor is assigned to the event.
  2. Confirm the instructor has a CloudShare account with the same email address as their Administrate contact record.
  3. If this is the first sync, ensure the event start date is in the future.
  4. Verify your CloudShare API credentials with Support.
  5. Confirm the event’s maximum students does not exceed your CloudShare class size limit.
  6. Ensure all learners have valid email addresses (required by CloudShare).

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