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Quest, Virtual Computer Unveil Integrated Server and Client-Hosted Desktop Virtualization

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Quest Software and Virtual Computer today announced a technology alliance to deliver a desktop virtualization and management solution meeting the end-to-end computing needs of large enterprises.

This technology provides anywhere, anytime access to both centralized and distributed end-user environments through the integration of Quest vWorkspace client and Virtual Computer NxTop 3.0 enterprise platform.

The combined solution will dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of deploying and managing corporate desktops, while improving desktop delivery options for stationery and mobile users.

The offering will provide consolidated management across server- and client-hosted virtual desktops, enabling IT teams to build a single virtual desktop image for deployment to stationery and mobile users. Regardless of the deployment model, IT administrators can efficiently execute updates once in a secure environment. Master image updates are synchronized with linked user desktops—running centrally or locally—while preserving end-user personalization.

Stationery users in corporate offices or an Internet/VPN connection can access server-hosted desktops and applications remotely using the broker technology and high performance Experience Optimized Protocol (EOP) in Quest vWorkspace. Mobile users can use NxTop Engine, Virtual Computer’s unique “bare-metal” client hypervisor and remote management technology, to maintain full access to their desktop when disconnected from the network. NxTop Engine enables easy access to server-based resources while online via the integrated Quest vWorkspace connector.

The joint solution will also feature tight integration with Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager for virtual desktop creation, management and execution. NxTop Engine’s two-way Hyper-V compatibility will allow virtual desktops to execute on local PC hardware, and users of server-hosted desktops will benefit from Quest’s EOP enhancements for the RDP protocol, including emerging Microsoft technology such as RemoteFX.

As business becomes increasingly mobile, Quest and Virtual Computer will offer a one-of-a-kind capability for users to remotely access their desktops and applications, including desktops running on PCs equipped with NxTop Engine. From a remote PC with a specialized client, a thin client, or a tablet-computing device, users will be able to access their desktops and applications in a secure manner for an unprecedented level of freedom and convenience.

The initial vWorkspace/NxTop integration, including a NxTop Engine and the Quest vWorkspace connector, will be available as a release candidate beginning Aug. 30, with general availability in October.

Additional integration points and enhancements will be delivered in phases through 2011.

Veeam Takes VMware Backup To The Next Level

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Veeam Software, innovative provider of VMware data protection, disaster recovery and VMware management solutions for virtual datacenter environments, is demonstrating its new vPower technology for Virtualization-Powered Data Protection this week at VMworld 2010.

vPower leverages virtualization and Veeam innovation to overcome the limitations of traditional backup and provide fast, flexible and reliable recovery for disasters both large and small.

The new patent-pending vPower technology, previously announced by Veeam in March, includes the ability to run a virtual machine (VM) in production or in an isolated virtual lab directly from a compressed and deduplicated backup file on regular backup storage.

vPower is the force behind the upcoming release of Veeam Backup & Replication v5.

Veeam Backup & Replication v5 also includes new Instant Indexing of Windows guest files, “tape-friendly” synthetic full backups, and enhanced deduplication and faster off-site replication.

Leostream Announces VMware Enhancements In Its Connection Broker 7.0

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At VMworld 2010, Leostream announced VMware enhancements in the Leostream Connection Broker 7.0, which provide customers who operate a VMware virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) with much more powerful management capabilities and improved scalability.

In the latest release of the Connection Broker, Leostream provides tight integration with VMware View, enhanced desktop provisioning, cluster management and linked clone support.

The Leostream Connection Broker, the most widely deployed, vendor-independent technology of its kind, enables IT managers to maximize the value of existing IT investments by easily integrating an array of clients, back-end systems and viewers to create a hosted VDI. Additionally, the Connection Broker integrates easily with existing network infrastructure with no changes to essential data center systems, such as authentication services and SSL VPNs. Once integrated, the Connection Broker provides a flexible set of policies for exact implementation of business rules for system administrators, users, and machines.

New VMware enhancements in the Leostream Connection Broker 7.0 include:

  • VMware View Support – Tight integration allows soft PCoIP connections for View users who require high-performance graphics. This also provides View adminstrators with the versatility of the Leostream Connection Broker, letting them extend VDI to include a variety of different platforms, while providing users with a single login to all resources.
  • Provisioning Enhancements – Additional configuration options for provisioning substantially improve the scalability of VDI in VMware environments. The Connection Broker allows lower and upper thresholds on pool size, and provides complete control over the virtual machine (VM) lifecycle, including how new VMs are provisioned and when they are deleted.
  • Linked Clones Management – Leostream can now create new linked clones from snapshots of parent VMs, which optimizes storage, simplifies the creation of new desktop images, and makes image management easier and more efficient.

These new enhancements provide View users with powerful ways to extend the capability, reach, and security of VDI deployments. This includes Leostream’s location-based policies and native integration with Cisco VPNs, as well as the ability to integrate a range of systems – from Citrix XenApp to the Oracle Sun Ray System to Linux virtual desktops – into a VDI that includes View.

DeskStream Introduces Its Dynamic Virtual Desktop Platform

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DeskStream, provider of the Dynamic Virtual Desktop (DVD) platform, today announced the launch of its product that enables enterprises and service providers to deliver a compelling client hosted desktop virtualization solution at outrageously lower cost.

The Dynamic Virtual Desktop platform sets a new benchmark for desktop management where it brings the Web Computing paradigm to work in complex legacy Desktop Computing to significantly ease the desktop management tasks in addition to leveraging Cloud Computing for delivering Desktop as a Service (DaaS) over the Cloud.

The market for desktop virtualization technology is expanding rapidly, especially with client-hosted virtualization becoming more relevant in today’s market where more and more organizations are considering developing a successful mobile strategy to deliver secure workspaces to their mobile work force anywhere and on any device over the cloud. The DVD platform is a very compelling solution for both IT administrators and the end users as it takes a balanced approach in addressing their respective priorities effectively without compromising cost, compliance, mobility, or user experience.

The platform delivers a reliable and scalable solution that enables enterprises and service providers to help create, secure, deliver and streamline the lifecycle of virtual workspaces swiftly and efficiently. Simplicity of operation combined with a unique desktop virtualization approach sets DeskStream apart in providing solutions to a wide range of challenges in a cost-effective way.

SolarWinds Debuts New, Free Virtual ManagementTool – VM Console

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SolarWinds, a provider of IT management software to more than 95,000 customers worldwide, announced the newest addition to its community-driven free tool offering, VM Console.

VM Console joins VM Monitor as SolarWinds’ second virtualization management free tool, and is designed to bounce (shutdown and restart) and track virtual machines (VM) from the convenience of a real-time, desktop dashboard.

VM Console features:

  • Bounce VMs without logging into vCenter or vSphere
  • Use vCenter/vSphere credentials to view a top-down hierarchy of the virtual environment
  • Track the real-time up/down status of VMs from the desktop without logging into VMware apps
  • Take a snapshot of your VM prior to shutdown
  • Search VM names or IP addresses

SolarWinds VM Console is free and available on the SolarWinds website.

DeviceVM Brings Windows Experience to the iPad With Splashtop Remote

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DeviceVM today announced the availability of Splashtop Remote for the iPad.

Splashtop Remote allows users to effortlessly access and control their PC, fully experiencing Windows remotely through an iPad. For the first time, users can enjoy a rich and interactive remote PC experience that includes full real-time video and audio capabilities.

With Splashtop Remote, users can watch movies, listen to music, access all Windows files and applications, and even play PC and Flash games remotely.

Splashtop Remote for iPad is available today in the Apple App Store. It will retail at a regular price of $19.99, with a special introductory price available for a limited time following the launch.

Splashtop Remote connects to any Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP operating system. Splashtop Remote consists of two components: an application running on the iPad, and an application running on the PC. The iPad connects to the PC over any network.