Quest vWorkspace

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.