VDI

Fujitsu Siemens Now Shipping PRIMERGY BladeFrame With VMware Infrastructure 3

May 26, 2008 by Robin Wauters 2 Comments

Fujitsu Siemens Computers recently announced it will be shipping PRIMERGY BladeFrame (powered by Egenera) combined with VMware Infrastructure 3.

Here’s how the company explains the move:

“The virtualization boom has revolutionized data centers, accelerating the shift from fixed, unresponsive, locked-down server resources to dynamic data centers of the future, where server resources are allocated according to demand and are reconfigured on-the-fly to guarantee that they always provide the best-possible levels of availability.

Introducing the market leading data center software virtualization platform to the highly-versatile PRIMERGY BladeFrame line means that Fujitsu Siemens Computers and VMware are delivering the industry’s ultimate platform for data center virtualization, bar none.”

[Source: MySolutionInfo]

Citrix Unveils XenDesktop 2.0

May 20, 2008 by Robin Wauters Leave a Comment

“It’s like getting a fresh new PC every day.” That’s how Citrix is touting its long awaited VDI solution, dubbed XenDesktop version 2.0, probably just because it’s what all the cool kids name their solutions nowadays.

XenDesktop 2.0 was unveiled at Citrix Synergy 2008, with the company also revealing some previously unannounced details about the complete XenDesktop product line, including the release of a new Express Edition offering free desktop virtualization for up to 10 users, and new Enterprise and Platinum Editions which integrate application virtualization via the new XenApp for Virtual Desktops feature.

These are the five editions in detail for the XenDesktop product line:

Express Edition – free desktop virtualization for up to 10 users.
Standard Edition – offers a cost-effective, but high performance, entry-level desktop virtualization solution suitable for departmental implementations.
Advanced Edition – an enterprise desktop virtualization solution for organizations that have an existing application delivery already it place. Advanced Edition adds powerful virtual desktop provisioning capabilities that reduce storage costs and simplify desktop lifecycle management by enabling a single desktop image to dynamically create and update hundreds of virtual desktops on demand.
Enterprise Edition – comprehensive desktop delivery solution including integrated application delivery. Enterprise Edition adds fully integrated application delivery with XenApp for Virtual Desktops, based on the most proven application virtualization technology in the industry with over 100 million users and 99 percent of the Fortune 500 as customers.
Platinum Edition – ideal for customers looking to implement desktops as a service from the datacenter. Platinum Edition adds extensive optimization, security, monitoring and end user support benefits to create the ultimate desktop experience and best overall product value. This edition also includes the award-winning Citrix EasyCall™ technology, giving users instant click-to-call capability from any application, as well as a built in on-demand remote assistance feature that allows support staff to see exactly what end users see if a problem occurs, chat with them in real time, and even take permission-based control of the end-user’s mouse and keyboard to walk them through a problem resolution live.

XenDesktop is available now and can be downloaded today. Suggested retail pricing is per concurrent user as follows:

XenDesktop Express – free download
XenDesktop Standard – USD $75
XenDesktop Advanced – USD $195
XenDesktop Enterprise – USD $295
XenDesktop Platinum – USD $395

Citrix also unveiled a new Desktop Appliance Partner Program aimed at establishing trusted standards for desktop appliances, a new class of device that is purpose-built to deliver a superior user experience for virtual desktop delivery.

Ericom Extends PowerTerm WebConnect To Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V

May 20, 2008 by Robin Wauters Leave a Comment

Ericom Software today announced that PowerTerm WebConnect, Ericom’s presentation virtualization and desktop virtualization (VDI) solution, now provides centrally managed access to virtual desktops running on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V.

PowerTerm WebConnect provides access to Windows Terminal Services, including Windows Server 2008, Virtual Desktops, Blade PCs and legacy hosts. Ericom’s solution centralizes the management and delivery of virtual desktops and server-based applications.

Ericom Founder and CEO, Eran Heyman commented:

“Ericom’s presentation virtualization and desktop virtualization solution is ideal for enterprises seeking to reduce the cost and complexity of traditional desktop management. Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V coupled with Ericom’s PowerTerm WebConnect provides organizations with a sophisticated and centrally managed desktop virtualization platform that simplifies and accelerates deployments of virtual desktops across the enterprise.”

For more information on Ericom’s Desktop Virtualization solution, visit www.ericom.com/VDI.

[Source: The Earth Times]

VMware Combines VDI with Sun Microsystems’ Sun Ray Software, Adds Certification Program For Thin Clients And Professional Services Suite

May 19, 2008 by Robin Wauters 1 Comment

VMware issued three press releases today. One is about the company’s all new certification program to help vendors certify thin client devices for VMware VDI. From the press release:

“The new VMware certification program will enable VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure customers to choose from a wide variety of thin client devices officially certified for VMware products. VMware’s open standards ensure that thin client devices running on multiple platforms will deliver a consistent experience for virtual desktop users. Organizations choose what type of device suits their business needs and are not tied to a specific device that will only support VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.”

The company also unveiled a new integrated desktop solution offering “superior performance”, leveraging VMware’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure platform with Sun Microsystems’ Sun Ray Software and virtual display clients.

This model (VDI) streamlines desktop management while reducing desktop TCO, increasing IT’s control, improving security of data and enhancing user experience, flexibility, and productivity. Independent customer testing has found that the integrated VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Sun Ray Software solution delivered consistently better performance than competing display protocols. The solution utilizes Sun’s Appliance Link Protocol (ALP), which outperforms other display protocols when used to deliver virtual desktops over networks with high latency. Customer tests show dramatic increases in performance when using VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure with ALP to deliver complete desktop environments in a WAN deployment.

The most interesting news as far as we’re concerned, was the jumpstart of a number of professional services VMware announced to aid customer in implementing virtual desktop environments. From the release:

VMware Professional Services provides proven best practices and guidance from experts in virtual infrastructure environments to maximize a customer’s investment in VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. VMware Infrastructure methodology takes into account the complete lifecycle of a customer engagement: assess, plan, build and manage. The new services, tailored to customer experience and requirements, include:

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Jumpstart
VMware Professional Services delivers an on-site proof of concept, a fast and convenient way to train staff on setup and explore specific considerations unique to the customer environment. During a Jumpstart, a VMware Certified Professional will train up to five staff in setting up VMware products, provide knowledge transfer and discuss best practices of deployment.

Application Virtualization Jumpstart
Through application virtualization, organizations can package and deploy applications more easily, faster, and without conflict. VMware Professional Services offers customers and partners expert training on running any version of any application on a single OS without conflict.

Plan and Design for VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Application Virtualization
The Plan and Design engagement begins with assessment and analysis of the customer’s key objectives and existing infrastructure. VMware Professional Services then builds a comprehensive blueprint for the VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and/or Application Virtualization deployment, including key documents needed to successfully manage the environment on an on-going basis.

Remote Office/Branch Office (ROBO) Services Acceleration Kit
The VMware Remote Office/Branch Office (ROBO) Service Acceleration Kit helps simplify the process of optimizing customers’ remote and branch offices using VMware Virtual Infrastructure. The kit provides partners with knowledge and materials for remote office optimization—matching the best approach to customer requirements. By utilizing the VMware ROBO Solution Acceleration Kit, partners can rapidly expand their professional service offerings and ultimately expand their customer’s virtual infrastructures beyond the corporate headquarters.

[Source: The Register]

Ericom Releases PowerTerm WebConnect, VDI Solution Based On Oracle VM

May 5, 2008 by Robin Wauters 2 Comments

Ericom Software today announced the availability of Ericom PowerTerm WebConnect for Oracle VM, a desktop virtualization (VDI) solution based on Oracle’s server virtualization software.

Ericom explains its decision to use Oracle VM like this:

“Oracle VM is scalable, low-cost server virtualization software that supports both Oracle and non-Oracle applications. Oracle VM extends Oracle’s support for grid computing by providing the ability to virtualize within as well as across servers.”

“Customers continue to seek better solutions to address shrinking IT budgets and expanding data center costs,” said Monica Kumar, senior director Linux and Open Source Product Marketing, Oracle. “With Ericom’s PowerTerm WebConnect for Oracle VM, customers gain the benefits of both desktop and server virtualization, which can help dramatically enhance IT resource utilization.”

For more information and to download Ericom PowerTerm WebConnect for Oracle VM, you can click here.