virtualisation

Xenocode Launches Virtual Application Studio, Aims To Makes Waves In Application Virtualization

May 20, 2008 by Robin Wauters 1 Comment

Xenocode today launched Xenocode Virtual Application Studio, which it claims is a next-generation application virtualization environment that allows Windows, .NET and Java-based desktop applications to be deployed in standalone executables that run instantly and reliably, anywhere.

Xenocode’s focus lies on application virtualization, a technology that separates applications from the underlying operating systems on which they execute. Unlike traditional hardware virtualization solutions that require an entire copy of the host operating system, Xenocode’s lightweight application virtualization technology emulates core operating system features required for application execution. As a result, applications deployed with Xenocode have essentially the same performance characteristics as native executables.

According to the press release, “Xenocoded” applications require no setup, configuration, clients, or device drivers, are isolated from external DLL and dependency conflicts, and run properly on Windows Vista and locked-down desktops. Xenocode-virtualized applications can be easily deployed on USB devices, corporate intranets, the Internet, or existing desktop management infrastructure software such as Microsoft SMS, LANDesk Management Suite, BMC Configuration Management and Novell ZENworks.

Xenocode-enabled applications are run on the Xenocode Virtual Operating System, a lightweight micro-kernel embedded within each virtualized application executable, allowing virtual applications to be executed without any separate client install, device drivers, or player software.

Xenocode Virtual Application Studio is available from today.

MokaFive Releases Virtual Desktop Solution

May 20, 2008 by Robin Wauters Leave a Comment

MokaFive, a desktop virtualization company, has announced the general release of v.10 of its Virtual Desktop Solution, a cross-platform desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) product.

The company says its DaaS solution is already deployed in nearly 50 pilot programs and has been downloaded over 80,000 times. The virtual desktops, known as LivePCs, run on Windows, Macintosh, and MokaFive’s BareMetal Linux operating systems.

“The arrival of virtualization on the desktop will change the way desktops have been managed and promises greater flexibility for the user,” said Bill Demas, president and CEO, MokaFive. “We believe our MokaFive Virtual Desktop Solution is the first to bridge the chasm between what IT administrators need—centralized management—and what users want—freedom in their computing environment. By offering our virtual desktops as a service, MokaFive is making it easier for companies to get up and running quickly.”

MokaFive Virtual Desktop Solution is available in two versions. MokaFive Professional is for enterprise and workgroup deployments and will be sold via annual subscription. MokaFive Express, designed for home users and developers, is available as a free download. A library of LivePCs, created by MokaFive and the user community, is available at the MokaFive lab.

Also check out the GigaOM interview with MokaFive founder John Waley.

[Source: Dana Gardner ZDNet]

Hyper-V RC1 Release Made Available on Microsoft Download Center

May 20, 2008 by Robin Wauters 2 Comments

Taylor Brown of the Microsoft Hyper-V Test Team has formally announced the availability of Hyper-V RC1 on Microsoft Download Center in a post on the Windows Virtualization Product Group team blog.

There’s a Hyper-V RC1 package for Windows Server 2008 x64, which must be installed on Hyper-V server’s (physical machines). It includes the Hyper-V Server components for Full and Core installs, the Hyper-V Integration Components for Server 2008 x64 and the Hyper-V Management Components for Full Windows installs.

Microsoft also released the Hyper-V RC1 package for Windows Server 2008 x86. This package includes only the Hyper-V Management Components for Full Windows installs and the Hyper-V Integration Components for Server 2008 x86. It does not contain the Hyper-V Server components (Hyper-V is x64 only).

More here.

Ulteo Releases Ulteo Virtual Desktop Beta, Wants To Get Linux Applications on Windows Desktops

May 20, 2008 by Kris Buytaert Leave a Comment

Ulteo has just announced the beta version of their “Ulteo Virtual Desktop”.

The Ulteo Virtual Desktop allows you to use a large variety of Linux applications on the Windows operating system, and all features that are already available with the Ulteo Application System.

Ulteo Virtual Desktop uses special technology built on the top of coLinux. It offers performance close to a native installation on the hardware because it doesn’t use traditional virtualization software.

Ulteo was founded by Gaël Duval, former creator of Mandrake Linux (now Mandriva Linux), the premier Linux distribution in France with a strong focus on desktop.

Cisco And EMC To Merge?

May 19, 2008 by Robin Wauters 5 Comments

We love rumors. This time, it’s not about EMC selling off its majority stake in VMware to say, Intel. President and chief editor of TMC, Rich Tehrani, is throwing another sweet-sounding one into the air: an upcoming merger between Cisco and EMC.

“If you are Cisco, it makes sense to pick up EMC now because the stock is down a bit and moreover Cisco would be able to immediately expand its product line beyond networking, telepresence and networking.

Overnight, Cisco could become a leader in storage and a very strong security player.

Remember that Cisco was an early VMware investor and they likely want to expand their ownership of the company.

Remember also that Cisco is doing some amazing things with virtualization in their routers and owning a premiere name in the virtualization space can only help their core offerings.”

What do you think? Any possibility this particular rumor might come through? Or total BS?

Let us know in comments!

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]