Virtualization: The Emerging Desktop

While virtualization technology is decades old, the rush to get on board and build virtualized infrastructures is just now heating up. Recent announcements made by VMware, Citrix and Hewlett-Packard are an indication that the virtualization space is also heading with full force to the desktop.

After acquiring Zen Source, Citrix immediately announced the Zen Desktop. VMware recently announced its VDM 2.0 infrastructure technology for virtualized desktops. With the acquisition of Neoware, HP is steering its efforts towards thin client devices that work with virtualized server environments.

Virtualized desktop technology holds more promise than server-based computing because users are able to experience fully integrated desktop environments. Personalization is relatively easy to set up. This is why Citrix is now in the game. Server-based computing, including Microsoft Terminal Services, is a dying technology.

The full desktop experience has never been fully captured within server-based computing. Virtualized desktops do a better job at making users feel that they are in a more normal environment and users have more control over work environments. By contrast, server-based computing provides a highly controlled and locked-down experience. Users only get access to what administrators deem necessary.

With virtualization, users do not need to have costly, full-power PC systems on their desks. Since the working experience is coming off a virtual environment, users can have inexpensive thin clients and still have the same experience. Thin client devices even provide more access to remote software installations.

Also, no moving parts means more durability. Thin clients are more durable and consume less energy. Thin client technology can also save money in licensing because desktop OSes are not duplicated. Currently, banks and companies with many remote offices are deploying virtual desktop environments because they are cheaper to maintain at remote locations.

"Companies are finding out that virtual desktops are a logical solution for remote locations," said Tom Cecchini, president of Async Associates, Wixom, Mich. He added that technologies like video streaming, Reader Rabbit (in the educational community) and CAD systems have never been able to work on server-based computing. Thin client is changing the old perception by allowing users to have that power at remote sites.

In addition to capacity planning of SANs, solution providers must understand that virtual desktops require more IT management than virtual servers. Application servers rarely are reconfigured or change applications. Therefore, servers are more controllable items for administrators than desktops.

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