| Desktop virtualization has finally begun
to deliver on its much-anticipated promise. Virtual desktop solutions
create isolated virtual desktop images on a server, complete with OS and
applications, where they can be accessed via thin clients or PCs. This
centralization improves security and lowers IT administration costs.
"We're seeing virtual desktop engagements go from proof-of-concept to
the pilot stage and start to move into production," says Scott Hahn, senior
engineer at Tri-Delta Resources, an IT services organization. "Customers
are confident that they're going to go from 100- to 150-user pilots to
thousands of production users rather quickly."
Myron Bari, president and CEO of IPM, concurs. "We have clients who are
pulling the trigger on virtual desktop deployments," he says. "They realize
the benefits of removing the desktop from the physical device."
Such choice is good news for solution providers. Virtualization software
from Citrix Systems, Microsoft and VMware all offer elements of virtual
desktop solutions, and they can be mixed and matched. For example, VMware
ESX or Microsoft Hyper-V can work with a server powering XenDesktop.
| Why Virtual Desktops? |
- PROS: Device independence; lower TCO; high services revenue
- CONS: A complex solution
- BOTTOM LINE: Vast potential worth exploring.
|
For many VMware partners, virtual desktops are a logical extension of
their expertise.
"Desktop virtualization is the next step for a server virtualization
practice," says Jon Busshart, technology solutions engineer at Ingram
Micro. "Solution providers who have deployed virtual server infrastructure
can build on that by upselling clients on virtual desktops."
Citrix and Microsoft partners may approach desktop virtualization differently.
Their desktop expertise positions them to recommend a virtual approach
that delivers a viable user experience along with the pluses of desktop
virtualization. "If the experience isn't as good as what users have on
their desktops now, you're not likely to make the sale," says IPM's Bari.
"That's why people move from XenApp to XenDesktop. XenDesktop delivers
the exact look and feel of a Windows desktop, as well as better USB support
and application compatibility." On the other hand, XenApp is sufficient
for many customers and enables a higher density of desktops per server
than the fully virtualized desktops of XenDesktop.
| The Virtualization Resources You Need |
| Many virtualization resources are available from
Ingram Micro, which offers partners the following services:
- Technical support: Virtualization help desks provide
quick answers to technical questions.
- Software licensing: Licensing desks for Citrix, Microsoft
and VMware assist in solution quotations and deployments.
- Virtualization services: Virtualization experts on call
from the Ingram Micro Services Network (IMSN) provide assistance
in the field.
Plus, Solution Centers for testing virtualization deployments,
and online resources at Ingrammicro.com. |
Whichever approach you take, customer benefits include the mobility of
virtual desktops, which can be accessed from any secure internet connection;
better security thanks to centralized data and application management;
and energy efficiency and easier provisioning of thin clients from vendors
such as Hewlett-Packard and Wyse.
Combine all of these advantages with excellent services potential and
it's easy to be bullish on virtual desktop solutions.
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