Playbook: Desktop Virtualization

Virtualization has always been a hot topic, yet for many SMBs, it’s been too expensive and somewhat of a pipe dream. But desktop virtualization is poised to make a major splash in 2012. With desktop virtualization, desktops – including the user’s applications, data, and operating system – are running off of a central server rather than a local hard drive. These virtual machines (VMs) are made possible by the software, or hypervisor, which runs on the remote server.

This virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) allows for the centralization of management, applications, and hardware. Security issues are also minimized, as all data would be stored at a central server rather than on an easily stolen laptop or mobile device. IT assets are easy to roll out and manage, with a full inventory of the user base available at the administrator’s fingertips.

With VDI, it’s much easier to patch, update, repair, and deploy applications with VDI, as it can be done for all machines from the administrator’s desk. It’s also easier to add users, so a rapidly expanding business won’t need to manually configure new workstations as they’re added – requisite system images have already been created and can be easily activated from the central server.

The biggest issue is the cost. VDI software licensing and support and the required server hardware can get expensive, as well as the time-cost for training administrators and end-users. But for many of your customers, the investment is well worth it, as VDI will also save money on hardware and energy efficiency.

For SMBs, VDI enables the use of older legacy hardware and computers that can still be used as terminals for the virtual machines, so upgrades would no longer be necessary. Thin clients (essentially stripped down computing devices that rely on the computing power from the networked servers) are also cheaper to manufacture and require less power than traditional PCs or laptops.

One of the biggest benefits to virtualization is business continuity. This chapter excerpt outlines how virtualization boosts business continuity, and helps your sales team present a great pitch for potential virtualization services. (October 04, 2011)

DVI finally makes sense for many smaller companies. Just don't sell it to your clients as a cost saver. (May 12, 2011)

New virtual desktop solutions make it possible to bring desktop functions to any mobile device. (January 25, 2011)

Increased security and easier desktop management are just two benefits of employing virtual desktops, but not every business is a good fit for the technology. Learn where the opportunities are. (May 13, 2009)

Software licensing is a gray area for many companies, but it can become even more complicated thanks to virtualization. (April 13, 2012)

Virtualization provides many benefits, but there are also inherent issues with the technology. Prepare your sales teams with the downfalls of virtualization, and boost that trusted advisor status with customers. (October 11, 2011)

A virtual desktop infrastructure eliminates some security risks, but it introduces new complexities that can wreak havoc on a company's security stance if you don't prepare for them in advance. (September 11, 2009)

The SyncMaster S-series and the SyncMaster B-series cloud stations offer desktop virtualization and enable users to remove their PCs from their desks. (May 15, 2012)

Atlantis ILIO Diskless 3.2 enables VMware View customers to deploy virtual desktops with no storage. (May 08, 2012)

DxConsole for SQL Server enables SMBs to virtualize SQL Server instances and consolidate SQL Server databases, servers, and storage into manageable private cloud utilities. (March 27, 2012)

Mitel is also offering Mitel's virtualized Unified Communicator Advanced Client software for VMware View, giving contact center employees access to a cloud-based unified desktop and communications device. (February 13, 2012)

Nimbus emphasizes the migration away from hard disk arrays to flash memory technology for primary storage, with products like the Nimbus S-Class. This new partner program will bring Nimbus' sales model from direct to an entirely channel sales model. (January 10, 2012)

The scale-out storage nodes feature 10 GbE network connectivity for increased throughput. (November 12, 2011)

Under the new distribution agreement, Arrow partners will be able to sell the Liquidware Labs Desktop Transformation Suite and Methodology, bringing desktop virtualization to their customers. (November 11, 2011)

The client-based VDI provider explains its approach to desktop virtualization and why it needed to make its partner program official. (November 08, 2011)

NxTop 4 combines network-based storage with a stateless client-side hypervisor. (September 30, 2011)

Solution providers and MSPs can now offer a client-hosted VDI solution that is less expensive and less complicated than other offerings. (August 03, 2011)