Channel Tech Center

From a solution provider’s perspective, desktop virtualization can represent a trip down the proverbial rabbit hole because there are so many different options.

Options include traditional terminal services approaches, new virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) based on virtual machine software running on the server, the deployment of virtual machine software on the client, stream application virtualization and even the deployment of PC blades in the data center.

The challenge facing solution providers in the channel is there is no single right approach. The right path to desktop virtualization is really determined by the characteristics of the application. For example, an application that requires little customization and needs to be accessed by the largest number of users per server possible might best be served by terminal services. An application that allows for a lot of customization of each end user instance, on the other hand, is probably better served by VDI.

Citrix is moving to take a lot of the hard choices concerning the deployment of desktop virtualization with the release of XenDesktop 4. This new release includes a new FlexCast platform that allows solution providers to deploy desktop virtualization any way they see fit.

Citrix, and its ally Microsoft, have been engaged in battle over the future of desktop virtualization. VMware is pushing a VDI approach that leverages a PC-over-IP protocol, while Citrix has extended its ICA technology to support a multitude of approaches to desktop virtualization.

From the perspective of a solution provider trying to support the needs of multiple customers, the Citrix approach is pretty compelling because it provides a path to multiple options, as opposed to trying to push every customer down the same desktop virtualization path.

As customers look to cut the real cost of computing, interest in desktop virtualization of all types and stripes is about to expand dramatically. The issue for solution providers is how to best support that rising demand using the most flexible set of tools available.