IBM Citrix and VMware create virtual alliance
IBM Citrix and VMware create virtual alliance
Oct 20, 2005: IBM have announced that they are partnering up with VMware and Citrix to launch their new Virtualised Hosted Client Infrastructure, which IBM says delivers full desktop functionality to any client via the xSeries and BladeCenter servers.
The partnership with Citrix gives IBM's virtualisation client the ability to deliver full desktop capability on any client from anywhere. One way in which it achieves this is by allowing the images of the application appear on a user's local, remote or mobile computer screen, which allows them to work seamlessly regardless of their location, connection or device.
"The new IBM Virtualised Hosted Client integrated solution including Citrix keeps security and management under IT control while enabling a more productive and personal work environment for end users," said David Jones, corporate vice president of business development and corporate affairs for Citrix. "Citrix has added a new capability to Citrix Presentation Server that works with IBM BladeCenter and VMware virtualisation technologies to enable dynamic provisioning of hosted clients running full Windows XP Desktop images in a secure data center."
The first solution to be rolled out will use the Virtualised Hosted Client Infrastructure, which is based on IBM BladeCenter, VMware's virtual infrastructure product line. "VMware virtual infrastructure makes it possible to have one common infrastructure for both desktops and servers and has enormous benefits for customers implementing client hosting." said Brian Byun, vice president of strategic alliances at VMware. "VMware virtual infrastructure boosts server utilization rates to up to 80 percent, driving more efficiencies than a solution that is merely dedicated hardware to support desktop features."
The main benefits obtained from the new client form around the end user, or in particular, the resistance desktop users can show to thin clients. Users will be able to enjoy all of the benefits and personal control a stand alone desktop brings, without suffering from its drawbacks. For example, functionality such as print capabilities, USB drive support, dual monitors and audio are all available whilst problems like susceptibility to theft and viruses, extended downtime during a hard drive failure, or rebuilding preferences and settings after a user is refreshed are removed.
"Existing hosted client solutions gain some efficiencies by consolidating clients, but they fall short of delivering the full potential for client experience and IT efficiency," said Doug Balog, vice president and business line executive for BladeCenter, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "IBM's Virtualised Hosted Client Infrastructure with VMware virtual infrastructure software can provide high utilization, performance and reliability, allowing customers to reduce cost and complexity, while providing the level of desktop functionality and quality of support that end users have come to expect."
IBM claim that through virtualisation customers could see total cost savings of up to 60 percent and return on investment in as short as six months.
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