Desktop virtualisation recognised

An expert has declared that desktop virtualisation is likely to be "the next big thing in IT", states OneStopClick.

James Stevenson, MD of Citrix, claimed in an interview with SiliconRepublic.com that while server virtualisation has become standard, the desktop alternative is set to emerge strongly over the coming year.

According to the expert, desktop virtualisation allows companies to centralise and manage their computing, as well as reduce storage and costs. He explained that the technology could prove key in the coming months, particularly if a second wave of swine flu becomes apparent.

NetBenefit, the managed hosting provider, has taken the wraps off Ultra-V, a high availability virtualisation platform that sits behind a firewall security layer and supports virtual environments ranging from single servers to complete virtual systems, reports Info Security Magazine.

According to NetBenefit, Ultra-V supports routine maintenance activities - such as security updates and patching - that can be carried out to the host servers without customers experiencing downtime.

Based on release two of Microsoft's Windows Server 2008, the platform follows the launch of NetBenefit's Hyper-V-based virtual private servers released earlier this year.

VXL Instruments has slashed the entry-level price of entry-level desktop thin clients with the new virtualisation-ready Itona TC1330, reports TMCnet.

"The full function Itona TC1330 is 15% to 20% cheaper than the competition without any compromise on spec, performance or build," says Frank Noon, VP of sales at Manchester-based VXL Instruments.

"And it comes with VMware View 3.1 pre-loaded to provide an instant virtualisation solution." Featuring a compact design - the box is just 7.5 inches high - the Itona TC1330 boasts ultra-green and high-security credentials, says the company.