Corporate organisations will be able to deploy virtual desktops across their entire environment with the release of Citrix Systems' latest virtual desktop solution, XenDesktop 4.
Nick Keene, country manager for Citrix Systems SA, says XenDesktop 4 delivers every type of virtual desktop from a single, integrated solution, thanks to the new FlexCast technology the company devised.
“We are taking virtual desktop integration further and now provide a complete end-to-end virtual desktop solution for corporate organisations. With this single solution we can provide streamed or hosted desktop deployments to any employee in a company,” says Keene.
The company cites FlexCast as the component in XenDesktop 4 that controls the delivery of the desktop to specific users, be it in an online or offline environment, according to the individual's needs.
Keene says the FlexCast technology can provide a complete desktop to a user by streaming it live or through a cache deployment on the client side for users who only need access to a certain application offline. “The solution automatically categorises users and decides on the delivery,” he adds.
User experience
According to Keene, XenDesktop 4 simplifies desktop computing by integrating the capabilities of Citrix's XenApp solution, allowing for seamless on-demand application delivery to any desktop, physical or virtual.
The success of the desktop, says Keene, is not always only about the technology, but rather in providing a “like-for-like” user experience. “Enhancements to our HDX technology, which provides a high definition experience, included in XenDesktop 4, allow us to give that like-for-like user interface and experience.”
Savings, in terms of virtual desktops and especially XenDesktop 4, is in what is considered the 'soft costs', not equated in return on investment and total cost of ownership studies, adds Keene.
“The savings is in apps and patch management, and the efficiency gained due to the deployment. Companies must see the benefits beyond Capex and relate it back to time, cost savings due to being more efficient and productive.
“Analysts say that up to 40% savings is possible with desktop virtualisation compared to traditional desktop deployments,” he explains.
According to the company XenDesktop 4 will be generally available on 16 November and will be licensed on a per-user basis, allowing each end-user to use an unlimited number of connected or offline devices at no additional cost.
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