Desktop Virtualization:
Providing competitive advantage

Desktop virtualization delivers optimized Windows desktops to every enterprise user using a combination of virtualization technologies at a lower TCO, with better manageability for IT, and higher flexibility for users.

• A desktop is composed of layers that include the Windows OS, applications and user data / settings.
• Desktop virtualization enables IT to better manage Windows desktops by isolating the management of the layers of a desktop.
• By assembling these layers on-demand, desktops can be delivered to any device, anywhere offering increased end user flexibility and lower TCO for IT.

VDI is only one form of desktop virtualization that addresses a subset of users in an enterprise. To address the needs of all enterprise use cases (from basic task workers to on-the-go mobile workers) customers should consider a broad portfolio of desktop virtualization technologies such as OS virtualization, session based desktops, user state virtualization, and application virtualization.

With desktop virtualization, Windows desktops and applications are isolated and made available as simple, on-demand services that are centrally managed, dynamically assembled and personalized to meet the performance and security needs of every user at an optimal cost.

Microsoft & Citrix –
Leaders in the Desktop

Our joint desktop virtualization offering delivers the most comprehensive set of technologies to help customers optimize their desktop infrastructure.

• Leaders in the desktop. Microsoft and Citrix have a combined 50 years experience in providing desktop solutions. Microsoft is the leader in desktop optimization and Citrix has taken its industry leading position in application delivery to become the leader in desktop virtualization.
  • Microsoft recommends deploying Windows 7 as an “optimized desktop” to separate applications & user settings from the OS
  • Microsoft offers comprehensive desktop virtualization technologies as a part of Windows EA & SA
    • VDA licensing for VDI
    • Rights to purchase MDOP for app virtualization , app compatibility, and desktop management
  • Microsoft partners with Citrix for delivering virtual desktops and on-demand applications.
    • Together have delivered desktops and applications for over 200K joint customers.
    • Have extended partnership to deliver complete desktop virtualization solutions
• Solutions for *all users* in an enterprise. Together, Citrix and Microsoft deliver desktop virtualization solutions that are much more than the “one size fits all” approach of VDI.
  • Microsoft’s desktop virtualization platform enables customers to optimize their infrastructure with industry leading app virtualization (App-V) and server virtualization platforms (Hyper-V).
  • Citrix XenDesktop (with XenApp) enable customers to deliver Windows desktops and applications to any device, anywhere offering users flexibility while further lowering the cost of management.
• Joint solution is best in the marketto meet desktop virtualization requirements.
  • The best user experience with Citrix HDX technologies providing the richest virtual desktop experience possible using any mobile or PC device in any location.
  • Integrated management. To manage both physical and virtual desktops from a single console using familiar technology and existing skill sets.