Liquidware Labs announces new s/w to addresses virtual desktop deployments

CHICAGO, USA: Liquidware Labs, the leader in desktop transformation software solutions, today announced the introduction of Flex-IO, new software that addresses two key challenges in virtual desktop deployments - IOPS bottlenecks and latency. Flex-IO accelerates storage IOPS by an average of 25,000 available IOPS or roughly 40X per virtual desktop host.

Latency is also often cited as an industry issue when using spinning disks or slow storage for virtual desktops. Flex-IO decreases latency by up to 75 pc. Boosting IOPS while decreasing latency enhances the overall end-user experience of virtual desktops to a performance level that is often faster than physical desktops.

Flex-IO installs as a virtual storage appliance and is simple and easy to administer from a central web-based management console. The software-based solution leverages existing storage and a nominal amount of host RAM to provision and host non-persistent virtual desktops. Flex-IO can be implemented in minutes compared to the time-intensive, complex, and high costs associated with implementing storage hardware. Flex-IO supports any VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) solution that runs on VMware ESX/ESXi Server, including VMware Horizon View and Citrix XenDesktop.

According to Jason Mattox, CTO of Liquidware Labs: "Limited IOPS and latency on slow storage, such as spinning disks, has continued to slow down widespread adoption of VDI because customers demand high performance at a price that is comparable with physical desktops. Flex-IO solves the price/performance equation for customers with an easy-to-deploy virtual storage appliance that leverages investments in existing storage while optimizing available Read and Write IOPS."

Flex-IO adds value beyond any other competing product on the market with the following benefits including:

• Optimization of both Read and Write IOPS - an average boost of 25,000 per host

• Reduced latency - up to 75pc

• Reduces the number of network hops by centralizing storage on VDI hosts

• Optimization of any host storage medium including iSCSI devices

• RAM requirements are approximately 1/3 of other solutions (recommended 32GB per 100 users)

• Easy to install in minutes, even on a live VDI host