Cisco, Citrix form alliance to enhance VDI tech

BANGALORE, INDIA: Cisco and Citrix Systems announced that they have entered into an alliance to develop and deliver solutions to accelerate desktop virtualization deployments over Citrix HDX-enabled Cisco network.

The companies will also enhance and build upon data centre solutions and cloud technologies, says a press release.

Also Read: Cisco launches Cius tablet in India

Phil Sherburne, vice president, Enterprise Systems and Architectures, Cisco, said: “Cisco is collaborating with Citrix on a broad range of virtualization technologies. Our first deliverables will be focused on giving end users a rich multimedia experience of voice, video and data on their virtual desktops and apps over the Cisco Intelligent Network, so that from any device from wherever they are, IT managers can deliver the same superior experience at a lower cost.”    

Cisco and Citrix will collaborate and explore new technology integrations in areas such as:

*Enhancing Cisco networking products with full support for Citrix HDX Technology. Cisco announced new Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) optimized for Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix HDX technology, expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

Announced as part of the next phase of Cisco’s VXI, an open, validated virtual workspace solution, WAAS will enhance the performance of virtual desktops and applications over Cisco networking infrastructure, claims the company in the release.

*Enhanced device and integrated multimedia support: Cisco and Citrix will collaborate to  deliver virtual desktops and applications for Cisco endpoint devices. This will include collaboration across Cisco rich media, voice, video and collaboration endpoint devices such as Cisco's Virtual Experience Clients (VXCs) and Cius enterprise tablet — with the virtual desktop and application capabilities of Citrix XenDesktop, and the Citrix Receiver universal software client.

*Accelerating Datacenter Innovation with Cisco UCS, Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenServer: The companies will drive further design validation and optimization enhancements with Cisco UCS and XenDesktop and Citrix XenServer.

Moreover, the two companies will invest in joint go-to-market activities that will focus on driving primary product and services demand in high growth market areas such as desktop virtualization and cloud markets.

During Citrix Synergy in Barcelona taking place on October 25 - 27, Cisco will be showcasing the first deliverables of this strategic alliance and other VXI solutions.

Bob Schultz, group vice president and general manager, Enterprise Desktops and Apps group, Citrix, said: “Citrix and Cisco have completed the first year of a very successful collaboration in desktop virtualization that has helped to expand the market and accelerate the success of customers worldwide. This expanded agreement will lay the groundwork to deliver a wide range of market-leading, integrated solutions that allow customers to embrace consumerization and deliver IT services with unparalleled efficiency and impact.”