Citrix intros XenDesktop 4

BENGALURU, INDIA: Citrix Systems goes mainstream with the launch of Citrix XenDesktop 4. The company's target customers include the corporate employees.

Unlike first-generation solutions exclusively accessible to a narrow set of users, with its new FlexCast delivery technology, XenDexktop4 supports every major desktop virtualization model in a single, integrated solution.

Citrix claims this to be the first of its kind. The product enables improved RoI, simplified management and extends the benefits of virtualization to every employee in the enterprise. Further, it simplifies desktop computing by integrating all the capabilities of Citrix XenApp. This helps customers deliver on-demand applications to physical or virtual desktops as a seamless part of their overall desktop strategy.

XenDesktop 4 also includes significant enhancements to its HDX technology. It also builds on the company’s 20-year partnership with Microsoft, simplifying the management of virtual desktops through Microsoft System Centre, and adding multiple enhancements that further extend the value of Microsoft Windows and Windows Server platforms. In total, XenDesktop 4 adds more than 70 new features, enhancing its performance, security and readiness for large, enterprise-wide deployments.

“2010 will be a watershed year for desktop virtualization, ushering in a new era that will revolutionize the way we work, live and play,” said Mark Templeton, President and CEO, Citrix Systems. He explained, “People today need to work in entirely new ways. And they need to do it without being confined to ordinary desktops that are locked to an office, a device, or a network. Desktop virtualization has the power to make all this possible. That revolution begins here, today. And it starts with the new XenDesktop.”

Benefits for end users are equally profound. With XenDesktop 4, users are no longer tethered to a specific device. They simply use whatever PC, Mac, thin client, laptop or netbook is most convenient, and get instant, secure access to their full Windows desktop and everything on it. The centrepiece of XenDesktop 4 is its FlexCast delivery technology. It gives customers the flexibility to deliver any type of virtual desktop, to any user, on any device, and to change this mix at any time. XenDesktop 4 with FlexCast allows customers to use any combination of the following virtual desktop technologies, all orchestrated from one, centrally managed solution

The product supports a range of innovative client-side options, including the ability to stream desktops to each user’s device to run locally, while still managing the OS, apps and data centrally. This approach offers an easy, low-cost way to get started with desktop virtualization by leveraging existing PC resources and keeping data centre overhead to a minimum. Such a model seems ideal for government and university labs that use diskless PCs for maximum data security.

“Dell’s Flexible Computing vision aligns well with Citrix’s desktop virtualization strategy. Citrix XenDesktop 4, as part of Dell’s Flexible Computing offering, gives our customers the flexibility to pick the best type of virtual desktop solution for their needs,” said Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell. “Given the upcoming Windows 7 refresh cycle, we’re expecting many of our customers to begin assessing desktop virtualization as the industry moves to anytime, anywhere desktop access,” he added.

“CSC has enjoyed a robust history of offering clients the quality and innovation Citrix continuously brings to market,” said Mike Laphen, Chairman, President and CEO, CSC. He continued, “By expanding the reach of desktop virtualization to every employee in the enterprise, XenDesktop 4 with its new FlexCast delivery technology will help CSC further deploy virtualized desktop services to meet the rapidly growing market demand.”

XenDesktop 4 also includes significant new features. Chief among them are enhancements to its high-definition HDX technology. New HDX improvements in XenDesktop 4 include enhancements for multimedia content, real-time collaboration, USB peripherals and 3D graphics to assist in real-time collaboration among disperse design teams. In addition to improving user experience, these new HDX enhancements utilize up to 90 percent less bandwidth than alternative solutions.

“In 2009, we saw many organizations doing pilots and departmental implementations of desktop virtualization and proving that the technology greatly simplifies desktop computing. Now, it’s time to see these pilots turned into enterprise-wide strategic initiatives. 2010 will be a critical year to demonstrate proof that desktop virtualization can become a mainstream strategic IT initiative,” said Matt Eastwood, Group VP—Enterprise Platform Research, IDC. “Key factors such as a PC refresh cycle with Windows 7 and the availability of improved technology, like XenDesktop 4, that enhances user experience and provides flexibility to deliver different types of virtual desktops will help drive desktop virtualization to the mainstream,” he remarked.

To add to these comments, Bob Muglia, President—Server and Tools Business, Microsoft Corp said, “Citrix XenDesktop 4 represents an important milestone for the industry and an ideal complement to Microsoft’s user-centric computing vision. Microsoft is working closely with Citrix to ensure users have on-demand access to the information they need when they need it, regardless of what device they’re using—and to provide users with as seamless an experience as possible as they roam between devices,” he further added.

XenDesktop 4 will be generally available beginning on Nov 16, 2009 and will be licensed on a per user basis. This model allows each end user to use an unlimited number of connected or offline devices at no additional cost. XenDesktop 4 will be available in three editions.

Moreover, Citrix’s desktop and application virtualization solutions, including XenDesktop 4 and XenApp 5, will be featured in a global, online event on Oct 20, 2009. This virtual event titled, 'Secrets, Lies and VDI: Dispel the Myths and Uncover the Truth about Desktop and Application Virtualization' will feature presentations, chat sessions and online demos from Citrix, as well as participation from key Citrix partners such as CSC, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Intel, NetApp, Microsoft and Wyse, and over 25 sponsors and Citrix Ready partner exhibitors. Citrix will also be providing an exclusive preview of this event for all certified channel partners on Oct 13, 2009.