Cisco and Citrix Systems announced a partnership to deliver a combined
desktop virtualization solution that allows businesses to deploy
high-definition virtual desktops and applications to all users across the
enterprise. The Cisco Desktop Virtualization Solution with Citrix XenDesktop
combines Cisco unified computing and Citrix desktop virtualization technologies,
including FlexCast and HDX, to deliver a scalable solution for hosting,
securing and optimizing the delivery of virtual desktops and applications.
Features include preconfigured service profiles for hosted shared desktops and
hosted VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure)-based desktops; customized kits for
Citrix XenDesktop user scenarios; a reference design architecture based on
testing at scale conducted jointly by Cisco, Citrix and NetApp; and combined
support services via a single support number. Cisco Desktop Virtualization
Solution with Citrix XenDesktop is currently available through joint channel
partners, a joint release stated.
In addition, the solution helps organizations improve security and access
control through the centralization of desktop infrastructure. Technologies like
Cisco VN-Link increase network and virtual desktop visibility and control, and
integrated Citrix SmartAuditor technology enhances data integrity and
compliance requirements for all virtual sessions delivered by the combined
solution.
"The combined Cisco and Citrix solution brings together industry-leading
technology in a very powerful way to help drive mainstream adoption of desktop
virtualization," said John Ryan, vice president and global portfolio
executive for CSC’s managed services sector.
We find this solution compelling for its ability to support large-scale implementations
with lower cost and ability to scale. CSC
plans to leverage and utilize Cisco Desktop Virtualization Solution with Citrix
XenDesktop as a core element of our CSC
Dynamic Desktop solution to implement large-scale desktop virtualization deployments
for our customers."
Cisco said the UCS offers memory-extension technology that can deliver up to 60
percent greater virtual desktop density per server with no degradation in
application performance, while wide-area network services from Cisco and Citrix
help extend a business’s reach while providing an on-ramp for users to access
their virtual desktops and applications more securely from the office, home or
any on-the-road location.
In addition, Citrix’s FlexCast technology in XenDesktop makes it possible for
businesses to choose the best virtual desktop and application technologies to
meet the performance, security, mobility and personalization requirements of
each individual user, and the combined solution includes all the capabilities
of Citrix XenApp, including integration with Microsoft App-V, making it
possible for businesses to deliver Windows apps as an on-demand service to any
device across a physical or virtual desktop.
"The combined solution we’re announcing today represents a significant
milestone in delivering on our vision to simplify desktop computing for
enterprises around the world," said Citrix’s desktop division senior vice
president and general manager, Gordon Payne. "The combination of industry-leading
technology from Citrix and Cisco will help further drive down the costs of
desktop virtualization and speed deployments through a high-performance and
scalable architecture."