Citrix, Lenovo Partner on Desktop Virtualization with XenClient

Analysts and industry pundits have been predicting the arrival of desktop virtualization implementations en masse for a few years now, but the big move to thin clients has failed to materialize, even though companies have recently been making moves to replace their aging fleets of PCs.

Maybe that’s because by the time a thin client is implemented with all the drivers it needs, the acquisition cost is about the same as a new PC, and it doesn’t provide the flexibility that a PC can offer.

Offering the best of both worlds, Lenovo and Citrix are teaming up to put Citrix’s XenClient virtual desktop client which delivers a complete Windows desktop on-demand on Lenovo’s PC hardware including ThinkCentre M Series desktops and ThinkPad X and T Series laptops. In addition, customers can also have XenClient added to their custom image through Lenovo’s Imaging Technology Center.

The partnership lets IT organizations get the benefits of the additional security and manageability that comes with a virtual solution without losing the performance and flexibility that is available with a traditional PC or laptop.

Additionally, Lenovo will begin offering its ThinkServer line of Citrix Ready verified servers in Q4 2010 to provide the highest levels of performance while running Citrix XenServer on Lenovo servers.

“Our customers have expressed an increasing interest in alternative client solutions as they look to mitigate ongoing data, security and liability threats within the enterprise,” said Peter Schrady, vice president and general manager, Software & Peripherals Product Group, Lenovo, in a statement. “Desktop virtualization is a great step in addressing these pain points, and Lenovo’s new relationship with Citrix allows us to offer cost-effective solutions for virtual desktop delivery.”