In the wake of Citrix Synergy in Barcelona
At the end of October, the Citrix Synergy 2011 conference was held in Barcelona, at which Citrix demonstrated its latest achievements in cloud computing and virtualization systems. The main focus of the conference was on expanding the user experience and improving the functionality of virtual workstations.
By analogy with previous Citrix Synergy conferences, events in Barcelona could be monitored on live.citrixsynergy.com in real time.
To achieve these goals, Citrix uses the following tools:
• lowering the entry threshold for desktop virtualization
• implementing SoC technology
• implementing the concept of open clouds
• actively implementing virtualization systems in SMBs
Reducing prices
One of the main conditions contributing to the global transition of enterprises to virtual desktops is eliminating the price the barrier. At a conference in Barcelona, Citrix talked about expanding the “job transformation” model with innovative tools and features that should help IT departments implement virtual desktops, while significantly reducing infrastructure development costs.
As the main tools designed to reduce the cost of implementing virtualization systems in large, medium and small businesses, Citrix plans to use:
Implementing SoC
An important announcement at Citrix Synergy was the introduction of an initiative called "Citrix HDX Ready System-on-Chip (SoC)," aimed at creating a new generation of client devices that will differ not only in low value, but also in the ability to provide users with access to virtual desktops, with support for multimedia content but.
This initiative will allow us to move away from stereotypes and work with virtual desktops not only on traditional devices - personal computers, tablet PCs and smartphones, but also on mobile phones, smart keyboards, television set-top boxes and express payment terminals. At the same time, all of the listed devices will be able to display virtual desktops, in the form in which users are used to seeing them on their desktop PCs and provide the widest possibilities for working with multimedia data.
To implement this project, Citrix plans to implement HDX technology directly in the “chip”. The new computing system will be delivered to manufacturers of final equipment in the form of a separate chip designed for client devices, and the first samples with integrated technology on the HDX chip will appear on the market in early 2012.
The concept of open clouds
As part of the strategy for developing virtualization of workplaces, Citrix has opened access to the information cloud Share File. This initiative allows us to create a scalable platform for sharing data between various applications, devices and services. The “Follow me data” model (information is always with me) enables third-party developers and vendors to include in their decisions, through a set of open APIs, various popular information services, such as search, sharing, synchronization and deletion. Now Citrix provides customers with not only constant access to virtual workstations (“follow me desktop” service) and applications (“Follow me apps” service), but also to data, allowing them not only to work, but also to have fun, using any devices.
Implementation of virtualization systems in the SMB sector
At the last conference, Citrix paid much attention to issues related to the implementation of virtualization systems in the medium and small business sector. Especially for this segment, the company introduced a new version of Citrix VDI-in-a-Box - a simple and affordable solution for workplace virtualization, developed specifically for the SMB sector. Unlike virtualization systems, initially oriented to large businesses, deploying a VDI-in-a-Box solution in a small enterprise requires less cost and easier maintenance, which allows you to achieve the main goals of implementing virtualization - saving money, increasing the level of security and business flexibility.
To actively deploy virtual desktops in small companies, Citrix launches various affiliate programs. One of them is focused on the development of desktop virtualization in the SMB sector. To further stimulate the introduction of virtualization of workplaces in small and medium-sized companies, since January 2012 Citrix introduces a new specialization for channel partners in the framework of the Citrix Solution Advisor program - SMB specialist. Partners certified in this area gain access to an expanded set of sales tools, the opportunity to undergo free online training, as well as access to pre-sale support, which will help them successfully attract and serve SMB clients. Training under this program is free, takes place online and does not take much time.
At the conference, the company also announced a new solution combining Citrix VDI-in-a-Box with cloud-based Citrix GoToManage support, enabling managed service providers and IT staff to monitor and support virtual desktop environments across multiple sites of their own or client data centers.
Previous announcements
Also at the Citrix Synergy conference, the company spoke in detail about the high-profile announcements made earlier - the conclusion of a strategic partnership with Cisco and the release of a new version of the XenDesktop 5.5 software product.
The main goal of the alliance with Cisco is to more actively innovate in the development of solutions that will help customers simplify and accelerate the deployment of virtual desktops and applications with high image quality. The integration of Cisco networking technologies and the Citrix HDX protocol will enhance user experience.
The alliance of Cisco and Citrix allows creating new advanced solutions for launching virtual desktops on a huge number of different devices, including personal computers Mac, PC, tablet PCs and thin clients. Another objective of this collaboration is the creation of data center solutions that make it easy for companies to deploy the infrastructures needed to provide IT services in a variety of networks.
The second significant announcement made by Citrix earlier is the release of a new version of the virtualization solution for large enterprises XenDesktop 5.5. In version 5.5, more than 150 innovations are implemented, making it the most serious update to Citrix HDX technology. The main feature of XenDesktop 5.5 is the ability to deliver virtual desktops to mobile and remote users via WAN channels at a speed 3 times faster than before, at significantly lower cost.
The most important improvements also include a six-fold reduction in printing and scanning time, a doubling of application startup speed and flexible QoS control to ensure comfortable operation regardless of the quality of the communication channel. The new version has made significant improvements in the field of multimedia. Among them is the integration of technology for redirecting Flash content, thanks to which the work with video and audio via WAN channels is provided, while costs are reduced by 50%.
By analogy with previous Citrix Synergy conferences, events in Barcelona could be monitored on live.citrixsynergy.com in real time.
To achieve these goals, Citrix uses the following tools:
• lowering the entry threshold for desktop virtualization
• implementing SoC technology
• implementing the concept of open clouds
• actively implementing virtualization systems in SMBs
Reducing prices
One of the main conditions contributing to the global transition of enterprises to virtual desktops is eliminating the price the barrier. At a conference in Barcelona, Citrix talked about expanding the “job transformation” model with innovative tools and features that should help IT departments implement virtual desktops, while significantly reducing infrastructure development costs.
As the main tools designed to reduce the cost of implementing virtualization systems in large, medium and small businesses, Citrix plans to use:
Implementing SoC
An important announcement at Citrix Synergy was the introduction of an initiative called "Citrix HDX Ready System-on-Chip (SoC)," aimed at creating a new generation of client devices that will differ not only in low value, but also in the ability to provide users with access to virtual desktops, with support for multimedia content but.
This initiative will allow us to move away from stereotypes and work with virtual desktops not only on traditional devices - personal computers, tablet PCs and smartphones, but also on mobile phones, smart keyboards, television set-top boxes and express payment terminals. At the same time, all of the listed devices will be able to display virtual desktops, in the form in which users are used to seeing them on their desktop PCs and provide the widest possibilities for working with multimedia data.
To implement this project, Citrix plans to implement HDX technology directly in the “chip”. The new computing system will be delivered to manufacturers of final equipment in the form of a separate chip designed for client devices, and the first samples with integrated technology on the HDX chip will appear on the market in early 2012.
The concept of open clouds
As part of the strategy for developing virtualization of workplaces, Citrix has opened access to the information cloud Share File. This initiative allows us to create a scalable platform for sharing data between various applications, devices and services. The “Follow me data” model (information is always with me) enables third-party developers and vendors to include in their decisions, through a set of open APIs, various popular information services, such as search, sharing, synchronization and deletion. Now Citrix provides customers with not only constant access to virtual workstations (“follow me desktop” service) and applications (“Follow me apps” service), but also to data, allowing them not only to work, but also to have fun, using any devices.
Implementation of virtualization systems in the SMB sector
At the last conference, Citrix paid much attention to issues related to the implementation of virtualization systems in the medium and small business sector. Especially for this segment, the company introduced a new version of Citrix VDI-in-a-Box - a simple and affordable solution for workplace virtualization, developed specifically for the SMB sector. Unlike virtualization systems, initially oriented to large businesses, deploying a VDI-in-a-Box solution in a small enterprise requires less cost and easier maintenance, which allows you to achieve the main goals of implementing virtualization - saving money, increasing the level of security and business flexibility.
To actively deploy virtual desktops in small companies, Citrix launches various affiliate programs. One of them is focused on the development of desktop virtualization in the SMB sector. To further stimulate the introduction of virtualization of workplaces in small and medium-sized companies, since January 2012 Citrix introduces a new specialization for channel partners in the framework of the Citrix Solution Advisor program - SMB specialist. Partners certified in this area gain access to an expanded set of sales tools, the opportunity to undergo free online training, as well as access to pre-sale support, which will help them successfully attract and serve SMB clients. Training under this program is free, takes place online and does not take much time.
At the conference, the company also announced a new solution combining Citrix VDI-in-a-Box with cloud-based Citrix GoToManage support, enabling managed service providers and IT staff to monitor and support virtual desktop environments across multiple sites of their own or client data centers.
Previous announcements
Also at the Citrix Synergy conference, the company spoke in detail about the high-profile announcements made earlier - the conclusion of a strategic partnership with Cisco and the release of a new version of the XenDesktop 5.5 software product.
The main goal of the alliance with Cisco is to more actively innovate in the development of solutions that will help customers simplify and accelerate the deployment of virtual desktops and applications with high image quality. The integration of Cisco networking technologies and the Citrix HDX protocol will enhance user experience.
The alliance of Cisco and Citrix allows creating new advanced solutions for launching virtual desktops on a huge number of different devices, including personal computers Mac, PC, tablet PCs and thin clients. Another objective of this collaboration is the creation of data center solutions that make it easy for companies to deploy the infrastructures needed to provide IT services in a variety of networks.
The second significant announcement made by Citrix earlier is the release of a new version of the virtualization solution for large enterprises XenDesktop 5.5. In version 5.5, more than 150 innovations are implemented, making it the most serious update to Citrix HDX technology. The main feature of XenDesktop 5.5 is the ability to deliver virtual desktops to mobile and remote users via WAN channels at a speed 3 times faster than before, at significantly lower cost.
The most important improvements also include a six-fold reduction in printing and scanning time, a doubling of application startup speed and flexible QoS control to ensure comfortable operation regardless of the quality of the communication channel. The new version has made significant improvements in the field of multimedia. Among them is the integration of technology for redirecting Flash content, thanks to which the work with video and audio via WAN channels is provided, while costs are reduced by 50%.