Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

Desktop virtualization for all

citrix.com

Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

Desktop virtualization for all

Todays organizations encompass a diverse range of users, from road warriors using laptops and mobile devices as well as power users working with demanding high-end applications, to task workers performing standard, relatively predictable processes. A one-size-fits-all approach to desktop virtualization cannot meet all the different requirements of these users. The challenge for IT is to deliver the right kind of desktop view and applications in the right way for each user type, while addressing IT priorities such as cost, security and ease of management. In the past, this would have required the implementation of multiple solutions from multiple vendorsa prohibitively complex and unmanageable strategy. Today, while most vendors continue to support only one or two desktop and application virtualization scenarios, Citrix has developed FlexCast delivery technology. It enables companies to deliver virtual desktops and applications tailored to meet the diverse performance, security and flexibility requirements of every worker in their organization. In response to the need for reducing desktop management costs, improving data security and enhancing business agility, more and more organizations are relying on FlexCast to simplify desktop computing across their entire organization. Whether organizations are looking for a simple and affordable virtual-desktopinfrastructure (VDI) solution or a powerful, enterprise virtual desktop system, Citrix has desktop virtualization offerings that will transform the way companies do business to increase the flexibility of its workers and improve employee productivity.

Understanding your options

Organizations usually need to use a combination of approaches to meet the requirements of users and IT. To create your own desktop virtualization strategy, start by evaluating your user types and their requirements and defining your priorities for flexibility, agility, mobility, ease of management, cost, user experience and security. Your ideal strategy may incorporate several different desktop- and applicationdelivery models to meet the needs of all of the workers in your environment. At a high level, your strategy will depend on one or more of these delivery models: Server-based virtual desktops are unmatched for their ease of endpoint device management. With this model, you keep the operating system, applications and data within the datacenter, where you execute them primarily using server resources. Though this typically requires additional server infrastructure, it also enables you to use low-cost, low-maintenance, and easyto-manage client devices, such as zero clients or even re-purposed PCs. Client-side virtual desktops enable full PC-like performance while reducing the need for additional server investments. IT creates, manages, and updates these in the datacenter, and then either streams them for local execution or delivers them as client-side virtual machines (VMs) to the device. Client-side resources execute the desktop resources, enabling the high performance that characterizes this type of virtual desktop.

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Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

On-demand applications can reduce application-management costs by up to 50 percent, improve application and data security, accelerate application delivery. They can also help you optimize delivery for any user, anywhere, on any device. This centralized, single-instance management approach enables you to create a single application image in the datacenter, and then deliver it in multiple ways to any number of devices, eliminating the need to install and maintain a separate instance of the application for each device.

The full spectrum of virtualization scenarios

To help you meet the computing requirements of every type of user in the organization, Citrix FlexCast provides a variety of desktop and application delivery methods: Hosted shared desktops Hosted VDI desktops Streamed VHD desktops Physical desktops Local virtual machine (VM) desktops On-demand applications In the following sections, we will take a closer look at these delivery scenarios and discuss which model is best suited for each type of user and application.

Hosted shared desktop

The least expensive option with the highest return on investment (ROI) of any server-based, virtual-desktop scenario, the hosted shared desktop model supports up to 500 users per server while providing a high-definition user experience. This delivery model, just like traditional server-based computing, enables multiple user sessions sharing a single, locked-down Windows Server environment running in the datacenter and accessing a core set of applications on-demand.

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Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

This option is appropriate for task workers who perform a set of well-defined tasks and do not require personalization for optimal productivity. Its highly efficient and tightly controlled, but strictly limited in user flexibility. Benefits Secure, centralized desktop, application and data management Wide selection of client hardware (PCs, thin clients, mobile clients, handhelds) Low total cost of ownership (TCO)

Hosted VDI desktop

This server-based virtual desktop model combines the benefits of centralized management and security with a personalized user experience. Multiple users who share the same device can each log into their own individual environment and get the look and feel of their own virtual desktop. The classic architecture for VDI enables companies to move the traditional desktop environment to the datacenter, where a server inside a virtual machine runs it. Applications and data never leave the datacenter, helping you to maintain high security while allowing users to access the same consistent desktops, applications, data and customizations through any device.

Hosted VDI desktops enable you to provide secure, easily controllable access for external contractors, third-party collaborators and other provisional team members in addition to internal users. This model can generally support up to 150 desktops per server. Benefits Secure, centralized desktop, application and data management Individual desktop environments available for each user Customizable or locked-down desktops depending on corporate requirements

citrix.com

Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

For less elaborate IT organizations looking to quickly deploy, deliver and manage virtual desktops, Citrix also offers an easy, affordable, all-in-one VDI solution. It is available as a virtual appliance that runs on off-the-shelf servers to deliver centrally managed virtual desktops to any user on any device and eliminates the need for expensive datacenter infrastructure. Designed for desktop IT, this simple VDI solution delivers an immediate ROI by being simpler and less expensive to set up and manage than physical PCs.

Streamed VHD desktop

This model is an easy, low-cost entry point for client-side desktop virtualization and an excellent choice for shared workstation environments. Because it leverages the local processing power of rich clients with minimal server resources, a single server can support thousands of users, minimizing datacenter overhead. You create, update, and maintain desktops in the datacenter, then stream them to local PCs for execution. Centralized single-image management means that a single, standard desktop image can support many users, simplifying management and further reducing costs. Users access a fresh, up-to-date desktop view each time they log on.

Streamed VHD desktops are best for computer labs and other shared workstation environments where management requirements around OS and application reprovisioning are a daunting task. This model is best suited for local area network (LAN) workstations and PCs.

Benefits Simplified management for frequently changing workstation configurations Centralized desktop, application and data management with local execution Dedicated computing resources

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Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

Physical desktop
This client-side virtual desktop model offers all of the benefits of desktop virtualization, by allowing IT to provide employees with secure access to their officebased PC while leveraging high-performance features of the PC workstations and high-end blades. Remote PC, one of the variations of the physical desktop model, allows users secure mobile access to their office-based PCs from any device running Citrix Receiver. Instead of using server-based images, Remote PC provides remote access to a physical PC without requiring a build-out of virtual infrastructure and the need to migrate user desktops and apps to the datacenter.

Benefits of Remote PC
Secure, mobile access and full HDX experience to physical PCs Auto-provision for thousands of users Maps PC to user automatically Instant benefit to end-users and simplified to adapt desktop virtualization Another variation of the physical desktop model is 3D workloads. This model enables you to virtualize and centrally deliver 3D graphics-intensive applications and high-performing desktops using a graphics processing unit (GPU) for hardware acceleration to boost rendering performance. With 3D workloads, you can easily virtualize native OpenGL and DirectX-based applications with like-native OS performance on a LAN or WAN.

Benefits of 3D workloads
Centralize and secure design IP Delivery of graphically-intensive data over WANs Share resources for improved cost effectiveness

Local VM desktop
Local VM-based desktops extend the benefits of desktop virtualization to mobile users by increasing their flexibility. With this client-side virtual desktop model, you can create, manage, and update desktops in the datacenter, then deliver them as a client-side VM to the endpoint device. This enables full offline use of a desktop while maintaining the advantages of centralized, single-image management. When the offline desktop reconnects to the network, it synchronizes any updates with the datacenter. At the same time, users can run multiple personal and business desktops on the same laptop with high performance, and maintain complete isolation between personal and business applications and strict security. IT can also create multiple predefined VMs and make them available for downloading to appropriate users.

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Desktop virtualization for all

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Local VM desktops are best for mobile workers who cannot be guaranteed an Internet connection, but still want the benefits of a centrally managed and backedup desktop. Workers who need to run multiple desktops on a single deviceeither through the consolidation of multiple business desktops or because of the desire to run a business and personal machine on one devicewill also get value from this technology. Benefits Operation of multiple virtual machines on the same endpoint hardware Local operation in a secure, centrally managed environment Support for disconnected use

On-demand applications
The on-demand application technology in FlexCast is an ideal starting point for organizations that are new to desktop virtualization. It is also a great addition to any desktop delivery solution because it can deliver any type of application to any user regardless of the type of desktop on which they run. You can centralize and manage Windows applications in the datacenter, hosting them either on multiuser terminal servers or virtual machines and instantly deliver them as a service to physical and virtual desktops in the way that best meets the users needs and ITs administrative requirements. You can integrate Web and SaaS applications seamlessly into a single interface, so users only need to log on once to have secure access to all of their applications.

citrix.com

Desktop virtualization for all

White Paper

This technology offers many of the ROI and management benefits of virtualization with minimal setup costs. Users can access applications and data optimized for each user device, network and location. They can get applications via high-speed protocol for online use, and support for offline use by streaming applications via Citrix application virtualization or Microsoft App-V directly to the endpoint. Users can self provision new applications and apply individual preferences to maximize productivity. Efficient, centralized, single-image management reduces total cost of ownership (TCO), since a single copy of each application can support thousands of users. Benefits Dynamic delivery of applicationshosted or streamedto each user and device Secure, centralized data management with granular access control Self-service enterprise app store

With desktop virtualization, one size does not fit all

Different types of workers across the enterprise need different types of desktops. Some require simplicity and standardization, while others require high performance and personalization. With Citrix FlexCast delivery technology, your IT group can deliver virtual desktops and applications tailored to meet the performance, security and flexibility requirements of every user. For example, a knowledge worker using a Windows 7 hosted VDI desktop may struggle to access an application previously compatible with Windows XP. In this case, a user can access these incompatible applications as hosted applications, delivered on demand as a service. And IT can ensure that each user can access the right desktops and applications to meet their needs without being limited by the constraints of a single-delivery technology. At the same time, this approach enables IT to meet its own requirements for costeffectiveness, manageability and security.

Making the right choices for your organization

Organizations of all sizes can reap the benefits of transforming their traditional desktop environments from a device-centric to a people-centric model, where data and applications are delivered as an on-demand service to any user, on any device, anywhere. To design the ideal implementation for your organization and your users, begin by assessing your users and establishing their requirements in terms of flexibility, application access, personalization, mobility, performance, and work locations. Your internal IT organization may have the resources to perform this process, or you may turn to a systems integrator or to Citrix Services. Once you know what you need, you can support the full range of virtualization scenarios through Citrix Desktop Virtualization.

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Start with the most simple use case that you have identified and implement a Citrix desktop virtualization solution to support it. As you gain experience with desktop virtualization and prove the technology, add other desktop types as needed, broadening your user base and progressing in complexity. To ensure that your costper-user and TCO decrease as your deployment expands, make sure to use Citrix FlexCast to deliver the correct desktop type for each use case. Whether organizations are looking for a simple and affordable VDI solution or a powerful, enterprise virtual desktop system, Citrix offers the expertise, technology and the family of solutions you will need to implement your desktop virtualization environment in the most efficient and cost-effective way. To learn more about the desktop and application virtualization scenarios supported by Citrix FlexCast and their suitability for the use cases within your organization, please visit www.citrix.com/desktopvirtualization.

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About Citrix Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS) is the company transforming how people, businesses and IT work and collaborate in the cloud era. With market-leading cloud, collaboration, networking and virtualization technologies, Citrix powers mobile workstyles and cloud services, making complex enterprise IT simpler and more accessible for 260,000 enterprises. Citrix touches 75 percent of Internet users each day and partners with more than 10,000 companies in 100 countries. Annual revenue in 2011 was $2.21 billion. Learn more at www.citrix.com. 2012 Citrix Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Citrix, FlexCast, XenDesktop, VDI-in-a-Box and Citrix Receiver are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, and may be registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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