(Image: Stockfresh)
| Lowering barriers | |
| “Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions collapse storage, computing and storage networking functions into a single software solution or appliance — particularly advantageous for virtual desktop environments” |  Enterprise Solutions: Shane Garry |
| I feel with the use of hyper-converged infrastructure solutions, desktop virtualisation will be an increasingly compelling and accessible desktop strategy for Irish organisations. There are various types of virtual desktop, ranging from public cloud hosted desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) to on-premise or privately hosted virtual desktops.One trend that has the potential to have a big impact on the adoption of all types of virtual desktop in 2015 is the increasing implementation of hyper-converged infrastructure solutions. Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions collapse storage, computing, and storage networking functions into a single software solution or appliance. This approach is particularly advantageous for virtual desktop environments, as it provides an easily scalable platform (in terms of performance and capacity) while reducing complexity and cost. For example, hyper converged infrastructure negates the typical requirement for SAN storage and additional hyper converged ‘nodes’ can be simply added to increase performance or capacity as and when required.In short, hyper converged infrastructure lowers many of the barriers to entry for desktop virtualisation. Therefore Enterprise Solutions believe that the use of hyper-converged infrastructure solutions will greatly increase the adoption of virtual desktops in our clients. Similarly, hyper converged infrastructure solutions will allow DaaS providers to deliver an enhanced service at a lower cost, opening this service to an increasing number of SMBs. The net result will be that more Irish end users will be accessing a virtual desktop in 2015 and enjoying the benefits that go with it, such as improved security, mobility, agility and ultimately, improved productivity. | |
| Flexible farms | |
| “The ability to securely provide virtual desktops across a multitude of platforms is leading companies to embrace a BYOD policy” |  Ergo: Gavin Lockhart, senior consultant engineer |
| Currently the emerging trend is very much an organisation’s ability to connect to the office via mobile devices such as phones and tablet devices. The ability to securely provide virtual desktops across a multitude of platforms is leading companies to embrace a ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) policy.There are a plethora of virtual desktop technologies that the Irish marketplace is adopting at present from Microsoft RDS to Citrix XenDesktop to VMware Horizon View. With all three providers the organisation can present either virtual desktops or virtual applications. Some companies are implementing these technologies purely for remote access and others are implementing as a replacement to the traditional desktop/laptop model as it can offer easier maintenance and administration.Although the basic architectural components are largely the same for Citrix, RDS and VMware, Citrix and RDS are more flexible allowing these farms to be run on the Hyper Visors that are Citrix XenServer, Microsoft Hyper V and VMware vSphere, VMware Horizon view will only run on vSphere.Both Citrix and VMware View support client connectivity over the Microsoft RDP protocol, they also support their own propriety protocols (Citrix’s HDX (High Definition Experience) and VMware’s PC over IP). Both of these propriety protocols are designed for unreliable or slow WAN connections.From a client support perspective all three vendors support Windows, MACs, iOS, and Androids, with Citrix and VMware also supporting Linux and VMware supporting Kindle Fire and Citrix having a java client.As a trusted Microsoft and Citrix partner, Ergo has the ability to deliver an extensive portfolio of virtual desktop technologies solutions. These solutions will allow an organisation to securely provide virtual desktops that will enhance its ability to allow for greater diversity within their operating systems within a complex virtual desktop market.
|
|
| Flexible technology | |
| “Delivering an empty virtual desktop to users is easy. Managing applications inside that desktop less so” |  PFH Technology Group: David Pisa, lead solution architect |
| We think we know what a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is, but few people really understand it. It’s not just a desktop in the cloud. Essentially it is a well-designed solution that combines user experience, applications, performance, hypervisors, infrastructure manageability, costs and security.We find that delivering an empty virtual desktop to users is easy. Managing applications inside that desktop less so. Allowing user access from anywhere with any device requires a good secure flexible technology and someone with the ability to design it. This is where PFH Technology Group comes in.The challenge we meet is to provide the best mix of the most cutting-edge technologies to create a perfect design for each of our customer’s needs — and budgets. Every new project pushes the boundaries that little bit further. Back in 2008 when Citrix released its first VDI solution: XenDesktop 2.0, companies wanted a flexible and easy way to manage desktops. In 2015 with version 7.6, Citrix addresses the need for companies to securely and smoothly manage mobility. They need the “same” VDI, but they also want to use 3D applications and securely access it from any device, in any place at any time. Security is needed inside the Data Centre, on public gateways and in accessing corporate data. Virtual desktop in the cloud is not so simple but PFH manages complex solutions every day. Some of our designed systems must run 24/7 year after year without interruption; someone’s life sometimes depends on it.So what is a VDI exactly? It’s not only a virtual desktop but rather a mix of technologies masterfully blended to create a high performance infrastructure.The new corporate trend is moving IT infrastructure to the cloud. Virtual desktop and applications will be a facility, an instrument to work. You will work from your office desk, your home or while in flight with the same reliability and resources. You will be able to access your VDI and data from your phablet and go about your daily activities. That’s VDI.PFH provides solutions that matches the client’s needs. Citrix Systems is the leader in this market, but VMware and Microsoft are getting closer. Citrix Mobile Workspaces is a fully integrated suite of technologies which allow Architects to design future infrastructures. Furthermore, amazing components, such as Framehawk and Receiver X1, will be integrated during 2015. With our technology partners PFH is meeting future needs now. Make sure you’re ready. Give us a call.
|
|
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers