

and IBM, that simply moved the processing guts of a PC to the data center and left the input and display at the user's desk. The early versions of desktop virtualization were blade servers, such as those offered by ClearCube Technology Inc. Complete coverage: Desktop virtualization.Hosting virtual desktops: Tips for success In essence, servers host an entire desktop environment specific to each user. All the user's terminal or PC does is present the updated screen display and permit input via keyboard and mouse.ĭesktop virtualization, on the other hand, is a new way of delivering the individual PC environment that white-collar workers demand and love.

In some cases, the same technology helps accomplish all three, bringing greater control and flexibility to IT without users mourning the loss of "their" beloved desktops.Īt first blush, desktop virtualization sounds a lot like terminal services, such as those provided by Citrix Systems Inc., where servers run the applications and give users remote access. The promise of desktop virtualization technology is to centralize applications at the data center to make them easier to manage and provision - stretching hardware resources and keeping nagging software conflicts to a minimum in the bargain. Even with network-based installation and patch management tools to ease the burden, IT spends far too much time at the desktop itself, dealing with shenanigans involving personal software multiple versions of Java or ActiveX controls driver or Dynamic Link Library (DLL) conflicts malware infections misconfigured hardware and more. Managing PCs has always been painful, but the job has gotten considerably nastier, thanks to an endless parade of application upgrades, operating system patches and antithreat updates.
