Posted on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 01:05 PM
I recently blogged about
client hypervisors as the future of desktop virtualization. However, it has become obvious that we will have to wait a bit longer for that evolution than anticipated.
Originally slated for release in late 2009 and early 2010, both Citrix and VMware have delayed the launches of their client hypervisors (Citrix XenClient and VMware Client Virtualization Platform) until, at least, the end of this year.
I mention only Citrix and VMware because they have emerged as early leaders in the client hypervisor space, but that does not mean they are the only players. Will the Citrix and VMware delays open the door for the others to swoop in and capture the client hypervisor market? Only time will tell.
Why the delay?
It seems that those who are trying to get into the client hypervisor market should take a look at the history of operating systems in the x86 desktop world (i.e. desktop computers).
One of the biggest issues that the PC hardware model, named "Open Architecture" or "IBM Compatible," has always brought with it is the need to support a large number of component manufacturers. Anyone can build devices that will work in this hardware model, which is why it is called "Open Architecture." Each hardware component from each hardware manufacturer requires a unique piece of software called the device driver. Device drivers are the biggest problem in the traditional operating system world and, it seems, are going to be an issue in the client hypervisor world as well.
How much of an impact will this delay have on the desktop virtualization market? Likely, not much. Currently, those who are looking at desktop virtualization are looking at shop floors, computer labs and the like. These are considered the safe and least critical computers in a business environment. You would never use the CEO of a company to test a new technology.
End users with mobile needs will continue to be a part of the decentralized computing model for the next couple of years, and this is fine. Some end users will continue to need local access to a local computer with the operating system and software installed directly to it. All new technologies take time to be adopted into the market, and the client hypervisor will be no different.
Looking ahead
By the time the client hypervisor is ready for primetime, the need for it will be present as well. The decentralized model that we know today has been stretched as far as possible and it is no longer scalable or sustainable. There are two few people supporting too many computers in too many different geographic locations. IT departments know this but, until now, there was no other option. Desktop virtualization, in general, and the client hypervisor, in specific, will provide the IT staff the ability to centralize - i.e. bring into the datacenter - the technologies, while still allowing for the offline access of that virtual desktop. For now, the plethora of desktop virtualization technology that exists should be enough keep everyone busy and organizations supported with what we have at our disposal, so it is business as usual for IT professionals.
The best advice I can offer is to start your strategic roadmapping now, and keep an eye on the progress of client hypervisors and other developments in the desktop virtualization market. Ours is an industry that changes rapidly, and without staying abreast of the latest technologies available, we're only doing ourselves, and our companies or clients, a disservice.
Jason Dell is a Converged Network Solution Consultant at MCPc, and is responsible for developing and programming custom solutions for clients. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.
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Posted on Sat, Jan 09, 2010 @ 03:38 PM
Author: Jason Dell
The current technology that makes up Desktop Virtualization is good if you sit at your desk all day but what if you travel and need offline access? To date the options for you are less than optimal, but soon that will change. There have been significant improvements in virtualization technologies in general and Desktop Virtualization technology in specific but none are as important as what is to come.
The Client Hypervisor
The Client Hypervisor is the next step in the evolution of Desktop Virtualization technologies and it is a big step. What is the Client Hypervisor and why should you care?
The Client Hypervisor is:
- A bare-metal hypervisor for the PC.
- A solution for the high-risk nature of mobile PCs.
- A security solution that will help you become compliant with the vast array of regulatory groups in all industries. For example:
- HIPPA
- Sarbanes Oxley
- FDIC
- SEC
Now I know the above assertions are grand, but in future blog posts I will provide the necessary proof for each of those assertions.
What are the more practical benefits of the Client Hypervisor?
- Offline virtual desktops without a host OS which will allow you to take your virtual desktop with you when you travel
- Check-in and check-out of virtual desktop, which will allow for the updating of server-based VMs. This will ensure that your desktop virtual machines remain current and in the backup rotation.
- Local VM snapshots for recovery and rollback which will keep your users doing their jobs and not on the phone with support.
- Encryption and Profile based security which will ensure that your customer's data is safe and secure whether in the datacenter or on the go.
In future posts we will also breakdown the above ideas as well as provide updates to the status of the Client Hypervisor. Currently Q1 of 2010 is the timeframe for its release, and as more information becomes available we will share it with you. So stay tuned.
Jason Dell is a Converged Network Solution Consultant at MCPc, and is responsible for developing and programming custom solutions for clients. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.
Image courtesy of ajleon.