Barney's Blog

Blog archive

The Great Desktop Virtualization Debate

Desktop virtualization has been around for...I don't know. About at least 20 years. But there's a new debate over VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.

Citrix has long had server-based thin client computing, so VDI isn't the first stab at this kind of processing. Instead, VDI adds an additional layer of virtualization on top of the hardware so that each client has a more dedicated experience (virtual gurus, feel free to correct or polish my definition by writing [email protected]).

Of course, others do have differing definitions. What does VDI actually mean? The answer is murky and is discussed here.

VMware is getting deeper in the VDI game with the release of VMware View 3, a suite of tools that creates images for users' virtual desktops, allows users to work even when they're offline (a big shortcoming of thin clients), and also includes virtual printing.

Some believe VDI isn't ready for prime time. Here's what Citrix thinks.

Posted by Doug Barney on December 03, 2008


Featured

  • Report: Cost, Sustainability Drive DaaS Adoption Beyond Remote Work

    Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service reveals that while secure remote access remains a key driver of DaaS adoption, a growing number of deployments now focus on broader efficiency goals.

  • Windows 365 Reserve, Microsoft's Cloud PC Rental Service, Hits Preview

    Microsoft has launched a limited public preview of its new "Windows 365 Reserve" service, which lets organizations rent cloud PC instances in the event their Windows devices are stolen, lost or damaged.

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.