Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Why you have until 2020 to figure out your desktop delivery strategy

  Don't buy the hype. You have until 2020 to figure out your application and desktop delivery strategy. Continue Reading

• How to handle peripherals support on virtual desktops

  Peripherals support can be especially tricky on virtual desktops because you often need redirection technology to make the devices work. Continue Reading

• Lower-cost VDI platforms aren't a myth

  Alternatives to VMware and Citrix for VDI may seem few and far between, but there are some options out there for lower-cost VDI software and hardware. Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of using VDI for BYOD management

  Virtual desktop infrastructure eases the stress of managing employee-owned devices in the enterprise, but beware connectivity and compatibility snags. Continue Reading

• When virtualizing applications is a good idea -- and when it's not

  Virtualizing applications can bring a lot of benefits, but take a step back and assess your environment and delivery options before going for it. Continue Reading

• Four alternatives to the major VDI vendors

  VDI software and management tools from smaller VDI vendors may be the way to go if you don't have the budget or manpower to use industry giants.Continue Reading

• Apple iOS devices and VDI: Connecting the cult and the corporation

  If your organization wants to access virtual desktops from Apple iOS devices, keep these tips in mind to make the transition smooth.Continue Reading

• How Windows 8.1 changes could make Windows 8 VDI more viable

  A few changes in Windows 8.1, including a new boot option, help make Windows 8 VDI more feasible in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Comparing Citrix VDI options: XenDesktop vs. VDI-in-a-Box

  VDI-in-a-Box and XenDesktop differ in a few important ways, especially when it comes to use case, cost, features and deployment capabilities.Continue Reading

• Weighing connected vs. disconnected VDI

  Offline VDI lets users work from anywhere -- even without an Internet connection -- but that brings up a few challenges regarding user experience.Continue Reading

• VDI graphics delivery and storage performance -- solved

  Storage and graphics delivery are no longer annoying snags when it comes to VDI. See what NVIDIA and Atlantis did to smooth things out.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using storage virtualization for virtual desktops

  Thinking of virtualizing storage to improve virtual desktop performance? Here are the pros and cons of storage virtualization for VDI.Continue Reading

• Citrix kills its Application Streaming feature, directs users to App-V

  Citrix has officially ceased development and support for its Application Streaming feature, and has directed IT pros to use Microsoft App-V instead.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of shared storage for VDI

  Shared storage provides better manageability and uptime for enterprise VDI deployments, but administrators should be aware of potential drawbacks.Continue Reading

• VDI comparison: Citrix XenDesktop vs. VMware View

  A VDI comparison of XenDesktop vs. View reveals more similarities than differences, but organizations must decide which features are essential.Continue Reading

• Explaining app layering and application virtualization benefits

  Application virtualization benefits include isolation, on-demand delivery and the ability to deliver apps from a single image.Continue Reading

• Zero client vs. thin client computing: Why zero clients are better

  Zero clients and thin clients both offer virtual desktop access, but they aren't the same when it comes to performance and scalability.Continue Reading

• How Windows XP end of life will affect your desktop applications

  It's time to get rid of XP, but there are some ways to keep desktop applications running smoothly despite the upcoming Windows XP end of life.Continue Reading

• Nonpersistent vs. persistent desktops: Why VDI should persist

  Using persistent desktops for VDI makes application delivery more flexible; plus, they're similar to the physical desktops you already have.Continue Reading

• Desktop as a Service lowdown: Costs, pros and cons

  Companies that want VDI but lack the expertise or the Capex look to Desktop as a Service, but cloud-hosted desktop costs vary.Continue Reading

• VDI hardware comparison: Thin vs. thick vs. zero clients

  Thin clients aren't on a diet; they just do less processing than 'fat' clients. Devices such as the iPad are also VDI hardware options.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of four endpoint devices for VDI

  When it comes to VDI clients, don't put all your eggs in one basket. There are many endpoint devices out there, including zero clients and tablets.Continue Reading

• Comparing remote display protocols: RemoteFX vs. HDX vs. PCoIP

  Are you puzzled by protocols? This comparison reviews top remote display protocols from major vendors so you'll know what each has to offer.Continue Reading

• Choosing thin client devices: What to look for

  On the lookout for thin client devices? Don't forget to consider application compatibility, protocol support, features and cost.Continue Reading

• Straightening out virtual desktop snags with VDI monitoring tools

  When you run into a problem, such as connectivity or authentication, with a virtual desktop, you need VDI monitoring tools to find and solve it.Continue Reading

• Application and OS updates for virtual desktops: Not so simple

  Think virtual desktops make app and OS updates easier? Think again. Patching and updating virtual desktops can require more steps than physical ones.Continue Reading

• User profile management tools: 16 options to consider

  There are tons of user profile management tools out there. Check out these options to learn what they offer -- and which ones are free.Continue Reading

• Application virtualization comparison: XenApp vs. ThinApp vs. App-V

  App streaming and virtualization tools differ when it comes to portability, offline capabilities and more. Get to know application presentation tools from Citrix, VMware and Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Using hardware emulation tools to run embedded OSes

  Hardware emulation is surprisingly similar to desktop virtualization. Test your virtualization skills by using emulation to run embedded OSes.Continue Reading

• GPU vs. CPU: Three ways to run graphics-heavy apps on virtual desktops

  It's a pain trying to accommodate graphics-intensive applications on a virtual desktop, but don't despair. There are ways to deliver these apps fast.Continue Reading

• Why graphics-intensive applications require special treatment for VDI

  CAD users and other graphics-intensive workers need extra-special attention if you're going to give them virtual desktops.Continue Reading

• VDI vs. DaaS: How are cloud-hosted desktops different?

  Cloud-hosted desktops are a whole new ballgame when it comes to management, security and licensing. Learn more in this comparison with VDI.Continue Reading

• Alternative application virtualization tools to VMware ThinApp

  Take a bite out of these application virtualization tools and see what strikes your fancy.Continue Reading

• Application virtualization Q&A: Streaming and remote app delivery

  Application virtualization can simplify upgrading and management. Just remember, streaming and remote apps are two different things.Continue Reading

• Direct-attached vs. shared storage for VDI

  Most organizations use shared storage for VDI, but it's important to review the pros and cons of DAS and other storage options before you implement virtual desktops.Continue Reading

• Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL

  Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help.Continue Reading

• Desktop as a Service FAQ: Pros and cons of hosted virtual desktops

  Desktop as a Service is an enticing way to host virtual desktops in the cloud without the upfront costs of VDI, but it comes with some downsides.Continue Reading

• Using Portable-VirtualBox to run any OS from a USB device

  Portable-VirtualBox allows you to run OSes from a USB drive, which helps you test them for use in server and desktop virtualization environments.Continue Reading

• Turn to Microsoft RemoteApp Programs when VDI and RDS just won't do

  VDI and RDS aren't always the best fit for remote app delivery. For a lightweight approach, try Microsoft RemoteApp Programs in Windows Server 2012.Continue Reading

• VMware VDI shops may sidestep XenApp with PCoIP for Microsoft RDS

  VMware View shops that use Microsoft RDSH but don't need all the XenApp bells and whistles can bypass Citrix and use RDS via PCoIP instead.Continue Reading

• Breaking down application delivery options: It's the apps, stupid!

  Hosted apps, VDI and application streaming take center stage as the curtain rises on this dramatic series about application delivery.Continue Reading

• Offline VDI pros and cons: Who needs virtual desktop connectivity?

  Going with an offline VDI strategy can help with a BYOD initiative and facilitate mobile and remote workers, but disconnected VDI comes with a few challenges.Continue Reading

• Physical vs. virtual desktop security: It's just not the same

  You can't use the same methods to secure physical and virtual desktops. Here's how to change your tactics when it comes to antivirus scans and more.Continue Reading

• Desktop virtualization comparison: VDI vs. Remote Desktop Services

  For desktop virtualization, you have a choice between the paths of VDI and Remote Desktop Services. Robert Frost took the road less travelled, but you don't have to choose just one.Continue Reading

• Graphics-intensive application performance: You can't have it both ways

  It's notoriously difficult to glean good performance from graphics-heavy apps through a remote display protocol. You might have to give up low bandwidth or the user experience.Continue Reading

• Reverse seamless windows: The secret to local apps on remote desktops

  Some apps just run better as local applications. Reverse seamless windows technology allows you to run apps locally while presenting them on remote desktops.Continue Reading

• VDI thin client options: How to choose the best thin clients

  When you're assessing VDI thin client options, consider management style, deployment options and display protocol support. You want the best thin clients to fit your environment.Continue Reading

• VDI software for SMBs: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box vs. XenDesktop

  Small businesses now have a tricky choice: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5 or XenDesktop? The all-in-one VDI software suite VDI-in-a-Box gets points for pricing and simplicity.Continue Reading

• Microsoft App-V 5.0 brings native app experience, reduces storage

  Microsoft App-V 5.0 offers a native app experience. It also gives IT pros a way to reduce storage requirements and more flexible management options.Continue Reading

• Citrix VM Hosted Apps: Using VDI for application hosting

  Among all the glitz and glam of VDI, people often forget it's also a means of application hosting. Citrix VM Hosted Apps is a new application delivery method worth checking out.Continue Reading

• Choosing PCs to repurpose as thin clients: To reuse or not to reuse?

  Should you repurpose existing PCs or use dedicated thin clients for your VDI project? That is the question. Start by considering the benefits of reusing PCs and what it will cost.Continue Reading

• Application whitelisting for virtual desktops

  Citrix and other virtual desktop vendors now support User Installed Applications. IT can prevent UIA from running amuck using these strategies and application whitelisting tools.Continue Reading

• Citrix XenApp 6.5 Mobility Pack reformats apps for Android devices

  Using corporate apps on mobile phones can be cumbersome. With the new Citrix XenApp 6.5 Mobility Pack, delivering and using apps on Android devices is simpler. Here's why.Continue Reading

• Cloud app vs. Web app -- what's the difference?

  What's the difference between a cloud app and a Web app? Gabe Knuth explains the difference between these similar terms and asks readers to share their input on the distinction.Continue Reading

• Web apps are browser-based, not browser independent

  Web apps aren't a free pass on IT management. Issues such as plug-ins, security settings and browser version requirements mean that managing Web apps can be a lot of work.Continue Reading

• streaming application

  A streaming application is a program that has its necessary components downloaded as needed instead of being installed ahead of time on a computer.Continue Reading

• user installed application (UIA)

  User installed applications (UIA) are programs that are installed on a computer by an end user, instead of by a corporate IT department.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right tablets for virtual desktop infrastructure

  Planning to deliver virtual desktop tablet devices using VDI? Issues with connection brokers, bandwidth and even screen size could impact performance on these devices.Continue Reading

• Why using a bare metal client hypervisor on a Mac makes no sense

  Apple supports running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in a client hypervisor VM on Mac hardware, but is there any value in virtualizing the Mac OS with Type-1 products such as XenClient?Continue Reading

• More tools for converting PCs to thin clients

  You don't need to replace all your PCs to move to virtual desktops. Here are six non-Windows tools to help you convert old hardware to thin clients for desktop virtualization.Continue Reading

• Weighing the pros and cons of thin clients vs. thick clients for VDI

  Thin clients offer advantages over PCs, but you can easily repurpose old PCs to run as thin clients. Before you decide, weigh the pros and cons of thin clients and thick clients.Continue Reading

• VDI vs. traditional desktops: How to get the best of both worlds

  You can obtain VDI benefits -- such as application packaging, remote management and desktop access -- from anywhere for a traditional desktop environment. Here’s how.Continue Reading

• Google Chrome OS vs. Chromium OS: Understanding the difference

  Before buying Google Chromebooks, learn the difference between Chrome and Chromium -- the free HTML5 browsers and OSes you can use to check out desktop virtualization clients.Continue Reading

• VDI for one, please! Delivering remote desktops to a select few

  If you only need virtual desktops for a few users, you can provide VDI functionality for almost no cost and without any real design effort. It’s simpler than you’d think.Continue Reading

• Using App-V Package Accelerator to virtualize tricky apps

  Here are some tips on using the Package Accelerator feature in Microsoft App-V 4.6 SP1 to virtualize tricky apps and pitfalls to avoid when sharing Package Accelerators you’ve built.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between XenClient 2 and XenClient XT?

  Citrix released XenClient 2 and a new, highly secure client hypervisor called XenClient XT. Here, Brian Madden parses the differences and explains the use case for XenClient XT.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using storage virtualization for virtual desktops

  Thinking of virtualizing storage to improve virtual desktop performance? Here are the pros and cons of storage virtualization for VDI.Continue Reading

• Do you need Citrix, or is Microsoft Remote Desktop enough?

  Using only Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host products won’t do unless you have a very simple environment. Here’s why adding Citrix XenApp or Quest vWorkspace makes sense.Continue Reading

• Choosing VDI connection brokers for high-definition desktops

  Third-party connection brokers are vendor-agnostic, giving data center managers a way to deploy VDI in heterogeneous data centers.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using hosted apps in the enterprise

  Hosted applications can reduce IT management burdens, but they can leave you at the mercy of service providers. Here are the pros and cons to weigh before moving to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Comparing Microsoft RemoteFX to VMware PCoIP

  RemoteFX and PCoIP have similarities and differences, but the real battle between Microsoft and VMware's VDI protocols is at the hypervisor level; It's Hyper-V versus vSphere.Continue Reading

• The differences between Microsoft RemoteFX and Citrix HDX

  Microsoft's RemoteFX VDI protocol enhances RDP and seems to compete with Citrix HDX, but the two products have very different use cases.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Microsoft RemoteFX

  Microsoft's RemoteFX desktop protocol delivers "perfect" Windows 7 virtual desktops, as long as the conditions are exactly right.Continue Reading

• Using AppLocker to lock down Remote Desktop Services apps

  The time it takes to get AppLocker fully functional negates its benefits, but with Remote Desktop Services, the Windows 7 application security tool is a no-brainer.Continue Reading

• RES Software launches standalone "reverse seamless" VDI tool

  RES Software's VDX product gives virtual desktop users a way to run certain apps locally on a client device, even when their main desktop is remote.Continue Reading

• Citrix gives Mac client some love

  Citrix is giving Mac users some attention with the Citrix Receiver for Mac clients, which Apple accepted into the Mac App Store.Continue Reading

• The Layer 4 protocols behind PCoIP and HDX: Which is better for VDI?

  VMware uses UDP for its remote desktop protocol, PC-over-IP, and Citrix uses TCP for HDX. Consider the pros and cons of these technologies for your VDI environment.Continue Reading

• Backing up apps in Microsoft App-V, Citrix XenApp and VMware ThinApp

  Few backup tools target virtualized applications, so here the most important components to manually back up for Microsoft App-V, Citrix XenApp and VMware ThinApp.Continue Reading

• Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?

  While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case.Continue Reading

• When to use local VDI vs. offline VDI

  Local and offline VMs aren't the same thing. Using the right client-based desktop virtualization technology can save money and reduce management complexity.Continue Reading

• Type 2 client hypervisors aren't worse than Type 1, just different

  Type 2 client hypervisors may be tried and true, but there are some good reasons to use them for virtual machines rather than bare-metal Type 1 hypervisors.Continue Reading

• Product Spotlight: Application virtualization with InstallFree Bridge

  Want to virtualize applications like IE6 without a hypervisor or virtual machine? InstallFree Bridge may help you create a virtualized execution environment based on Windows XP.Continue Reading

• How to explain desktop virtualization to non-IT people

  Struggling to describe desktop virtualization to your mother, spouse or boss? Don't fret. This primer can help you explain why the technology exists to just about anyone.Continue Reading

• Selecting the right conversion tool for your P2V migration

  These tools can help you move your physical desktops or servers to virtual machines. See how to select the right one for your environment.Continue Reading

• Selecting a VDI performance measurement and management tool

  Getting the best performance from your VDI requires thorough measurement, testing and validation. The proper tool can help you get started.Continue Reading

• Where does OS streaming make sense?

  Desktop virtualization is more than virtual desktop infrastructure. OS streaming -- which doesn't involve a hypervisor -- may work in your IT environment.Continue Reading

• What are 'zero clients,' and how are they different from thin clients?

  At Citrix Synergy 2010, Wyse unveiled the Wyse Xenith, a "zero client" device. Find out how this stateless technology works and how can help with device management.Continue Reading

• How VDI can make your desktop security worse

  Although virtual desktop infrastructure supposedly tightens security, it can in fact let unpredictable users harm data center security.Continue Reading

• XenDesktop updated for speed, better integration

  Feature Pack 1 for Citrix XenDesktop 4 -- released with XenApp 6 -- addresses several architectural issues that users have been waiting for.Continue Reading

• Using VMware ThinApp for application virtualization

  Considering virtualizing your apps? See the benefits – and pitfalls – of application virtualization and find steps on how to use VMware ThinApp.Continue Reading

• The future of application virtualization: The VDI app store concept

  Is a virtual desktop infrastructure app store on the horizon? See how VMware ThinApp could change application management.Continue Reading

• VMware vs. Citrix virtual desktops -- what's the better deal?

  Among the big shots, which one gives the IT pro the most value in virtual desktop technology? Is it Citrix and XenDesktop or VMware View 4? See what the experts say.Continue Reading

• What is a desktop cloud?

  Although there's no consensus on how to define "cloud desktop," find out how different people think of clouds and desktops and how that affects their perspective on virtualization.Continue Reading

• What is Citrix HDX?

  Citrix's updated desktop virtualization product, XenDesktop 4, features upgrades to HDX -- but what exactly is HDX?Continue Reading

• Working with Terminal Services RemoteApp

  Learn how to use Terminal Services RemoteApp feature in Windows Terminal Services to host remote applications and access hosted apps, allowing for centralized desktop management.Continue Reading

• XenApp cmdlets for Windows Powershell

  Follow these steps for installing and configuring XenApp cmdlets and learn the many ways these scripts can simplify day-to-day administrative tasks.Continue Reading

• application streaming

  Application streaming is an on-demand software delivery model that takes advantage of the fact that most applications require only a small fraction of their total program code to run.Continue Reading

• Choosing a connection broker for your virtual desktop

  Choosing the appropriate connection broker is tantamount to ensuring the proper management interface, licensing model and virtual server support for your virtual desktop infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Choosing between type 1 and type 2 client virtualization

  There are two ways to run a virtual machine directly on a client device. Columnist Brian Madden sorts out how they might fit into each enterprise.Continue Reading

• Parsing virtual apps, streaming and isolation

  Do you know the difference between application virtualization, isolation and streaming? Find out in this week's column from Brian Madden.Continue Reading