Virtual Desktop Manager for VMWare VDI

VMware Virtual Desktop Manager allows software to be deployed and managed to virtual desktops from a server.

Virtualization was originally introduced within the server environment, but now also has a big impact on how big organizations deploy and maintain groups of PCs. VMware ESX Server carves physical X64 servers into virtualized servers running Windows, Linux, or Unix operating systems.

VMware VDI is an end-to-end virtual desktop offering for enterprises and other larger organizations that need to mange large groups of PCs for their users. VDI is based on the VMware Infrastructure 3 [VI3] stack, which includes the complete ESX Server software stack and Virtual Desktop Manager [VDM] 2.

Using VDI, customers repurpose their client PCs as virtual desktops, running on servers using VMware Infrastructure 3 [ESX Server].

• VirtualCenter manages the virtual infrastructure
• VDM 2 manages user access to virtual Windows, Linux, and Macintosh PCs or thin clients.
• End users can log on using the Windows client-based component, or from a Web browser. No changes need to be made to the applications.

Video VDM Demo

This video demonstrate VMware VDM 2.0 connecting to Virtual Desktops hosted on VMware Virtual Infrastructure. [3:00]. In spite of the poor quality of the image it does give a good indication of the simplicitiy of VDM.

Benefts of VDI Desktop Manager

The benefits of VDI include:

• Simpler roll-outs and provisioning
• Easier on-going administration - back-ups
• Reduced compatibility problems – due to isolation that virtualization provides
• Greater reliability - desktop apps are running on servers.

VDM 2 gives users more options when deploying and managing virtual desktops, for instance:

• More desktop persistence options - control whether a virtual desktop remains with a given user or returns to the pool when the user logs out.
• Security - support for SSL tunneling, ensuring that all connections can be encrypted.
• Support for RDP extensions – better user access to local devices such as printers, PDA, and smart cards.

Overall, the new VDI offering boosts manageability, security, and reliability

The new VMware is supported by the big computing vendors such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, NEC, and thin client maker Wyse Technology

Visit www.vmware.com.

NEXT: VDI Case Study

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