Check out this latest whitepaper from Citrix describing how to make desktop virtualization work.

This whitepaper discusses Desktop Virtualization and the impact on desktop management challenges. We consider:

1. The challenges for desktop management in a pre-Desktop Virtualization world.

2. How these challenges are addressed by Desktop Virtualization

3. Issues that are not well addressed by Desktop Virtualization

4. Our view of how to best address these remaining issues.

While Desktop Virtualization puts the desktop into the data center, it is not a panacea for desktop delivery. Desktop Virtualization works best as part of a comprehensive Desktop Delivery approach which focuses on the most efficient way to get applications to the end user and meet business and IT needs, not just a PC equivalent. Desktop Delivery proposes the dynamic assembly of a ‘new and pristine’ high performing desktop with personalized set of applications and settings every time a user logs on.

In our view, the following are imperatives for Desktop Delivery:

• Simply moving desktops into the datacenter using a Desktop Virtualization approach is not sufficient. An optimal desktop delivery strategy includes centralizing and separating both applications and desktops.
• The initial acquisition cost of a Desktop Virtualization solution is small compared to the ongoing savings that are possible using centralized desktops. Hidden costs can creep in that may impact ROI. A complete Desktop Delivery solution must deliver desktops quickly in a scalable fashion and enable very simple updates. Furthermore, it is necessary to anticipate and resolve potential severe support and storage cost impacts before they occur.
• It is not enough to simply offer users a familiar desktop experience. The Virtual Desktop must deliver a superior desktop experience to ensure user acceptance.
• An open architecture is necessary to ensure that the Desktop Virtualization solution can easily leverage and adapt to new technologies and standards as they emerge.

Download this Citrix whitepaper.