Quest Software, Inc. today announced a new release of vWorkspace, a single virtualization solution for application delivery and desktop deployments. The new release includes major functionality enhancements including EOP Xtream to speed WAN performance, and integration with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services to automate deployment and administration, and simplify use.

“Quest has recognized and wisely chosen a path to improve virtual desktop performance in remote situations,” said Mark Bowker, senior analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG). “Users on WANs represent sizable and growing employee counts, and often are the hardest and most expensive to support. Improving the desktop experience without increasing bandwidth and hardware requirements is vital to helping companies control desktop management costs, and adopt desktop virtualization as the enabling technology to get there.”

EOP Xtream

With the new, patent-pending EOP Xtream, Quest vWorkspace dramatically reduces the effects of network latency to deliver a smooth and enhanced user experience close to that of a physical PC across WAN and Internet/VPN connections. Developed in conjunction with a number of major enterprise customers, EOP Xtream delivers faster screen updates and smoother interaction on high latency connections. These improvements drive user acceptance and will accelerate adoption of desktop virtualization in enterprises, as well as DaaS from the cloud.

Integration and Enhancements for Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Quest vWorkspace provides a consolidated management experience in a single console for the many components in the Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services stack. The automation and advanced management functions in the latest release of vWorkspace make deployment of desktop virtualization on Windows Server easier and faster, and deliver greater reductions in the total cost of ownership (TCO). In particular, vWorkspace eases setup and use of the services provided in the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system, including the Remote Desktop Connection Broker. Quest vWorkspace integrates with the Remote Desktop Connection Broker to publish applications and desktops from different host platforms, including the Hyper-V-based Remote Desktop Virtualization Host and the Remote Desktop Session Host, through interfaces including RemoteApp and Remote Desktop Web Access.

Rapid Virtual Desktop Provisioning with Microsoft Hyper-V Server and System Center Virtual Machine Manager

Quest vWorkspace automates and accelerates virtual desktop creation by rapidly cloning virtual hard disks using Hyper-V differencing disks in conjunction with System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Advanced load balancing of user connections between Hyper-V hosts delivers an improved user experience and optimizes server utilization.

“Quest is very excited to deliver a solution enabling more widespread use of virtual and session-based desktops through our EOP Xtream technology for accelerating WAN and Internet connections and the integration with Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection Broker,” said Simon Pearce, vice-president and general manager, Desktop Virtualization Group, Quest Software. “Our solution on top of Windows Server delivers outstanding customer value at a highly competitive price point. Acceptance of desktop virtualization by remote users and branch office workers is critical to the continued adoption of virtual desktops, and we believe the enhancements in vWorkspace 7.1 show remarkable improvements by minimizing resource requirements and enriching user desktop interaction. Our integration efforts with Microsoft deliver a significant reduction in administration costs, ease adoption of Windows 7 deployments, and help Microsoft customers get more value from their platform investments.”

"Customers understand the far-reaching business benefits of a desktop virtualization strategy and are looking for solutions that offer a high degree of performance and manageability, while leveraging their existing investment in Microsoft technologies," said Chandra Shekaran, general manager of Remote Desktop Virtualization, Server and Tools Business at Microsoft Corp. "We are working with Quest to expand the capabilities of Windows Server in an integrated solution for a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and to provide our joint customers with excellent desktop and application deployment choices.”

Available now, the new Quest vWorkspace version 7.1 supports multiple centralized desktop platforms, including Microsoft Hyper-V-based virtual desktops, Remote Desktop Session hosts (formerly known as Terminal Servers) and physical/blade PCs. vWorkspace securely and efficiently delivers advanced management capabilities including connection brokering, desktop provisioning and user experience optimizations, and provides support for Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V. For more information, please visit: http://www.quest.com/vworkspace/new-release.aspx