VeloBit, a provider of high-performance storage I/O optimization software, today announced the beta release of VeloBit vBoost. VeloBit vBoost is VDI optimization software that lowers the cost of virtual desktops to below the price of a PC by reducing the number of hard drives and servers that are needed to meet the performance demands of virtual desktops. The software is now available for download on velobit.com/free-trial-vdi.

VeloBit vBoost dramatically reduces the I/O burden on storage systems by redirecting I/O traffic to a high-speed, on-server copy of the most frequently accessed data such as master VM images. The result is a much lower IOPS demand on storage and faster, more responsive virtual desktops. CAPEX and OPEX are dramatically decreased: up to 74.4% fewer IOPS are needed to meet the lower I/O requirement.

Highlights of the software include:

• Reduces I/O load and cost by up to 75% while improving virtual desktop performance
• Supports Microsoft Windows Hyper-V hosts and all guest operating systems
• Installs in under 10 minutes on the virtual desktop host
• Supports both persistent and non-persistent virtual desktops
• Does not require changes to existing software, servers, storage, or network
  
• Uses less than 2% CPU and a few GB RAM
• Works in RAM-only or in hybrid RAM/SSD configurations

"VeloBit vBoost allows the VDI administrator to confront head-on the increased expectations for better user experience and lower CAPEX," said George Crump fromStorage Switzerland. "VeloBit vBoost proves that the more intelligent use of DRAM in combination with shared flash or even hard disk drive storage can make the VDI project one that reduces both capital desktop expenditures and operational costs."

"Storage price/performance has been the limiting factor for VDI adoption for many years," said Duncan McCallum, co-founder and CEO of VeloBit. "VeloBit vBoost removes this barrier to adoption by lowering storage cost by 75% while improving performance. Our talented engineering team has built on the VeloBit award-winning technology to deliver another industry-leading product that is easy to adopt and solves one of the most difficult problems in desktop virtualization."