Microsoft and Citrix combine forces for desktop virtualisation drive

Microsoft and Citrix have announced a programme to jointly develop desktop virtualisation technology in a move they claim will lead to products that will simplify the way IT departments manage their desktop PCs.

The move is part of a package of measures unveiled by Microsoft which aim to kick-start businesses' use of virtualisation technology to host applications and data in datacentres and the cloud, rather than on desktop PCs.

"We are trying to enable the mainstream adoption of desktop virtualisation," says Dai Vu, director of virtualisation solutions marketing at Microsoft. "With companies upgrading from XP to Windows 7, it is going to give people the opportunity to think about desktop virtualisation in its widest sense."

Microsoft plans to release virtualisation technology in the next service pack for Windows Server 2008, which will aim to give users running a virtual desktop an experience that more closely mirrors the performance of a desktop PC.

Under the deal, Citrix will work with Microsoft to extend the latter's desktop virtualisation technology to cover a wider range of devices, such as mobile devices and laptops, and a wider range of scenarios, for example making it easier for businesses to run virtualised desktops in branch offices.

Straightforward licensing

Microsoft has also simplified its licensing for virtualised desktop infrastructure, in a move designed to encourage businesses to try the technology.

Under the new terms, businesses will be able use virtual desktops as part of Microsoft's Software Assurance licence scheme, rather than having to buy separate licences, previously charged at $23 per desktop per year.

Users will also have the right to access their virtual desktop remotely without having to buy an extra licence.

The company has introduced a promotion, dubbed Rescue for VMware VDI, in an attempt to persuade businesses to move away from VMware's desktop virtualisation technology.

The deal allows customers to trade-in up to 500 licences for VMware's desktop virtualisation package in exchange for Microsoft VDI and Citrix Xen licences for one year.

Microsoft claims that many business have not used the VMware desktop virtualisation licences.

Another promotion will allow IT departments to buy licences to virtualise up to 250 desktops at a 50% discount.

"Companies are still playing a waiting game. Everyone is waiting for virtualised desktops to take off. $28 will get you started with a virtual desktop. It is very compelling, very easy, and you don't have to go to the CFO to get it approved," says Summit Dhawan, vice-president of product marketing for Xen Desktop at Citrix.