Virtualization Technology and Services
Top Stories
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Tip
11 May 2023
What are RDS CALs and how should IT use them?
IT teams rely on CALs to ensure that RDS users are properly licensed for their sessions, so they should know how to work with them and what different options they present. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2021
Mobile device management vs. mobile application management
Mobile device management and mobile application management do different things but also overlap. Knowing their differences is important. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
How to perform a Hyper-V to VMware migration
Before you migrate from Hyper-V to VMware, you should take a comprehensive inventory, set an agreed-upon schedule and communicate the potential effects to all relevant parties. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2021
How to find the best server virtualization management software
Choosing the right server virtualization management software is critical to meeting your organization's current and future needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2020
Compare VMware HA vs. DRS to prevent host failure
VMware HA and DRS are vSphere tools that provide high performance and continuous operability. Understanding the different use cases between these technologies is essential. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2020
Desktop as a service vs. VDI: What's the difference?
The battle for desktop virtualization domination is on. DaaS is able to pack a punch at VDI with cost benefits, cloud services and more flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2020
Three VDI challenges that can derail any project
IT shops need to look out for complexity, cost and performance problems when they put a VDI implementation plan in place. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2019
5 common virtualization problems and how to solve them
Organizations can correct common problems with virtualization, such as VM sprawl and network congestion, through business policies rather than purchasing additional technology. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Jun 2019
How to install and configure vCenter Update Manager
Follow these steps to install and configure VMware vCenter Update Manager, which can help solution providers with patching hosts and virtual machines. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 May 2019
How Dell Technologies partners can align with VMware strategy
Dell Technologies partners have what they need to facilitate customers' digital transformation journeys, according to VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger. At the Dell Technologies Global Partner Summit, held ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2018
Cisco HyperFlex update may open partner opportunities
Cisco HyperFlex gets an upgrade that the company said offers multi-cloud integration and a sales opportunity for channel partner companies. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jan 2018
Citrix Summit 2018 underscores vendor's 'focused innovation'
Citrix Summit 2018 shows that the company is continuing its strategy of focusing on its core technology stack, while also pursuing cloud business. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2017
Container consulting: Channel can help deploy technology
Channel partners may find new business opportunities in container consulting as customers grapple with container adoption and how to achieve competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2017
Channel firms benefit from Docker MTA strategy
The Modernize Traditional Applications program, unveiled at DockerCon 2017, is seeing traction among customers interested in adopting container technology, Docker partners said. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Apr 2017
When should IT choose desktop delivery over published apps?
IT admins have to decide between delivering full virtual desktops or virtual apps. Once they decide that, there's still the question of choosing on-premises or cloud-based. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2017
Copying virtual machines with VMware vSphere Replication
Now that you've completed the installation and configuration, it's time to walk through the process of how vSphere Replication works. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2017
Understand how VMware HA works in your data center
VMware HA is one of the most important tools administrators have to improve workload availability. Do you know how this essential feature works? Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2017
Don't let VDI drain the IP address pool
IP addresses can get gobbled up in VDI deployments because each virtual desktop and each endpoint takes up an address. Admins can fight back with IP address management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2017
Is VDI susceptible to ransomware threats?
VDI environments are in danger of ransomware attacks. They can encrypt personal and professional data that cannot be decoded once the user's session ends. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2017
How to decide to deliver apps through VDI vs. installing them locally
Admins have a tough choice in how they deliver new apps to their users. In some situations it's better to do it through VDI while in others its best to install them locally. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2017
Roaming profiles help deliver a consistent virtual desktop experience
Nonpersistent VDI strips users of their ability to customize their desktops. With user environment management methods such as roaming profiles, they can take some ownership back. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2017
How to make your VDI project plan a winner
VDI can simplify life for IT admins, but they must plan the project out from the pilot phase through implementation. Keeping unexpected cost and complexity in mind is critical. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2017
Compare virtual apps vs. virtual desktop deployment
Selecting a desktop virtualization method is a difficult decision for any IT admin. It's important to consider efficiency and user experience to make the best choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Feb 2017
Partners: Citrix hyper-converged tech opens VDI to midrange clients
The Citrix Ready HCI Workspace Appliance Program, coupled with the company's Citrix Cloud, will open VDI opportunities among midmarket customers, Citrix channel partners said. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2017
Prevent software failures with vCenter Server High Availability
New to vCenter Server 6.5, VCHA ensures high availability for a vSphere deployment with minimal impact on vCenter Server and vSphere host performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2017
Use automated vSphere Update Manager for more controlled patching
The most recent version of vSphere Update Manager helps reduce the stress of patching hosts, VMs, virtual appliances and more. Set it up in just a few simple steps. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Jan 2017
Citrix Summit 2017: Channel VP outlines partner strategy
The Citrix Summit 2017 kicked off in Anaheim, Calif., emphasizing growing cloud momentum, Citrix Workspace Suite and networking plays. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2016
VMware's vCenter HA makes up for vCenter Server shortcomings
VMware vCenter 6 High Availability saves administrators the time and effort of having to log in to hosts individually to track down vCenter should they forget to restrict it. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2016
Horizon View 7.0.1 and 7.0.2 add flexibility to features
VMware Horizon View 7.0.1 and 7.0.2 brings flexibility to the features that were released in the original version earlier this season. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2016
VMware VSAN 6.5 supports containers and physical servers via iSCSI
VMware Virtual SAN now supports containers with persistent storage and allows physical server storage access to its shared pool of capacity via the iSCSI SAN protocol Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2016
Understand the basics of VMware Blast Extreme vs. PCoIP
For years PCoIP has been the go-to remote display protocol for View shops, but VMware's in-house protocol, Blast Extreme, is ready to take over. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
30 Sep 2016
Five VDI thin clients worthy of enterprise consideration
Choosing the right endpoints for VDI is essential. Explore five options for VDI thin clients -- including Raspberry Pi devices and Google Chromebooks -- and what differentiates them from each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2016
Setting up and controlling resources on a Proxmox cluster
You're learned how to create Proxmox hosts and group them into a cluster. Now it's time to add resources to your cluster and assign access rights to them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2016
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Remote Desktop Session Host
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has made significant strides since its early days, but Remote Desktop Session Host has built up a lot of good will over the years. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2016
How desktop provisioning works with VMware Instant Clone
IT can use Instant Clones in VMware Horizon View to provision multiple virtual desktops with shared RAM and disk resources, which can improve overall performance. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
18 Aug 2016
Explore five virtual application delivery tools
With all of the virtual app delivery tools out there, it can be hard to know what's what. Sort through the clutter to learn about some of the top offerings, including Citrix XenApp and Microsoft App-V. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2016
Four problem areas to watch for when VDI troubleshooting
When it comes to VDI, IT must be ready to troubleshoot common problems associated with virtual desktop performance, back-end infrastructure, product platforms and persona management. Continue Reading
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Quiz
09 Aug 2016
Test your vSphere Distributed Switch knowledge with this quiz
If you think you know which features only come with the vSphere Distributed Switch, challenge your knowledge with this quiz. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2016
Take control of virtual desktop access with two-factor authentication
Traditional passwords simply aren't good enough for VDI shops. Instead they need to make users' devices require a second form of authentication or use one-time passwords that change frequently. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
28 Jul 2016
Four valuable Citrix HDX protocol features
Citrix HDX protocol allows VDI shops to deliver HD quality virtual desktops and apps to users. It combines data deduplication, mobile SDKs, USB redirection and more. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2016
Why VMware partner program chief Frank Rauch chose Cohesity
VMware partner program executive Frank Rauch said he will lend his expertise to secondary storage vendor Cohesity as it reshapes its channel strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2016
How to bake up Raspberry Pi thin clients for VDI
Raspberry Pis are one of the lowest-cost computing options out there, so it's only natural for IT to wonder whether they're suitable as thin clients for some enterprise use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2016
Upgrade ESX to ESXi hosts in seven steps
The upgrade from ESX to ESXi hosts can be difficult; no current tools convert hosts for you and you can't preserve manual configurations. But there are ways to ease the process. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2016
Don't let VDI network latency grind virtual desktops to a halt
Network latency problems can make even the simplest tasks impossible on a virtual desktop. IT needs to use performance monitoring to identify the source of latency to fix the problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2016
Go for gold with VDI image management
VDI golden images allow IT to deliver multiple virtual desktops based off a single base image. This setup simplifies desktop management in a lot of ways but also complicates updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2016
Four questions to ask before using Chromebook thin client devices
Using Google Chromebooks as VDI clients can save organizations money and simplify IT management, but they're not the perfect fit for every company. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
26 May 2016
The Best of Citrix Synergy 2016 Awards winners
The Best of Citrix Synergy 2016 Awards recognize the best products on display at Citrix's annual user conference. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
25 May 2016
Three benefits of using hyper-converged infrastructure systems for VDI
Hyper-converged infrastructure systems bring all the necessary back-end hardware and software to support a VDI deployment into a tightly-integrated chassis. Discover three ways HCI helps VDI shops, plus a few concerns to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2016
When single sign-on technology is a good fit for VDI
As more VDI shops deliver virtual desktops separately from applications, single sign-on provides a way for IT to reduce users' burdens when it comes to multiple logins and remembering passwords. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2016
Compare Citrix Provisioning Services and Machine Creation Services
One of the most important parts of setting up and managing a XenDesktop deployment is choosing which provisioning tool to use. Citrix provides one streaming option and another that creates VM clones. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2016
Horizon 7 Smart Policies helps increase security
If you want to smarten up your security, using Policy-Managed Client Features in Horizon 7 can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2016
Compare Citrix, VMware and Microsoft remote display protocol options
As desktop and app virtualization technologies advance, the top vendors' remote display protocols are keeping pace. Citrix HDX, Microsoft RemoteFX, VMware Blast and Teradici PCoIP protocol can all support modern end-user computing. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
20 Apr 2016
Top five end-user computing topics at Citrix Synergy 2016
Get ready for a new CEO on stage at Citrix Synergy 2016, with former Microsoft executive Kirill Tatarinov filling the big shoes of Mark Templeton. Synergy also includes sessions on all the newest features in XenDesktop, HDX and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2016
Five burning questions about remote desktop USB redirection
When it comes to USB device redirection, IT administrators must pay close attention to network bandwidth, latency and reliability issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2016
Why VDI is perfect for managing remote employees
Organizations trying to support remote employees should look to VDI, which puts users in a controlled environment and makes it easier to provide support, manage licenses and ensure security. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2016
How to set up a Chromebook remote desktop
It's easier than you think to set up a Google Chromebook remote desktop, thanks to low-cost devices that make for great VDI thin clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2016
Adding an additional virtual bridge to a KVM environment
Virtualization expert Sander Van Vugt offers tips to simplify the process of adding a second software bridge to your KVM environment to run VMs in an isolated SDN. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2016
Using shared disks to set up virtual clusters in ESXi
Thanks to some expert advice, we've come up with some best practices for building a Red Hat-based Linux cluster in an ESXi environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2016
How Citrix USB redirection supports stylus peripherals
A new feature in XenDesktop and XenApp makes it easier for stylus users, artists and engineers to link USB peripheral devices to their virtual desktops and applications, even when they're far away from the office. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2016
Prepare yourself for these VMware administrator interview questions
Before you get to your VMware interview, prepare yourself with these questions. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2016
How VMware App Volumes works
VMware App Volumes offers IT admins a way to deliver persistent applications from a nonpersistent virtual desktop pool. Learn exactly how this technology works. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2016
Scripting workflows with the VMware vRealize Orchestrator
Understanding the essential elements of how vRealize Orchestrator workflows work is just the first step to increasing functionality, simplicity and compartmentalization. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
23 Dec 2015
Top six VDI news stories of 2015
It was a big year for VDI news. Citrix lost its CEO. Dell will own EMC and VMware. One thing didn't change though: Citrix and VMware are still battling for supremacy in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2015
VMware's NSX: Integrator deploys SDN tech at CBOSS
CBOSS, a payment processing service provider, hired integrator AdvizeX to deploy NSX, the VMware network virtualization platform, as part of a software-defined networking project. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2015
VMware App Volumes and ThinApp are better together
VMware has two app virtualization tools, but organizations don't need to choose one or the other. Using App Volumes and ThinApp together gives IT departments plenty of app delivery options. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2015
Pros and cons of using an HTML5 browser as a VDI client
Although HTML5 clients don't provide enough security for some organizations, they're one of the easiest and most widely available options for delivering remote desktops to employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2015
Change boot settings from a VM BIOS
Often overlooked, a VM's BIOS is more limited than a physical machine's BIOS, but will allow you to adjust boot settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2015
Container technology's role in storage
Containers are somewhat limited in scope and scale so the next logical step for the technology is dealing with storage. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2015
VMware reacts to the cloud and containerisation
At VMworld Europe, VMware restates products and roadmap visions that see it react to the perceived inevitability of the cloud, while also getting a grip on containers Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2015
How Microsoft UE-V syncs physical and virtual desktop settings
Users expect the same experience whether they're on a virtual desktop at home or their work PC in the office. Microsoft UE-V syncs users' settings, so they're up to date in all their Windows sessions. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2015
Correcting your cables with PCI bus enumeration
Sometimes, fixing cables is as easy as making sure they're plugged in correctly. Other times, it might be an issue with the server. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Sep 2015
Citrix XenClient is going away, but what will replace it?
Citrix's announcement that it will stop selling XenClient didn't include any plans to replace its Type 1 hypervisor. VDI shops are left wondering what's next. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2015
Three steps to avoid server NIC teaming problems
NIC teaming can help reduce resource contention and improve VM performance, but don't fall victim to common mistakes when setting it up. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2015
Why production environment testing is better than a lab setting
Should you test a monitoring tool in your production environment? Only if you want it to get an accurate look at the infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2015
All-flash vs hybrid flash for virtual desktop storage
With massive random I/O and a huge bias towards writes, virtual desktop storage – especially for the more feature-rich VDI 2.0 – requires the speed of all-flash and hybrid flash storage Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2015
How to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, step by step
It's fairly easy to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, you just need to know a few basic steps, including setting up a VM, taking snapshots and using the Setup Capture utility to run scans. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2015
Let their powers combine: Use Intune, RemoteApp combo for virtual app delivery
Microsoft Intune, App-V and RemoteApp all let you deliver apps to mobile devices, but no one approach is perfect. A combination of Intune and RemoteApp for virtual app delivery can work well. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jun 2015
How the balloon driver helps VM performance
Using the balloon driver in VMware Tools is a better option for reclaiming RAM from a VM; otherwise there may be a bigger performance issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2015
Tracking VMware's expansion from humble beginnings
VMware got its start by overcoming the technical hurdles of server virtualization and now faces other barriers as it expands its reach to other markets. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2015
Horizon View Direct-Connection Plugin streamlines configuration
The Direct-Connection Plugin lets Horizon View users connect to a virtual desktop without connecting to a Connection Server first. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
27 Apr 2015
Five Citrix Synergy 2015 sessions to look forward to
There are lots of different session types and tracks to choose from at Citrix Synergy 2015. Before you etch your schedule in stone, make sure to consider these five sessions for desktop virtualization admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2015
Comparing three options for VDI endpoints
There are a few ways admins can provide users with the hardware that makes it possible to access their virtual desktops. Get to know the three major options. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
24 Mar 2015
The top 10 PowerCLI scripts for vSphere administrators
There are numerous PowerCLI scripts to help a busy administrator get through the day. Here's a few highly recommended by one of our experts. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Mar 2015
Benefits and disadvantages of virtual mobile infrastructure
Virtual mobile infrastructure lets you run mobile applications in your data center and take advantage of some of the same benefits as VDI, but it also comes with similar drawbacks, such as offline access issues. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Mar 2015
Staying safe while manually modifying a VMX file
What happens when you can't make changes to a VM in the vSphere client? There's more than one way to tweak the configuration file. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2015
What a desktop assessment can do for you
Is every physical desktop a candidate for virtualization? A desktop assessment can help make this determination before a major VDI investment is made. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2015
Dell adds Nutanix-powered XC630 and XC730 hyperconverged systems
Dell targets range of use cases with XC630 and XC730 Nutanix-powered server/storage nodes Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2015
How virtualization can get you into software licensing trouble
Maintaining proper software licensing in virtual environments can be a challenge. Find a strategy to cope or you could find yourself out of compliance and in hot water. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2015
VDI hardware evaluation checklist
Picking the right hardware for your VDI deployment is critical, but it doesn't have to be difficult. To start, check to see if your VDI software vendor has a list of compatible components. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2015
VMware boosts Hadoop and Hana with vSphere 6
VMware has unveiled vSphere 6, the latest version of its virtualisation platform Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2015
How are SSD garbage collection, wear leveling and TRIM different?
While using solid-state drives in a vSphere environment can give a boost to VMs that require high performance, it's important to know how certain longevity features function in the storage hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2015
Tablets and smartphones can be thin clients, too
The experience of using a mobile device as a thin client has improved and it's no longer out of the question, but some pain points remain, such as connectivity and text entry. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2014
New per-user Windows license pricing cuts VDI costs
Early quotes for Windows' new per-user Software Assurance licensing could save significant money for IT shops doing VDI. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Dec 2014
What is Docker and what does it mean for virtualization?
Docker uses Linux containers to make virtualization deployments easier to manage and scale. The concept isn’t new or revolutionary, but it has implications for the future of virtualization. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2014
What does ‘software defined’ actually mean?
Software defined is a term used to describe a wide variety of products, but it’s often used to catch your attention rather than describe a product’s function Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2014
VDI storage basics and persistent versus non-persistent desktops
A look at the fundamentals of VDI storage and how to specify storage for likely workloads and persistent versus non-persistent desktops. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2014
Top 10 virtualization companies emerging in 2014
If you don't keep up with new technology you could be left behind. Check out our list of the top 10 emerging vendors in the virtualization market that you should be watching this year. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2013
Three important VDI application deployment considerations
Consider app compatibility and the frequency of updates when you choose VDI application deployment methods. Oh, and don't forget cost. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2013
How to load balance a Citrix or VMware VDI implementation
Whether your VDI implementation is based on Citrix or VMware, certain load-balancing techniques will keep performance on target. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2013
How to handle peripherals support on virtual desktops
Peripherals support can be especially tricky on virtual desktops because you often need redirection technology to make the devices work. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2013
A sampler of VDI-friendly Windows PowerShell scripts
You can automate desktop provisioning, monitoring and more in a VDI environment, so check out these handy Windows PowerShell scripts for VDI admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2013
One way to rev up critical VM performance? Make a priority list
All virtual machines are equal, but some are more equal than others. Here's how to make sure critical virtual machines get the attention they crave. Continue Reading