Virtual desktop delivery tools
An organization could have the perfect VDI or DaaS infrastructure and service agreement, but without a proven method to deliver these desktops, an organization risks poor UX and a lack of productivity. IT teams should learn how to set up, test and roll out the right virtual desktop delivery tools, services and infrastructure.
Top Stories
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Feature
29 Jun 2026
Understanding persistent vs. nonpersistent VDI
Persistent and nonpersistent VDI differ in storage, personalization, security, app delivery and management. Learn how IT should choose the right model. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2026
Understand methods for virtual application delivery
Virtual app delivery technologies help centralize management and provide consistent UX across distributed workforces. But how do organizations know which delivery methods to use? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2018
How AI for IT operations improves VDI management
Enterprise AI tools help IT pros improve VDI management by providing accurate estimates of resource requirements, root cause analysis of issues and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Oct 2018
Citrix Workspace Hub: Labor of love; not a full-fledged thin client option
Not designed to be an actual competitor, but remains a good, low-cost option. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Oct 2018
Remote Desktop Services fireworks at Microsoft Ignite 2018
Benny provides more info that Microsoft revealed about RDS and WVD at the show. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
What mobile thin clients offer and why to consider them
The mobile thin client market might not be huge, but these portable devices can be a real boost for VDI shops in improving security and simplifying management. Continue Reading
- 20 Sep 2018
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
What IT pros need to know about Citrix certifications
Citrix offers a slew of certifications that prove how well an IT pro knows a certain technology. To earn a certification, IT pros must pass exams that Citrix issues. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Sep 2018
RemoteFX vGPU put out to pasture as Microsoft RDP grows up
RemoteFX vGPU had its run, but Microsoft looks to be done with it now and revealed plans for its deprecation. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
Get to know the latest VMware Horizon 7 features
Recent updates to VMware Horizon include features that focus on troubleshooting UX issues and making it simpler for IT to manage the tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
It's time to embrace mobile VDI access
Mobile devices have not taken the thin client market by storm, but they could become more popular as virtual app and desktop vendors gear their products toward smartphones and tablets. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Aug 2018
An overview of multi-tenancy in Remote Desktop modern infrastructure (RDmi)
RDS MVPs explain why multi-tenancy is so important, how it works in RDmi, and how to set it up. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2018
VDI shops mull XenDesktop vs. Horizon as competition continues
Citrix still holds a large advantage in the desktop virtualization market, but several factors could allow VMware's market share to grow. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jul 2018
Login VSI’s app compatibility tool Login AT applies computer vision to IT
Login AT is available today. Login VSI’s new tool should be useful right off the bat, but there are a lot of future opportunities, too. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jul 2018
Are the protocol wars over? 2018 Edition, part 1: Current vendor landscape
Catch up on all the major remote display protocol players, including Teradici, Citrix, VMware, and others. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2018
Can IT add digital watermarks to its virtual desktops?
As part of a larger security strategy, watermarking virtual desktops can help IT discourage data leakage by adding user-specific text to each desktop. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2018
Citrix Workspace App: What’s in the cloud & what’s on the client side?
Citrix Workspace App encompasses features from Receiver, ShareFile, StoreFront, NetScaler Gateway, Analytics, and more. Confused? Let’s dig in. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jun 2018
RDmi is a milestone for the future of RDS. Here’s how it works
RDmi remains in private Technical Preview, but it’s already an exciting milestone with huge potential. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2018
How to select the right VDI hypervisor
IT has several decisions to make when selecting a hypervisor for VDI, including choosing between a free hypervisor or a more feature-rich, paid option. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
14 Jun 2018
Understand and evaluate the user profile management system
Profile management tools can help admins keep tabs on user profiles and information as long as they properly evaluate the prospective platforms and the capabilities they can provide. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Monitor VDI performance in these five key areas
To help maintain a good user experience, IT should turn to VDI monitoring products that look at the performance of deployment automation tools, write cache and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2018
How to create a VDI test deployment with VMware Workstation
It's a good idea for IT pros to test out their VDI deployment before they move users to virtual desktops. They can use VMware Workstation to do just that. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jun 2018
Explore the leading user profile management tools in-depth
Profile management tools help admins keep tabs on users using cloud, migration and app virtualization. Discover the leading vendors with this in-depth overview of their products. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Jun 2018
NetScaler Gateway Service: Should you consider the bundled version or the upcoming SSO version?
Citrix currently offers bundled functionality to Cloud customers with their Virtual Apps and Desktops version and plans to sell a premium standalone option later. Let’s look at what each provides. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2018
Remote display protocols dictate virtual desktop experience
Citrix, VMware and Microsoft all offer remote display protocols with their VDI products. Each one brings a little something different to the table. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2018
Find the right user profile management software
Determine the right profile management platform for your company and take a close look at personalization, recovery, cloud, UEM and migration features. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Citrix NetScaler authentication methods help on-premises shops
In Citrix Synergy 2018 session, attendees learned about two ways to implement multifactor NetScaler authentication: Microsoft Azure Active Directory and Google ReCAPTCHA. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2018
Citrix Cloud services, CEO stability key to future success
Citrix's cloud-first approach drew mixed reactions from attendees at the annual Synergy conference, some of whom have concerns about cost and licensing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 May 2018
So, what did you think of the show? (Citrix Synergy 2018 Edition)
My fast take after the first two days in Anaheim. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
20 Apr 2018
Buy the right desktop and application virtualization product
Virtualizing both desktops and applications can increase productivity, agility and mobility within a company. Discover the products that can deliver both services to your workers. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
Understand the benefits of user profile management software
Profile management tools can be valuable assets to address failure recovery, migration support, KPI improvement, as well as profile corruption, so long as they fit your environment. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
17 Apr 2018
Citrix Synergy 2018 conference coverage
Citrix Synergy is May 8-10 in Anaheim, Calif. Stay up to date on all the news and analysis that comes out of the conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2018
Ten Citrix Synergy 2018 sessions to attend
Get a jump start on your Citrix Synergy planning with this rundown of 10 interesting sessions that explore Linux-based virtual desktops, scalability and planning, and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2018
Survey the desktop and application virtualization market
Organizations want the flexibility to deliver virtual desktops and applications from the same platform. Learn about the products that can do both for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2018
User profile management software in the modern enterprise
Profile management tools help admins keep track of important details about users, like their bookmarks, browser histories, wallpapers, documents and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Apr 2018
user environment management (UEM)
User environment management is a technology designed to allow IT to oversee a user's complete desktop experience, including the profile, any policies IT applies and customizations the user makes. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2018
TetherView desktop disaster recovery offers a way into VDI
With standby virtual desktops from TetherView, IT can forgo full-fledged backup data centers for disaster recovery. The company CEO details use cases for the technology and more. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
IT mulls multi-user Windows 10 as Server 2019 drops RDSH
Multi-user Windows 10 could replace RDSH, which isn't in the first Windows Server 2019 preview. The move has ramifications for app compatibility, XenApp and Windows licensing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2018
CloudJumper (formerly part of nGenx) is targeting Citrix customers with their new migration tool
Several years ago, CloudJumper was a big Citrix partner. Now they’ve acquired their key technology partner, IndependenceIT, and are targeting Citrix migrations. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Mar 2018
Are we there yet? An update on Citrix Workspace experience
Citrix is pushing a security message, and they have a lot of interesting components they could put together. But how far will they go, and will Citrix become an IDaaS? Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2018
Compare top desktop and application virtualization products
Each company has different desktop and app virtualization needs. Buyers must compare what vendors offer for mobility and data governance to make the right purchase. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Feb 2018
Where does Citrix Analytics fit, and where does it not fit?
Citrix Analytics service is on its way, but will its visibility be broad enough? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2018
The key features in an app, desktop virtualization product
Desktop and app virtualization tools help admins deliver services to users regardless of where they work and what devices they work on. Learn how to make a smart buying decision. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
What are the differences between TCP and UDP?
When it comes to using TCP or UDP for sending packets of data through a network across devices, IT must know the differences and when each option is a good fit. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2018
Why deploy desktop and application virtualization?
Virtualizing desktops and apps can enable tighter security and a more agile environment and can simplify maintenance and enhance productivity, particularly for remote workers. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2018
What root cause analysis software exists for virtual desktops?
When trying to get to the bottom of virtual desktop problems, IT should turn to root cause analysis tools from vendors such as ControlUp and Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2018
How each remote display protocol handles codecs
The codecs that remote display protocols use to transfer an image to a virtual desktop have a large effect on the quality of both videos and text. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2018
Three root cause analysis methods to help solve VDI issues
From performing a manual assessment to working with VDI vendors' proprietary tools, IT professionals have options for figuring out why problems are happening in their deployments. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2018
Meltdown and Spectre patches hit XenApp performance especially hard
Organizations with VDI and RDSH will likely take a performance hit after patching Meltdown and Spectre, according to test results from Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2018
Get to know root cause analysis tools for VDI
Not all VDI monitoring tools provide the same features. IT admins in search of a root cause analysis tool may want to turn to third-party vendors. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Nov 2017
Do you UDP your Citrix traffic with HDX Adaptive Transport?
HDX Adaptive Transport picks up where Framehawk left off, and can be the silver bullet to improving the user experience. Jo Harder explains why. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2017
What are the open source remote display protocol options?
Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2017
How to handle increasing VDI graphics processing needs
With more applications, including seemingly straightforward ones, such as Microsoft Word, going graphics-intensive, VDI shops must know how to deliver a quality user experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2017
How to configure Microsoft RDS Personal Session Desktops
Microsoft has found a balance for virtual desktops in Windows Server 2016. Personal Session Desktops give IT the option to deploy VDI in Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 May 2017
How does Office 365 licensing work in VDI deployments?
Licensing Office 365 for VDI deployments is not simple. The requirements change depending on the deployment type. Microsoft RDS, for example, completely alters how it works. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2017
How does VMware Horizon View licensing work?
Licensing is a critical component of VDI. VMware offers two main licensing options with Horizon View; a per user model and a per concurrent connection model. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Feb 2017
How does Citrix traffic cross the wire(less)? An overview of Citrix networking technologies.
Jo Harder takes us on a tour of ICA, Session Reliability, HDX, Framehawk, and Enlightened Data Transport. Continue Reading
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Guide
25 Oct 2016
A complete guide to XenApp and XenDesktop vs. Horizon
This comprehensive guide covers the ins and outs of the desktop virtualization features that define the battle lines between Citrix's XenApp and XenDesktop and VMware's Horizon. 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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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
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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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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Opinion
13 Apr 2016
Plan the next 9 years of your life: EOL dates for all your favorite MS, Citrix, and VMware products!
Knowing the End of Life dates for the products you use can help determine when to tackle certain projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2016
Citrix Machine Creation Services (Citrix MCS)
Citrix Machine Creation Services is a desktop image delivery feature in XenDesktop used to configure and distribute virtual desktops to end users. It uses hypervisor application programming interfaces, or APIs, to make, start, stop and delete virtual machines. 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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Answer
05 Feb 2016
How does Citrix StoreFront work with XenApp and XenDesktop?
Citrix's enterprise app store can help VDI shops transition to a mobile-friendly virtual desktop and application strategy by broadening remote access and providing a simpler user interface for employees. 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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Definition
30 Dec 2015
Citrix AppDNA
Citrix AppDNA is an application testing and management technology for XenApp and XenDesktop that analyzes virtual applications' compatibility with specific operating systems and configurations. AppDNA either automatically repairs or offers instructions for IT administrators to manually repair compatibility problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2015
VMware Horizon Air
VMware Horizon Air allows IT administrators to deliver cloud-based virtual desktops and applications to users on any device or on a Web browser. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2015
Citrix DesktopPlayer
Citrix DesktopPlayer is a desktop virtualization platform with a Type 2 hypervisor that administrators install locally on top of a Windows or Mac OS X operating system. DesktopPlayer allows users to access a separate virtual desktop when they are using wireless internet or are not connected to the company network. 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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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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Answer
23 Jul 2015
Do I really need Citrix NetScaler?
NetScaler or not, you need an application delivery controller. But XenApp and XenDesktop shops that use a non-Citrix gateway run the risk of losing Citrix's support. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 Apr 2015
Complete guide to RDS management and RDSH
RDS is the backbone of Windows desktop virtualization from Microsoft. Learn about features -- such as RemoteFX -- problems and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2014
The difference between Citrix Workspace Suite and Workspace Services
Citrix's Workspace Services and the Workspace Suite aren't one in the same. The Suite is a bundle of products and Workspace Services is a delivery platform and control plane. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Aug 2014
Key takeaways from VMworld 2014
The new products heralded at VMworld 2014 weren't as thrilling as those from years past, but attendees can expect the tech VMware talked about -- Project Fargo, CloudVolumes and improved graphics on Chromebooks -- by the close of the year. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2014
VMware aims to improve VDI graphics on Chromebooks
As VMware looks to compete with Citrix for EUC dominance, it's added a partnership with Google and Nvidia for Chromebooks graphics performance, and teamed up with Cortado for Horizon 6 printing. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2014
VMware Project Meteor could corral skyrocketing VDI needs
VMware is looking to change the VDI equation by combining its CloudVolumes buy and new VM cloning technology into Project Meteor, plus other additions to compete with Citrix in the EUC market. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2014
VMware buys CloudVolumes, application layers on the horizon
With VMware's CloudVolumes acquisition, admins can provide personalized virtual desktops without managing separate images for each user. Applications will work more like they do on mobile devices, too. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2014
Components, features and use cases for XenDesktop 7.5
XenDesktop 7.5 comes with XenApp, hybrid cloud integration and HDX enhancements, as well as an improved experience for workers who use mobile devices to access desktops and apps. But is there room for upgrades in products such as Profile Management? Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2014
Smackdown: Microsoft vs. Citrix vs. VMware VDI for 3-D graphics
Virtual desktops and 3-D graphics can mix if you use the right approach. Here's how Citrix, Microsoft and VMware VDI's GPU support compares. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2014
VMware may seek help to improve Unity Touch
VMware might have to rely on another vendor to improve View's Unity Touch feature, which gives virtualized Windows a more mobile-friendly interface. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2014
Breaking down VMware GPU virtualization options: Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA
VMware GPU virtualization options Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA have different uses and benefits, but they all help companies reap performance rewards. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2013
Making Citrix XenDesktop play nice with a VMware hypervisor
You can run XenDesktop on a VMware hypervisor, but what does that entail? Learn how clustering and vCenter Server work in a mixed VDI environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Apr 2013
Why you need VDI training and how to go about it
VDI requires new hardware and software, so make sure you get some VDI training and certifications under your belt before you deploy virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2013
What exactly is included in the Microsoft VDA license cost?
The Virtual Desktop Access license lets users remotely access Windows from more types of devices, but it costs more than Software Assurance. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2013
VMware View components: What you need and how they work
To use VMware View for VDI, you need a few different View components, including the View Agent, vCenter Server and View Connection Server. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2013
Comparing remote display protocols: RemoteFX vs. HDX vs. PCoIP
Are you puzzled by protocols? This comparison reviews top remote display protocols from major vendors so you'll know what each has to offer. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2013
User environment virtualization leaves roaming profiles in the dust
As users connect to more devices than ever, user environment virtualization is a blossoming trend in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2013
How to install Microsoft RDS in Windows Server 2012
When you're ready to install Microsoft RDS, keep an eye on each component. Some are mandatory in Windows Server 2012 and others aren't. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2012
Configuring Remote Desktop Services roles for high availability
Although Windows Server 2012 RDS comes with new high availability capabilities, configuring Remote Desktop Services HA is no simple task. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2012
Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL
Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2012
Turn to Microsoft RemoteApp Programs when VDI and RDS just won't do
VDI and RDS aren't always the best fit for remote app delivery. For a lightweight approach, try Microsoft RemoteApp Programs in Windows Server 2012. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2012
VirtualBox VM recovery: Two ways to salvage your data
If you have to recover a VirtualBox VM, you're in for a grand old time. Keep these tricks in mind to help get your data back. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2012
Microsoft RemoteFX requirements in Windows Server 2012
There are new hardware requirements for using RemoteFX in Windows Server 2012, but it's hard to find where to configure certain settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2012
Desktop virtualization comparison: VDI vs. Remote Desktop Services
For desktop virtualization, you have a choice between the paths of VDI and Remote Desktop Services. Robert Frost took the road less travelled, but you don't have to choose just one. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2012
Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection: Four key considerations
With Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection, you can have full native USB support for virtual desktops, despite some device limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2011
Five helpful commands for managing Remote Desktop Services
In Windows Server 8, server management will be command-line oriented. Prepare for the shift by learning some commands for managing Remote Desktop Services. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2011
Solutions to common remote desktop printing problems
Microsoft Easy Print improved remote desktop printing in Windows Server 2008 R2, but network admins still struggle with printer redirection. Use these tips to fix common problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2011
Why using a bare metal client hypervisor on a Mac makes no sense
Apple supports running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in a client hypervisor VM on Mac hardware, but is there any value in virtualizing the Mac OS with Type-1 products such as XenClient? Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2011
More tools for converting PCs to thin clients
You don't need to replace all your PCs to move to virtual desktops. Here are six non-Windows tools to help you convert old hardware to thin clients for desktop virtualization. Continue Reading