Is there any good reason to migrate from a stable, widely supported, Windows OS in favor of a Window OS that requires new hardware, is more challenging to manage, and does not perform as well as its predecessor? The answer is clearly no! But how much better is Windows 7 than Vista? This research note will examine:

• Windows 7 options and what hardware it will run on.
• Windows 7 versions and which ones will be appropriate for business.
• Why Windows 7 is worth waiting for.

Following the success of server virtualization, IT managers are keen to evaluate potential savings from virtualized desktops. While examining virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions, buyers must first take a close look at the costs of licensing.

• Microsoft OS licensing costs.
• Device versus user.
• Early consideration is critical.

VMware View is the leading choice for desktop virtualization software, followed closely by Citrix XenDesktop. VMware has significantly broadened and updated its offering. This note unpacks the components of View and looks deeper at a number of key features including:

• How View Composer and dynamic desktop creation streamlines the process of virtual desktop deployment, while also reducing the amount of centralized storage required for desktop virtualization from previous VMware products.
• How the integration of ThinApp means that View also provides access to streamed virtualized applications. The View connection broker can also manage connections to other remote resources such as blade PCs or workstations in the data center.
• How the experimental Offline Desktop feature bodes well for Virtual Desktops in disconnected mobile scenarios - an area that desktop virtualization does not currently play well in.