Info-Tech looks at a potential, transformative move to providing desktops as a services through the lens of what needs to happen for wider adoption in 2010. In this context key attributes of XenDesktop 4 include:
- Going beyond server-based virtual desktop hosting with FlexCast technology.
- Integrating XenApp into XenDesktop and changing licensing to reflect a desktop replacement role.
- Mitigating end user experience limitations of VDI with HDX technology and Citrix receiver.
Licensing changes have not been without controversy, particularly among those that focus primarily on providing shared access to applications. Info-Tech sees the main benefits of desktop virtualization coming after broad adoption across a wide variety of use cases.