ENTENDING WORKSTATION LIFE DRIVES DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION.

Desktop virtualization is a game changing technology that can reduce IT operational costs while increasing efficiency and agility in desktop management, said Info-Tech Research Group. 30% of IT leaders have plans to implement a Desktop Virtualization solution by the end of 2010.

"IT departments typically invest significant time, effort, and budget into the acquisition, configuration, deployment and support of PCs on desktops," said John Sloan, senior research analyst for Info-Tech Research Group. "Desktop virtualization changes the game from distributed asset management to efficient desktop service delivery."

In desktop virtualization end users access virtual PCs that are hosted on a server. These vitual PCs can be accessed from a traditional workstation, a home PC, a laptop or a thin client terminal. Increased speed and efficiency in desktop and application deployment, improved data security, and significant reduction in desk-side support costs are key benefits.

"In a tough economy every IT shop has to stop and re-evaluate how they spend and whether they freeze, cut or decide to spend smarter," said Sloan. "With desktop virtualization corporate IT can look to get out of the complex and costly distributed PC asset management business."

Info-Tech Research Group's study of desktop virtualization included over 200 survey responses and more than 30 interviews of IT leaders worldwide. Most implementers do not anticipate large upfront capital cost savings from desktop virtualization however there are areas of potential advantage such as extending the life of older workstations.

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