Dell and Citrix Usher in the Next Era of Virtual Computing with New DVS Simplified Appliance and Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5.3

Dell is on a mission to give our customers the power to do more from the data center to the device.  At Citrix Synergy this week, Dell will launch several end-to-end solutions that simplify the deployment and management of Citrix-based desktop virtualization.  When it comes to VDI, Dell believes that it doesn’t have to be complicated. We have been working hard alongside Citrix to constantly innovate and deliver customers the simplest, most affordable and highest performing solutions on the market today.

This week at Synergy, Citrix unveiled VDI-in-a-Box 5.3, its newest version that builds on the success of VDI-in-a-Box 5.2 by supporting Microsoft Windows 8. Users now get all the benefits of desktop virtualization on the Windows 8 platform for advanced capabilities that support a multi-touch experience, high-definition graphics and unified communications. This all-in-one VDI solution has been purpose-built to simplify and streamline virtual desktops and delivers a production-quality solution while instantly lowering costs and improving security.

New features include:

  • Windows 8 Support: HDX connection to Windows 8 desktops; Personal desktops on Windows 8; and Support of Windows Server 2012 VHDX format
  • Better Supportability:  Single Sign-on (SSO) from Citrix NetScaler/AccessGateway web interface; Improved end user messages on Web interface; Improved image distribution troubleshooting tool; and Centralized logs collection
  • Enhanced IT experience:  SSL certificate installation UI;  Support of the latest XenServer; and EULA acceptance as part of initial setup

Citrix’s VDI-in-a-Box software is a key driver in streamlining the deployment of VDI. Dell takes our shared vision of turnkey VDI environments one step further with the DVS Simplified Appliance. The appliance consolidates pre-configured hardware with factory installed VDI-in-a-Box software for the greatest ease in deployment and management of virtual desktop environments.  This winning combination is all backed by Dell ProSupport to further maximize uptime and maintain productivity.

Dell’s complete DVS hardware package combines Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5.3 with Dell PowerEdge servers, Dell Wyse end points, and Citrix XenServer, Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware vSphere hypervisors for an all-in-one solution that works together seamlessly and saves times and money.  The solution is based on N+1 Grid Architecture with integrated server redundancy so businesses can scale their datacenter in a modular fashion and have the flexibility to grow. Dell JumpStart Remote training and Remote Configuration Services are also available to accelerate set-up and get up and running in one to three days.

DVS Simplified Appliance delivers advantages attributed to desktop virtualization including streamlined desktop management, stronger security, agility and flexibility and a rich user experience to greatly benefit our customers’ IT implementation. Small and medium businesses benefit from this ultra-low-cost complete virtual desktop solution that makes it easier than ever to realize the transformative impact of desktop virtualization. Unlike other low-cost VDI solutions that require lock-in to proprietary and non-scalable solutions to reduce costs, Dell and Citrix give growing businesses the flexibility they need to scale.

The public sector faces similar budget constraint as SMBs and need IT solutions that maximize their resources. For example, schools migrating to Windows 8 to integrate a multi-touch learning tool in the classroom now have a turnkey solution to upgrade their devices. Government agents in the field, such as inspectors or law enforcement, using tablets and smartphones are able to leverage the Windows 8 interface and productivity apps all during their VDI session. In a healthcare setting, doctors and nurses can read X-rays in high-definition with Citrix HDX technology. 

With the latest evolution of VDI-in-a-Box on DVS Simplified Appliance, we are excited to continue to partner with Citrix to advance desktop virtualization solutions and help our customers unlock innovation in the virtual era.

About the Author: Chris Bell