Wyse, Sun Push Desktop Virtualization Strategies

Vendors are continuing to make their pushes into the burgeoning desktop virtualization space.

Two days after VMware unveiled the latest version of its View client virtualization technology, and a month after Citrix Systems announced its XenDesktop 4 offering, thin-client maker Wyse Technology is touting expanded partnerships with both companies.

In addition, Sun Microsystems is rolling out Sun Ray Software 5, with enhancements designed to improve desktop virtualization capabilities and increase data center efficiency.

Wyse officials on Nov. 10 announced that its existing thin clients and a new zero client will support VMware’s View 4, including its PCoIP (PC over IP), a display protocol licensed from Teradici that enables users to compress and encode the entire desktop experience—such as graphics and processing—in the data center, and then transmit it over a standard IP network. VMware officials said the protocol will improve the overall user experience while driving down costs and complexity.

Wyse unveiled its P20 zero client, which officials said is the company’s smallest stateless device designed specifically to take advantage of the protocol for rich media applications, such as 3D solid modeling, video editing and advanced simulations.

“With the introduction of the Wyse P class, we have successfully addressed many of the challenges in rolling out a client virtualization model to high-end specialty workers,” Wyse CTO Curt Schwebke said in a statement. “Designers, scientists, architects, engineers and artists will be able to run their most sophisticated applications on a virtual client that uses as much energy as a small light bulb.”

Wyse’s existing devices will support PCoIP when View 4 is released Nov. 19. The vendor also will offer Linux and Wyse ThinOS clients with PCoIP support in the near future, officials said.

In addition, Wyse will offer support of View 4 in its Wyse PocketCloud software, enabling users of Apple iPhones to access a View 4 environment from the mobile device.

Wyse officials also announced that the company will support Citrix’s XenDesktop 4 when it becomes available Nov. 16. Citrix unveiled its latest desktop virtualization offering Oct. 6, with officials saying it would help tie together the disparate elements of desktop virtualization under a single umbrella.

Wyse said its entire line of Windows Embedded and ThinOS devices is certified in the Citrix Ready Open Desktop Virtualization program, and certification for Linux and Windows CE thin-client devices will soon follow.

For its part, Sun is rolling out Sun Ray Software 5, which includes the new Sun Desktop Access Client. The new software feature enables customers to use their existing Windows desktop PCs or notebooks, rather than Sun Ray thin clients, to access data and applications in a desktop virtualization environment.

In addition, Sun Ray Software 5 comes with enhanced Adobe Flash performance for customers using Sun Rays or Sun Desktop Access Client-enabled PCs. Sun also is enabling users to deploy a larger number of USB devices—such as scanners and printers—on the Sun Ray technology.