Cloud services provider CloudVDI announced the launch of Virtual Desktop, a virtual desktop infrastructure subscription service, which offers small and midsize businesses the ability to run Microsofts Windows OS and compatible software on any central processing unit and mobile device through the companys hosted servers.
Each CloudVDI rack includes Dell servers, Citrix Netscalers, Juniper switches, routers and firewalls, and 64 terabytes of storage. CloudVDI coupled their proprietary software with Citrix Receiver to create a universal client that enables delivery of CloudVDI-hosted Virtual Desktops to any user or deviceincluding PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones, a noteworthy feature in an age when many SMBs are considering the adoption of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies.
The service also offers integrated security through Citrix Access Gateway Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) virtual private network (VPN), which allows CloudVDI customers to secure and implement user-specific remote access to the desktops by protecting network traffic. IT managers can also enforce productivity parameters by limiting time or access to social networking sites like Facebook or blocking the ability to visit sites that could be time-wasters. Our Virtual Desktop provides great benefits for SMBsgiving them access to an enterprise-grade solution in a fully-managed fail-safe model, CloudVDI co-founder Zach Hurst said in prepared remarks.
The company offers customizable monthly subscription plans, starting with the $29 per month Base Plan, which includes one virtual machine, 2GB RAM, 1 CPU, 10GB disk space, 100M-bps bandwidth and free 24/7 support. The Advanced Plan, which costs $49 a month, includes all the features of the Base Plan as well as an upgrade to 3GB RAM, 25GB hard-disk space, 500M-bps bandwidth, Microsoft Office and Visio.
With the Power Plan ($79 per month), users are upgraded to 4GB RAM, 2 CPUs, 50GB storage, 1G-bps bandwidth, Visual Studio and Adobe Productivity Pack, while the top-tier Complete Plan includes all Power Plan attributes plus delivery of a 10Zig Zero Client, 20-inch monitor, keyboard and mouse, and is offered at $109 per month. CloudVDI is also offering a 30-day five-user Pilot Program for the Thin Client/Complete Plan for businesses interested in test virtualizing their IT infrastructure. The program includes five 10Zig Zero Clients, 20-inch monitors, keyboards, mice and Complete Plan subscriptions for $545 per month.
With 80 percent of the Fortune 100 using Citrix, Gartner estimating the hosted virtual desktop market worldwide to reach 49 million units in 2013, and Apple announcing that 93 percent of Fortune 500 companies are testing or currently using iPads in the workplacethe time is now for SMBs to make their desktops virtual and mobile, CloudVDI co-founder Austin Hurst said in a press statement.