1. Select the Right Vendor for Desktop Virtualization
Info-Tech Research Group

2. Executive Summary
Both Citrix and VMware have solid products and product visions to realize enterprise virtualization goals.
Over 75% of organization don’t consider vendors outside of VMware and Citrix for desktop virtualization.
Build your VDI product shortlist. Citrix and VMware are the leaders; however, there are other players that can be considered.
The vendor landscape is changing as secondary players are swept up in various mergers and acquisitions.
While deploying VDI, aim for your overall budget to be less than, and at worst the same as, refreshing with traditional desktop infrastructure. Ensure, before making any decisions, to consider all costs including implementation, energy savings, desk side support, and application and desktop maintenance.
Info-Tech Research Group

3. VMWare and Citrix lead the vendor pack by a large margin
Most implementers only evaluate and select vendors used on the server virtualization side for their desktop solutions
Insight:
15%
Over 75% of organizations don’t consider vendors outside of VMWare and Citrix.
Evaluating
Evaluated
Plan to evaluate
Selected
16%
11%
20%
28%
15% 5% 3% 4%
33% 3%
27% 7% 4% 3%
16%
11%
12%
12%
VMWare View
Citrix XenDesktop
Virtual Iron
Paralells
Sun Virtual Desktop InfrastructureSun Virtual Desktop InfrastructureSun Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Provision NetworksProvision Networks
Info-Tech Research Group

4. VMWare continues to be a low cost market leader with significant upside
Strengths -
Weaknesses
Outlook =
Low cost of acquisition
Market and mind-share leader
Product Highlights:
Uses master VM templates to reduce storage overhead.
Improved management.
New innovations such as offline desktops, though this feature is not yet live
Rapid development poses a challenge for organizations planning long term deployments
Has not yet lived up to the promise of delivering viable online/offline virtual desktops that perform
Citrix has made significant ground on VMWare via product updates in 2009
Continued market leadership
Continues to drive new features and innovations
Info-Tech Research Group

5. While VMware and Citrix trade first and second positions, there are worthy competitors developing.
Oracle (Sun VDI & Virtual Iron)
Quest (Provision Networks)
Parallels
Microsoft VDI Suite
Cost of acquisition & operation
Low
Med
High
Management features
Install base
Ease of installation & maintenance
End user adoption
Overall Rank
Leader
Competitor
Follower
Info-Tech Insight:
This scorecard is just the beginning. For a more in-depth evaluation of these vendors, refer to the research note, “Virtual Desktop Vendor Landscape.”
Info-Tech Research Group

6. Further Resources: VDI Smackdown: Citrix Versus VMware
A View into VMware View 3
XenDesktop 4: Going Beyond VDI
VMware View 4 Boosts User Experience with PCoIP
XenDesktop One Year Later
Virtual Desktop Vendor Landscape
Microsoft Packages Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Solution
Oracle Consolidates Xen-Based Virtualization Players
VMware Plans to Ease Virtual Desktop Management with Virtual Profiles
Citrix Goes iTunes: Redefining IT as a Self Service
Info-Tech Research Group

7. Additional Tools and Insight Included in Complete Report
Introduction
Citrix has gained ground on VMWare’s product offering, and continues to be a quality solution
Other emerging DV vendors exist, and should be watched as the DV market is rapidly changing
Expect improvements in end user experience, off-line virtual desktops, and pricing in 2010/2011.
Conclusion
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