CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

WHITE PAPER

What is Desktop Virtualization?

Sorting It All Out Infrastructure virtualization is a powerful trend in the industry today, but the concept of virtualization has been around for many years. Virtualization technology has been pursued by vendors as a framework to divide the resources of a computer into multiple execution environments using a variety of hardware and software abstraction techniques, resulting in the separation of the logical interface from the physical machine. Virtualization originated in the 1960s as a technique to optimize the use of very expensive and relatively scarce computing resources. With the advent of less-expensive computing technologies like Intel-based servers and the PC, the need to virtualize simply due to computing costs was mitigated. But as servers and PCs have proliferated, the need to more effectively manage and utilize these resources has risen to the forefront. Data center environments are becoming more complex and heterogeneous, resulting in higher management costs. Virtualization makes it easier to optimize IT resources by standardizing infrastructure that needs to be managed. Among the first data center assets to be targeted for virtualization were Intel-based servers. The approach was to virtualize the application layer, which allowed multiple application instances to share a single operating system (OS). This allowed IT to address the challenges of resource under-utilization, unsecured data, application management and deployment that are commonplace in todays data centers, while providing the desktop experience that users needed to get their jobs done. Citrix Systems continues to be the market leader by providing seamless desktop virtualization solutions that provide remote access to centralized business resources. The next evolution was to virtualize the server at the machine level. There are two primary approaches to this type of virtualization: hosted and hypervisor. With the hosted approach, the virtualization layer is installed as an application and relies on the host OS for device support and physical resource management. In contrast, with the hypervisor approach, the virtualization layer is installed prior to the OS and directly provides the device and resource management support. While both approaches are effective forms of machine-level virtualization, the hypervisor approach is more efficient because it directly interfaces with the hardware. Machine-level virtualization allows IT managers to increase the efficiency of servers by significantly increasing utilization while maintaining performance.

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

The end game for infrastructure virtualization, no matter what approach or combination of approaches is chosen, is to provide users with the productivity tools they need on their desktops in the most cost-effective, secure and efficient manner.

What are the Options for Desktop Virtualization?

Desktop Deployment Alternatives Desktop virtualization offers a way to extend the benefits of virtualization better performance, lower TCO, higher security and greater flexibility to the full desktop. The Windows desktop is the most ubiquitous and expensive application to own and secure. Each desktop is supported by a physical PC that creates numerous challenges including data security; update and refresh cycles; power, heat and space consumption; and the management of local packaged applications like productivity suites and browsers, as well as home-grown applications. A combination of techniques can be used to virtualize a desktop. Citrix has been the de facto leader for desktop virtualization with the Published Desktop feature of Citrix Presentation Server, giving users remote access to a full Windows desktop from any device, anywhere, at any time. Recently, machine-level virtualization has become a viable alternative for delivering a virtual desktop experience. The virtual desktop is commonly deployed as two different models: shared and dedicated. The shared model is delivered via published desktops, while the dedicated model can be delivered via several options including virtual machines, physical machines or a combination of the two. 1. Shared Model Provides resource slicing of the server OS for multiple users, but doesnt support user rebooting. Citrix is the preeminent player in this space with Presentation Server, which provides the best TCO, manageability and scalability. These solutions fit about 80% of desktop deployment needs. 2. Dedicated Model Dedicated physical machines or virtual machines are natively configured with Windows XP. Each user has complete control of their PC environment. These solutions tend to be more expensive, and require configuration and management of multiple servers and images. There is no one right answer for which deployment model or desktop delivery option to choose. Each model or option lends itself to a particular type of user or work scenario. Some users are task workers who require limited customization for their desktops. There are knowledge workers that require a full Windows desktop with the ability to personalize and reboot as necessary. They may also require multiple Windows images on a single desktop. In some scenarios, there are power users who require complete control and dedicated MIPS for their desktop. Which desktop or combination of desktops is ultimately chosen depends on the specific needs of the user. 2

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

Business Challenges
Choosing the Right Desktop A primary mission of IT is to deliver applications that enable core business processes. The infrastructure built to support this mission is comprised of a myriad of components including the network, hardware, software and support personnel. As the business environment becomes more complex due to globalization and competition, IT is called upon to facilitate. Typically this involves looking for the best way to deliver larger, more complex applications to a constantly changing mix of desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Further complicating ITs challenge are pressures from business and government regulatory agencies to secure access to sensitive customer and business information. IT managers must ask themselves, How do I deliver secure, on-demand IT services in a highly complex and dynamic environment? More and more frequently, the answer is virtualization. By deploying Citrix virtualization solutions businesses have achieved a lower total cost of ownership and enhanced manageability and security through consolidation and centralization of key resources. The vast majority of customers have leveraged the shared model and published desktops through Presentation Server. However, in some specific business scenarios, this level of virtualization alone is not enough. When users require more control or dedicated computing power, businesses will require other desktop delivery models and deployment solutions. A typical task worker performs non-complex and repetitive activities to get the job done. These workers have no need for desktop customization and generally are measured on the volume of work that can be completed during a given time frame. From the standpoint of the business, productivity is paramount and costs should be minimized. From the viewpoint of IT, administrators are looking to maximize the number of users per server and simplify ongoing management and application deployment. On the other hand, users want quick response times and ease of use. This environment is typical of retail stores or call centers and is optimally suited for the shared model.
Business Issues Productivity Optimized TCO Requirements Ease of use Benefits Lowest overall TCO

Minimize application Centralized data protection launch time Centralized management and application deployment Fast boot and application launch Eliminate PC Move-Add-Change costs

Chart 1. Issues, requirements and benefits of shared model

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

A knowledge worker adds value by processing existing information to create new information that can be used to define and solve problems. Knowledge workers rely heavily on desktop automation to perform their jobs. They require the ability to personalize and control their desktop with minimal limitations. Examples of this type of control include the ability to boot the OS as needed or have multiple images of the OS on a single physical desktop. Workers who require this level of personalization include remote software developers as well as administrative and back-office workers. The best deployment for this environment is the virtual machine option of the dedicated model. This option offers businesses the intellectual property protection and user productivity that they need to get the most from these workers, which tend to be among the highest compensated in the organization. IT is looking to be in a position to respond rapidly to business requirements while providing remote support and streamlined management. Users simply want to have maximum control of their desktop.
Business Issues IP Protection Time to productivity Security/Compliance Workforce flexibility/ continuity Requirements Ease of use & access Personalization Isolated OS Multiple images Benefits Centralized source code protection Centralized data protection Eliminates remote access and data Unlimited isolated virtual machines Eliminate PC Move-Add-Change costs

Chart 2. Issues, requirements and benefits of virtual option of dedicated model

There is another type of knowledge worker who requires not only the ability to control and customize their desktop, but also maximum desktop performance. This must be achieved in an environment where physical desktop space is limited. This exact situation is found in the financial services industry with its equity and bond traders. The expectations for desktops in this environment are 100% availability, the fastest-possible processor speeds and unlimited personalization options. Any downtime suffered by these workers is quantified in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. The optimal desktop deployment in this situation is the physical machine option of the dedicated model. This type of deployment offers all of the benefits of the virtual option, while also providing a dedicated physical machine without the associated space and power requirements. Due to the central location of the physical devices, IT maintains the ability to rapidly respond to user requirements, which also enhances management and deployment capability.

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

Business Issues

Requirements

Benefits Eliminate local PCs space, noise & heat

Maximize revenue Fastest CPUs generating knowledge possible work productivity Limited & expensive office space Personalization Multiple monitors Zero down time

Centralized data protection Centralized management and flexible resource allocation Eliminates down time due to local PCs Eliminate PC Move-Add-Change costs

Chart 3. Issues, requirements and benefits of physical option of dedicated model

Solving the Problem

The Selection Process When deciding how best to deliver applications to the user, there is a process that should be followed predicated on using business value to drive desktop selection and deployment. The first step is to determine what users require to get their jobs done. This includes understanding the types of devices they will use to access applications. Once the access devices are determined, the second step is selecting the optimal type of desktop. This involves choosing either shared, dedicated virtual or dedicated physical desktop options. The third step in the process is choosing the desktop delivery model: either PC-based (blade PC or desktop) or server-based deployments. The final step involves choosing the most appropriate application delivery model. The options include locally installed applications, streamed applications and virtualized applications. This step-by-step process facilitates a business-centric, holistic view of desktop virtualization and allows the needs of the business to drive selection of the optimal desktop environment. Citrix desktop virtualization solutions play a critical role at each step of the process.

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

For each use case:

Which type of desktop fits best?

Desktop, Thin Client, Laptop

Dedicated Physical

Dedicated Virtual

Shared Virtual

Which desktop delivery model is best?

PC h/w server server h/w

server h/ server h/w

1:1

1:1

1 : many

Published Desktops

Published Desktops on CPS/VMs

Which application delivery model is best?

Installed

Isolated & Streamed

Published

Optimize

Figure 1. Desktop selection process

The Bottom Line

The Citrix Solution Desktop virtualization solutions based on the dedicated model are in the early stages, but there are existing user situations that compel businesses to re-examine their present desktop strategies and architectures. When businesses are looking for the lowest total cost of ownership and limited customization, Presentation Server is the de facto standard for delivering published desktops that increase workforce productivity and optimize TCO. In those business scenarios where knowledge workers require the personalization and control of hosted desktops provided by the dedicated model, Citrix offers a solution that provides the functionality of desktop publishing as well as OS pool management and session brokering. As the underlying machine-level virtualization technology matures and businesses adopt this deployment model, Citrix will offer more robust and comprehensive desktop virtualization solutions.

CITRIX DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

When businesses have power users who require the full power and flexibility of their own physical desktop, Citrix offers the published application capability of Presentation Server for their desktop virtualization needs. So no matter what access device, desktop, desktop delivery or application delivery model is chosen, Citrix offers solutions that deliver on the promise of desktop virtualization today. Organizations looking for the sustainable business value offered by desktop virtualization should focus on targeting specific user groups that fit the profiles of the various deployment models. It is important to note that the majority of corporate users will achieve the most benefit from the application virtualization and desktop publishing capabilities of Presentation Server. However, for the remaining users that require the functionality offered by virtual or physical desktop options, Citrix offers solutions that provide the manageability, flexibility, security and TCO that businesses have come to expect.

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice. THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. CITRIX SYSTEMS, INC. (CITRIX), SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS PUBLICATION, EVEN IF CITRIX HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES IN ADVANCE. About Citrix: Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTXS) is the global leader and most trusted name in on-demand access. More than 180,000 organizations around the world rely on Citrix to provide the best possible access experience to any application for any user. Citrix customers include 100% of the Fortune 100 companies and 98% of the Fortune Global 500, as well as hundreds of thousands of small businesses and individuals. Citrix has approximately 6,200 channel and alliance partners in more than 100 countries. Citrix annual revenues in 2005 were $909 million. Learn more at www.citrix.com.

NOTICE

2006 Citrix Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Citrix and Citrix Presentation Server are trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, and may be registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.