Virtual Bridges, IBM and Canonical have introduced the newest version of a Linux-server based virtual desktop with the release of Virtual Bridges' VERDE 2.0 software. The Open Virtual Client desktop is a combination of IBM's Smart Client desktop software, Canonical's Ubuntu Linux servers and Linux desktop, and Virtual Bridges' VERDE Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offering.
VERDE 2.0 goes beyond virtualizing the desktop to provide users with software access even when they are disconnected from the Internet, according to Virtual Bridges. This is achieved, the company explains, by integrating a lightweight, client-side hypervisor based on a new Self-Managing Auto Replicating Technology (SMART) protocol. The SMART protocol synchronizes a replicated cache running on the client-side hypervisor with the managed image on the server, the same image that is used to populate VDI sessions.
"Now, with VDI, you are able to take the entire desktop processing model and put it into the network and manage it centrally and lower the cost. What we have done here is taken it a step further so what we call Verde 2.0 is beyond VDI because it now also goes back and gives you the ability to run in a disconnected mode. Some people call that client-side hypervisor, other people call it a managed desktop-so it comes out of the network, but actually runs on the desktop," Jim Curtin, president and CEO of Virtual Bridges, tells Linux Executive Report. Additionally, he notes, "We have integrated this into one uniform management model where all of the infrastructure is the same whether you are running VDI or managed desktop."
The Open Virtual Client desktop offers users of private or public clouds the ability to lower costs by deploying a Microsoft alternative in either the whole organization or for particular user segments, and this can be done smoothly over time, according to Virtual Bridges. And because VERDE supports both Linux and Microsoft Windows guest sessions, organizations can realize the benefits of VDI, whether they move to Linux desktops or not. They can also gain additional cost savings that come from moving some user segments to Linux desktops. Introducing thin clients, where appropriate, can further increase cost saving opportunities.
"With increasing scrutiny on costs in organizations of all sizes, Linux desktops are gaining more ground, and the advent of the netbook computer is accelerating that," observes Bob Sutor, vice president of Linux and Open Source, IBM Software Group. "The cost advantages of moving even a modest segment of users to Linux are very attractive, and virtualizing the desktop delivers even greater cost efficiencies and easier IT management. In today's economy, it's smart to investigate Linux on the desktop and Virtual Bridges' VERDE is a great way to do it."
The IBM Open Collaboration Client Solution includes open standards-based email, word processing, spreadsheets, unified communication, and social networking providing users with productivity application alternatives. IBM's smart work client software is based on IBM Lotus Symphony, IBM Lotus Notes and Lotus applications. IBM Lotus Symphony supports the Open Document Format standard.
For more information about Virtual Bridges and Verde 2.0, go here.