Microsoft Corp. has been transforming desktop virtualization as a way of making Windows 7 work smoothly with old applications, for example Windows XP’s apps. But, after the support from the software giant, can the enterprises adopt the desktop-virtualization? The answer would be diffused.

It is predicted that the desktop virtualization will see a possible uptick in the acceptance for various reasons. At present, different vendors are providing Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI), which uses similar hypervisors that allow many virtual machines to run on a single physical host and the end user will have a private "desktop." VDI can permit upto 50 PC operating systems, each of which serves a single end user.

Further, the services also changes support for peripherals, multimedia and other Web- and PC-focused technologies. Therefore, the enhancements in the user interface have made desktop virtualization more acceptable.

Extending the life of an old PC

According to various analysts, some companies are unwilling to upgrade their PC hardware enough to support migrations to Windows 7. Desktop Virtualization is the phenomenon, which delivers and manages corporate desktops and to respond to various user needs in a flexible way. Further, it is possible to use a computer or other device to access data or applications that live somewhere else.

Migration to Windows 7

It is reported that running virtual Windows 7 desktops would be cheaper than using the original software individually, but is costlier than using the virtual XP desktops. Meanwhile, market analysts suggest that by migrating to virtual Windows 7 desktops, it provides more control to IT for conserving the whole process inside the data center and by saving the hardware and support costs as well.

According to various consultants, Windows 7 implementation requires upgrading hardware, updating custom-built software, training end users and updating the security on PCs with the new operating system. The process can be very costly and requires service disruption, therefore needs proper guidance before switching.

Microsoft's impasse

Besides supporting desktop virtualization, the software giant also wants to run its main business computing platform. The company does not want that all of a major company's PCs would be virtualized. But, the company says that customers should virtualize according to their usage and flexibility – not just aims to cut costs.

The new OS, Windows 7 itself has better management, security and stability compared to Vista, therefore saves money. Hence, it could save further costs in VDI implementations that involve instances of the OS running in separate VMs.

Various Virtual applications

Users can have various web applications like browser interface for an application running on a server, view their data remotely and streaming applications. Streaming application provides more PC-based memory and processing power, but exerts more pressure on the network than remote viewing.

Discussion

According to a leading research firm, the desktop virtualization market will be around $1.8 billion in 2012. Therefore, it seems that Windows 7 could be a catalyst for some additional virtualization, but the switch over to Windows 7 platform will certainly require proper consultancy and backup.

Anuj Kumar/ITvoir Network