Driving desktop virtualization to mainstream adoption requires a solution that is built with an open architecture and has an ecosystem of solutions that work with it. This combination enables customers to implement an end-to-end solution to replace their old and outdated desktop computing environments. XenDesktop is the only open desktop virtualization platform on the market that is able to work with multiple virtualization hosting platforms, application delivery solutions and endpoint devices.

The Citrix Ready Open Desktop Virtualization Program leverages the XenDesktop open architecture, allowing customers to choose from a variety of trusted technology providers in order to simplify their virtual desktop deployments. The new XenDesktop supports every major server virtualization platform, including Citrix XenServer™, Microsoft Windows Server® Hyper-V™, and VMware ESX™, and supports multiple desktop protocols including Remote Desktop Services, in addition to Citrix ICA®. The XenDesktop open architecture further incorporates Citrix Ready and HDX Ready thin clients, Windows, Linux and Mac devices as well as all mobile device platforms.

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Open Desktop Virtualization Partner Ecosystem

Offering XenDesktop alongside an ecosystem of partners proven to succeed with Citrix products gives customers the inherent confidence they need to make the transition from physical desktops to virtual desktops and applications.  The Citrix Ready Open Desktop Program spans a robust partner ecosystem that is committed to supporting XenDesktop and comprises of products from the following categories:

Datacenter Systems

• Virtualization Infrastructure – Hypervisor-based virtualization platforms that host and manage desktops and applications that run in virtual machines. Includes  Includes Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware ESX, VMware vSphere and Citrix XenServer
• Servers and Blade Systems – Hardware platforms that power server-side virtual desktops and applications running in the datacenter.  Includes Cisco, Dell, HP, IBM, Fujitsu, Intel and AMD
• Storage and Backup Systems – Software and hardware storage products that drive increased performance, cost savings and reduced storage requirements for desktop images, user profiles and end-user data. Includes CA, Compellent, CommVault, DataCore, Dell EqualLogic, EMC, FalconStor, Fujitsu, HP StorageWorks, Hitachi, IBM, LSI, NetApp, NEC, Pillar Data Systems, RELDATA and Xiotech
• Applications – Enterprise, line-of-business and personal productivity applications that can be delivered more efficiently to end users through desktop and app virtualization. Includes Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP and over 1,000 additional software vendors across a wide variety of industries

Client Devices

• PCs, Laptops, Netbooks, Thin Clients and Mobile Devices – Devices used by employees and other end users to access virtual desktops and applications. Includes Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Research in Motion (Blackberry), Sprint, 10Zig, Chip PC, Computer Lab, DevonIT, IGEL, ThinLaunch, VXL and Wyse
• Printers and Desktop Peripherals – Printing solutions and drivers for an extensive range of cameras, scanners, card readers, hard drives, keyboards, speakers and other popular desktop peripherals that have been certified to work in virtual desktop environments.  Includes Canon, Dell, HP, Konica, Kyocera, Lexmark, Mita, Minolta, OKI, Samsung, Xerox, ThinPrint, TriCerat, UniPrint and over 7,000 other popular USB desktop devices and driver support software
• Unified Communications – Real-time voice, meeting and communication systems that enable users to collaborate seamlessly over multiple mediums.  Includes Avaya, Microsoft, ShoreTel, Citrix GoToMeeting, Citrix Hi-Def Conferencing and Citrix EasyCall

Management Systems and Services

• Client Systems Management – Unified management of physical endpoint devices to virtual environments providing a consistent cost-effective experience for the desktop administrator. CA, HP, Microsoft
• Profile Management – Software to ensure users’ personal settings are applied to the each user’s virtual desktop and applications. AppSense, RES Software, TriCerat
• Security – Software and hardware products to ensure secure access, business continuity, data security and regulatory compliance for employees working in any type of virtual desktop environment. Kaspersky Labs, McAfee, RES Software, Sophos, TrendMicro, Citrix Access Gateway
• Solution and Deployment Services – Services to ensure that all users have the best experience when moving to virtual desktops, both for premise based and cloud hosted environments. CSC, IBM Global Services

I’m a partner. How can I participate in the Open Desktop Virtualization Program?

To become a member of the Citrix Ready Open Desktop Virtualization Program, you must first certify your solution with XenDesktop.  You must either be a current member of or join the Citrix Ready program. Partner validation kits are available for download at http://www.citrixready.com.