Citrix XenDesktop 4 FAQ

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What is the difference between desktop virtualization and VDI?

It’s important to understand that VDI, or virtual desktop infrastructure, is only one form of desktop virtualization. VDI refers to the process of running an end user desktop inside a virtual machine that lives on a server in the datacenter. It’s a powerful form of desktop virtualization because it enables fully personalized desktops for each end user with all the security and simplicity of centralized management. However, most companies have a broad mixture of users, including task workers, power users, guest workers, contractors and mobile employees. While VDI works great for some of these use cases, it’s entirely unsuitable for others.

Desktop virtualization with XenDesktop 4 allows customers to choose from any of the popular server-side virtual desktop models, including VDI and blade PCs, as well as server-based computing models that can host up to 500 shared virtual desktops on a single physical server. XenDesktop 4 also supports client-side virtual desktop models that execute at the end point, freeing up server resources, extending the life of existing PCs and allowing laptop users to disconnect from the network and work offline. Citrix FlexCast™ delivery technology enables IT to deliver the best desktop for every user, every time. FlexCast enables XenDesktop to leverage the full range of desktop virtualization technologies to address all enterprise users. With XenDesktop, customers no longer have to compromise on one narrow form of desktop virtualization.

What’s new in XenDesktop 4?

There are five features that make XenDesktop 4 a complete desktop virtualization solution:

Any device, anytime, anywhere
HDX™ user experience
Citrix FlexCast™ delivery technology
On-demand apps by XenApp™
Open architecture

What are the benefits of XenDesktop 4 compared to other VDI solutions?

The release of XenDesktop 4 dramatically strengthens Citrix our competitive positioning. XenDesktop 4 is the only solution that offers the following features critical for successful desktop virtualization:

HDX™ user experience - No other desktop virtualization solution can offer the breadth and depth of our HDX technologies. From multimedia, real-time collaboration and USB peripherals, to network optimizations and high-end 3D graphics applications, XenDesktop delivers a user experience that is unmatched.
FlexCast™ delivery technology - enables a variety of hosted and streamed desktop delivery models that can be tailored to meet the business needs of every user. XenDesktop 4 extends existing functionality to shared hosted desktops.
On-demand apps by XenApp™ - XenDesktop 4 extends application management functionality for hosted and streamed apps regardless of if they are used with traditional PCs, smartphones or virtual desktops.

How will XenDesktop 4 align with the Microsoft VDI Suites?

With XenDesktop 4, Citrix and Microsoft are more aligned than ever. Microsoft shares our view that desktop virtualization is broader than VDI and includes multiple technologies to service the needs of different user types. Microsoft supports our strategy and will continue to endorse XenDesktop as the premier desktop virtualization solution for enterprise environments.

XenDesktop 4 aligns perfectly with the Microsoft VDI Suite. XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition builds on the Microsoft VDI Standard Suite. XenDesktop 4 Enterprise and Platinum editions build on the Microsoft VDI Premium Suite. XenDesktop 4 offers annual licensing per device that aligns with Microsoft VDI Suite licensing.

Click here for more informaiton on Microsoft and Citrix working together on desktop virtualization.

How do existing XenApp customers take advantage of XenDesktop?

Citrix is offering the Trade-up to XenDesktop 4 Program for existing XenApp customers which allows them to “trade-up” existing XenApp concurrent user licenses to XenDesktop 4 user licenses and take advantage of the additional features in XenDesktop 4.

Visit http://www.citrix.com/tradeup for XenApp trading up to XenDesktop.

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