Citrix, Microsoft Expand Desktop Virtualisation Partnership

Citrix Systems has announced plans with Microsoft to simplify desktop computing by extending their desktop virtualisation partnership. This integration will enable enterprise customers to manage all of their Windows desktops and applications from a common platform to deliver a consistent user experience to any device, anywhere. The combined solution will unify management of physical and virtual desktops and applications via one management platform, Microsoft System Center, while delivering a consistent experience for Citrix users on any device from any location via one universal client, Citrix Receiver.

Enterprise IT organisations will be able to manage both distributed and centrally-hosted applications using Citrix XenApp application virtualisation and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. Citrix XenApp will also extend Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) to enable self-service delivery of applications on any device using Citrix Receiver and Citrix Dazzle. In addition, Citrix has announced plans to extend integration of Citrix XenDesktop with the new Microsoft VDI Suite licences to enhance the companies’ joint virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution.

Simplifying Delivery of Applications to Managed and Unmanaged Desktops

Citrix and Microsoft will simplify application delivery for physical and virtual desktops. Citrix will offer a System Center Configuration Manager connector for XenApp that enables IT to deliver applications to any device – including managed or unmanaged Windows and non-Windows end points. Together, Citrix and Microsoft will enable IT to leverage their existing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager investments to publish, manage and report on both XenApp and App-V applications. This integration is planned for availability in 1H 2010.

Providing Users a Self-Service Experience

Citrix Receiver is a universal software client that simplifies accessing virtual applications and desktops on any device. By integrating App-V into Citrix Receiver, users will be able to access all their applications with a common user experience using any device online or offline. This integration is planned for availability in 2H 2009.

Delivering the Desktop Virtualisation Solution on the Microsoft VDI Platform

Citrix XenDesktop is a key component of the joint VDI solution from Microsoft and Citrix. The new Microsoft VDI Suite licences, announced today and available to Microsoft volume licence customers in 4Q 2009, will provide further customer value and make it simpler for customers to acquire a platform for VDI.