VMware Looks To Post PC Era With Updated Management Software

Virtualisation powerhouse VMware has outlined some of the details about its upcoming device manager software, VMware View 5.1.

The 5.1 update is designed to make lifer easier for IT managers struggling with the BYOD trend, and is part of VMware’s previously stated aim of helping organisations deal with the “post PC world”, a concept that was so enthusiastically backed by the late Steve Jobs.

Connected Enterprises

Alongside the new VMware View 5.1, VMware is seeking to help organisations handle a more connected enterprise, where core systems are accessed by an increasing array of devices. VMware’s belief is that enterprises will increasingly wish to make use of hybrid cloud resources, yet at the same time maintain a managed, secure environment.

“Customers are looking for solutions that break down current technology barriers and shift the focus to delivering services that can be accessed anywhere, on any device,” said Boaz Chalamish, senior VP and general manager, End-User Computing, at VMware. “VMware View 5.1 and our growing portfolio of personal cloud solutions will address the needs to simplify technology, manage more efficiently and better connect employees.”

So what new features does VMware View 5.1 offer? Well the software is of course designed to provide a centralised point that allows for the management of tens of thousands of virtual desktops via a single console, achieving, according to an IDC study, significant lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

But VMware View 5.1 also now includes VMware View Storage Accelerator, which optimises storage load and improves performance by caching common image blocks when reading virtual desktop images, helping to reduce overall TCO in VMware View deployments.

Also included in the new software as a tech preview is VMware View Composer Array Integration (VCAI), which can use the native cloning abilities in the storage array to offload storage operations within a VMware View environment. This means that VCAI can improve provisioning speeds and management.

Another first for VMware View 5.1 is the inclusion of VMware View Persona Management, which will extend to physical desktops, enabling IT organisations to preserve user settings across all Windows devices and streamline the migration from physical to stateless virtual desktops.

Other features in 5.1 include VMware vCenter Operations; VMware View Administrator Enhancements; RADIUS Support; new VMware View Clients; VMware View Media Services Enhancements; and VMware View Administrator Language Support.

New Era?

“As the reign of the personal computer as the sole corporate access device comes to a close, a new era is emerging,” said Stephen Kleynhans, research VP, Gartner. “The personal cloud era provides users with a new level of flexibility with the devices they use for daily activities, while, at the same time, leveraging the strengths of each device. This flexibility will ultimately enable new levels of user satisfaction and productivity. However, it will require enterprises to fundamentally rethink how they deliver applications and services to users.”

VMware View 5.1 will be available in the second quarter of this year.

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