News & Events

November 28, 2009

Different types of workers across the enterprise need different types of desktops. Some require simplicity and standardisation, while others require high performance and personalisation. When it comes to application delivery, it’s clear that one size does not fit all.

The main message when it comes to application delivery and virtualisation is that IT managers now have options.

Naveen Shettar, Consulting Systems Engineer, Frontline Systems, said, “Organisations can choose between a range of options when it comes to desktop virtualisation, to tailor a solution to meet the specific needs of all users, not just a core group. There are so many ways you can deliver applications to the desktop – you can really differentiate your office community.”

This differentiation is critical in generating maximum return from virtualisation technologies, as well as ensuring that the end user experience is not compromised.

So what size fits?

The office community can be broadly segmented into three groups.

Firstly, there are task workers, who only need access to a limited number of set applications to do their job. Examples include customer service staff in the call centre, at the bank branch, or at the help desk.

Then there are office or knowledge workers, who demand a rich desktop experience, with more flexibility in their choice of apps, and a more personalised workspace. You would find these workers in the finance, marketing or operations departments.

Finally, a growing band of remote or mobile workers need offline, secure access, and ideally the flexibility to utilise a diverse set of applications from any device, anywhere. This group includes sales and field staff, contractors and offshore workers.

Clearly, each group has quite different needs when it comes to how they use their device, and the level of flexibility required from it.

A new approach to virtualisation

Early iterations of desktop virtualisation adopted a one-size-fits-all approach – and failed. They were unable to cater for the unique needs of different user groups, ending up frustrating most users including the IT managers who had implemented them as a panacea for desktop management.

Today’s solutions are much more sophisticated. Take the XenDesktop from Citrix, for example. Using its unique FlexCast delivery technology, IT can deliver every type of virtual desktop – each specifically tailored to meet the performance, security and flexibility requirements of each individual user.

All that’s required is to identify which technologies suit the different user groups, and scaling the solutions to meet the needs of the organisation.

“It’s important to remember that each of these solutions need not be managed separately – they can be rolled into one within the data centre,” said Shettar.

“There’s no silver bullet when it comes to desktop virtualisation. With the choices now available, it’s not as straightforward as plug-and-play. But, with a little help, organisations can tailor a solution that will prove extremely effective in overcoming the problems of traditional desktop management,” said Shettar.

To learn more about how desktop virtualisation will benefit your business,
email appdelivery@frontline.com.au.

Want to learn more about Application Delivery?

Watch a video about Application Delivery
Read “Going virtual: the benefits of centralised desktop management”