Dell simplifies delivery and implementation of desktop virtualization solutions for Microsoft environments

Dell Cloud Client Computing has announced new end-to-end solutions to help simplify and speed the deployment of desktop virtualization solutions for customers implementing a Microsoft-based IT environment. Dell introduced enhancements to its DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012, which enables small to mid-sized organizations to take advantage of existing Microsoft licensing investments and deploy a combination of up to 600 VDI users or 1,040 remote desktop sessions (RDSH). The new updates include faster and more flexible deployment of converged infrastructure, 10-seat proof of concept, high-end graphics and support for Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 2013. As an extension to higher seat count, Dell also released the DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace Reference Architecture based on Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V for customers looking for a flexible, cost effective solution to support up to 5,000 virtual desktops, including advanced virtual machine (VM) management functions.

DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 is designed for small to mid-sized organizations such as schools and universities that have existing Microsoft and education licensing and purchasing agreements and are interested in a limited-sized deployment, along with a mix of remote desktop sessions and virtual machines at an affordable cost. This end-to-end solution, which promotes rapid time to deployment, now offers the following enhancements:
· Converged Infrastructure Deployment Option: Supporting Microsoft VDI workloads on its converged infrastructure platform for the first time, Dell is offering a pre-built, pre-configured version of DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 validated with Dell Active System. A key component of the solution is Active System Manager, which extends the management capabilities beyond the physical to the virtualized infrastructure and workloads. Because it is pre-integrated, this form of deployment helps organizations accelerate the implementation and configuration of VDI, maximize efficiency, and deliver predictable and reliable VDI services to end users.
· Small Business or VDI Proof of Concept (POC) Deployment Option: Dell is also offering a 10-seat VDI solution based on DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012, aimed at doctors’ offices, accounting firms, local law firms, retail shops, etc. It is also suitable as a POC for larger organizations interested in trying out VDI on Windows Server Hyper-V cost-effectively. The solution includes a Dell PowerEdge T110 II tower server, Dell ProSupport¹, Dell Wyse thin clients and a setup guide.
· Virtualized High-End Graphics: With NVIDIA GRID and AMD FirePro™ graphics cards certified on Dell PowerEdge R720 running Windows Server 2012, IT organizations can easily deliver a high-fidelity, rich multi-media experience to virtual desktop users through RemoteFX across LAN and WAN. Standard graphics users now have the modeling and high-definition imaging capabilities needed to be productive from a VDI session. With Microsoft RemoteFX coupled with virtualized graphics technology, users can securely access multimedia or graphics intensive 3D applications built on DirectX from any location and on virtually any device, while providing IT departments with the ability to centrally host and manage sensitive user data and resources. When combined with powerful Dell Wyse endpoints certified and optimized for Microsoft RemoteFX, organizations gain all the advantages of desktop virtualization without compromising performance.
· Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 2013 Sizing: In addition to Windows 7, Dell is now adding sizing guidance and support for Windows 8 Enterprise and Microsoft Office 2013 on DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 so organizations can plan Operating System migrations for the long-term. With Windows 8 support, organizations can now increase end-user satisfaction by providing seamless access to virtual desktops using touch-enabled devices, such as Dell tablets or select Dell Wyse thin clients running Windows Embedded 8 Standard. By embracing Windows 8 and RemoteFX technologies, Dell provides a robust end-to-end VDI solution based on Microsoft RemoteFX.

Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace
Dell DVS Enterprise has been qualified for vWorkspace 8 software based on Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V, offering one more option for Microsoft-centric customers looking for a flexible, cost-effective and higher seat count deployments of up to about 5,000 virtual desktops. The new end-to-end, mid-market, reference architecture, DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace, supports remote desktop sessions, virtual desktops, pooled or personal, and application delivery, which are all deployed, configured and managed from the same console. DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace also provides significant storage savings with HyperCache, very fast VM provisioning with HyperDeploy and real-time VM monitoring and diagnostics of the infrastructure and user experience. This provides advanced management of virtual desktops to minimize downtime for IT support and improve the user experience as a result.

Both DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 and DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace are based on Dell PowerEdge R720 servers, Dell EqualLogic 1G iSCSI PS4100E/ PS6500E storage, Dell Networking S55 switch 1G Top of Rack, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1/2012 and Windows Server 2012 (including Hyper-V), Dell Wyse endpoints qualified for RemoteFX including D10D, D90D7 and Z90D7 thin clients, X90m7 mobile thin client and Dell ProSupport¹ services for hardware and software. DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace also includes vWorkspace 8.0 virtualization software, and DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 includes an Active System deployment option and a POC option with a Dell PowerEdge T110 II tower server and Dell Wyse thin clients.