Cisco and virtualisation software specialist VMware have unveiled a Desktop Virtualization product based on Cisco Unified Computing System and VMware ViewTM 4.5. Cisco and VMware are supporting this product with new channel initiatives that will enable channel partners accelerate deployment of virtual desktop products. Cisco Desktop Virtualisation with VMware View will simplify the physical and virtual infrastructure and management associated with desktop deployments. The Cisco Desktop Virtualization with VMware View will provide customers with consistent security policy implementation and administration through UCS Manager and VMware View integration, an operational model that helps enable deployment of virtual desktops to users, greater hosted desktop density and fewer components to purchase and manage, and access to the desktop environment across locations and devices. Two new Cisco Validated Designs based on Cisco UCS and VMware View 4.5 will help customers mitigate some of the risks to virtual desktop implementations, and will be pre-tested to help customers and channel partners accelerate the deployment of the combined product. The new CVDs are scheduled to be available next month based on the Cisco UCS and VMware View 4.5 combined product with support for Cisco Nexus 1000V as well as EMC and NetApp storage services respectively.
Scalable Cisco UCS starter packs and expansion packs optimised for VMware View-based desktops will enable customers to scale from proof of concept to full production deployments supporting several virtual desktops. The Cisco Desktop Virtualization with VMware View will be one of the modules of the Cisco Virtualization Experience Infrastructure system, which delivers a collaboration and media user experience, based on fully integrated, open and validated desktop virtualisation products. Cisco and VMware also introduced new channel initiatives designed to help partners accelerate virtual desktop deployments for customers, including new Solution Enablement Toolkit based on VMware View and Cisco UCS, and funding for partner-led assessments that use professional services IP jointly created by Cisco and VMware. The channel initiatives also include twelve-city road show educating mutual Cisco and VMware partners across the US and Canada, showcasing the Cisco Desktop Virtualization product with VMware View, and demand generation and marketing initiatives that provide customisable marketing campaign tools including seminars in a box, ongoing lead generation, and follow-up and qualification campaigns targeted toward virtual desktop opportunities.