NComputing bets big on desktop virtualization

NComputing, the virtual desktop company, has 2.5 million virtual desktops deployed, and boasts over 100,000 customers across 140+ countries.

Jim McHugh, senior VP, Global Marketing, NComputing, said that the desktop is now evolving with applications. Also, software applications are evolving away from the PC. Server virtualization had taken off a few years ago. Now, it is the time for desktop virtualization. Time for the CIOs to become rock stars all over again!

So, what is NComputing's desktop strategy?

Well, the first is to replace full PCs at each desk with simple access devices that connect to virtual desktops running on central PCs or servers.

NComputing's vSpace desktop virtualization software divides a computer's resources into independent virtual workspaces that give each user his or her own rich PC experience. vSpace handles the desktop display and remote activities from the user's keyboard and mouse (through the access device). Multiple users simultaneous access a single operating system, either Windows or Linux.

"Our vSpace software creates multiple user workspaces in the OS. We provide heterogenous platform support -- Windows and Linux," McHugh added. There are three virtualization infrastructure options -- VMWare, Microsoft and Citrix.

NComputing provides three ways to connect by way of access devices. These are:

L-series (Ethernet): The NComputing solution separates a desktop PC environment from a physical machine to create a client-server computing model. That is, a user's desktop is hosted remotely and accessed via a access device over the network. A user no longer has a physical PC. It can connect up to 30 users on a single computer!

U-series (USB): The revolutionary new U-series are the simplest of all to connect, because they simply plug into standard USB ports. There are no network switches to buy and no PCI cards to install. For smaller installations, the NComputing U-series are simplest and quickest to install. I think that 2-5 users can connect using this.

X-series (PCI card): The NComputing X-series connects through a PCI card installed into the shared PC. This direct connection doesn't use a network, so multimedia performance is superb. Ideal when the users are in the same room as the shared computer. Eleven people can share a single system.

The software and devices are easy to set up and secure. They help cut PC acquisition costs. These work with standard software and peripherals. Also, they save space/resources >90 percent.

As for the vSpace software itself, no specialized hardware is required. It virtualizes only the core components required. It dynamically detects, compresses and accelerates multimedia. Finally, it is hardware agnostic.

Seems these are good solutions for enterprises, SMEs, branch offices, education, emerging markets and tough environments -- such as factories, call centers, healthcare, etc. NComputing typically looks at four types of enterprise deployments -- express VDI, enhanced VDI, VDI with connection brokering and integration with published applications (Citrix).

In India, NComputing has a great success story in ESIC (Employee State Insurance Co.). NComputing has done 31,000 stations in over 2,000 locations along with Wipro. Some other success stories include Macedonia -- the world's largest deployment of access devices -- 200,000 student seats, and the Obama 2008 campaign.