Citrix and Microsoft Expand Desktop Virtualization Partnership to Simplify Desktop Management

Citrix announced plans with Microsoft to simplify desktop computing by extending their desktop virtualization partnership. This integration will enable enterprise customers to manage all of their Windows desktops and applications from a common platform to deliver a consistent user experience to any device, anywhere. The combined solution will unify management of physical and virtual desktops and applications via one management platform, Microsoft System Center, while delivering a consistent experience for Citrix users on any device from any location via one universal client, Citrix Receiver.

Enterprise IT organizations will be able to manage both distributed and centrally hosted applications using Citrix® XenApp™ and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. Citrix XenApp will also extend Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) to enable self-service delivery of applications on any device using Citrix Receiver™ and Citrix Dazzle™. In addition, Citrix announced plans to extend integration of Citrix® XenDesktop™ with the new Microsoft VDI Suite licenses to enhance the companies’ joint virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution.

Simplifying Delivery of Applications to Managed and Unmanaged Desktops
Citrix and Microsoft will simplify application delivery for physical and virtual desktops. Citrix will offer a System Center Configuration Manager connector for XenApp that enables IT to deliver applications to any device - including managed or unmanaged Windows and non-Windows end points. Together, Citrix and Microsoft will enable IT to leverage their existing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager investments to publish, manage and report on both XenApp and App-V applications. This integration is planned for availability in 1H 2010.

Providing Users a High-definition, Easy-to-use and Self-service Experience
Citrix Receiver is a lightweight universal software client that makes accessing virtual applications and desktops on any device as easy as turning on your TV. By integrating App-V into Citrix Receiver, users will be able to access all their applications with a common user experience using any device online or offline. This approach radically simplifies desktop management for IT and gives end users far more flexibility and independence in how and where they work. This integration is planned for availability in 2H 2009.

Introduced at Citrix Synergy™ in May 2009, Citrix Dazzle is the first self-service “storefront” for enterprise applications giving employees self-service access to the applications they need to work without any training. By integrating App-V into Citrix Dazzle, users will have easy access to their applications and IT services, bringing the economics of the web to enterprise IT. This integration is planned for availability in 1H2010.

Delivering the Industry Leading Desktop Virtualization Solution on the Microsoft VDI Platform
Citrix XenDesktop is a key component of the joint VDI solution from Microsoft and Citrix, which offers enterprises industry-leading virtual desktop performance and enterprise scalability. The new Microsoft VDI Suite licenses, announced today and available to Microsoft volume license customers in 4Q 2009, will provide further customer value and make it simpler for customers to acquire a platform for VDI. Citrix will fully support Microsoft VDI Suite and will continue to enhance the ability for customers to manage their physical and virtual desktops using the common Microsoft System Center suite of products.