ChannelLife Australia - Industry insider news for technology resellers
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Thu, 22nd Nov 2012
FYI, this story is more than a year old

The reseller channel is leading the way to virtual desktops according to Michael Bosnar, AppSense managing director, APAC.

IT management needs little convincing of the benefits of desktop virtualisation.

The outcomes include drastically improved log-in speeds, enhanced user efficiencies and greater security, along with cost savings in capital expenditure and maintenance.

IT departments can more easily and securely deploy new desktops and applications with greater control of data, user policies, preferences, settings and rights. Successful deployments enable IT departments to be more proactive, strategic and innovative.

Nevertheless, there are several challenges for channel partners looking to leverage the trend to virtual desktops. Although the benefits of virtual desktops may be clear, there remain some anxieties and potential pitfalls.

The first challenge is the virtual transition itself which can be undermined by unexpected headaches and cost blowouts. Managed poorly, the transition to virtual desktops can result in high server and storage infrastructure costs, offsetting savings derived from dumping the PC.

Channel partners need to provide assurance that they have the systems and services that assist in the smooth rollout of the new infrastructure and the migration of users from physical to virtual desktops.

It is imperative to understand and communicate the potential deployment risks and complexities that will be managed and mitigated.

Effective desktop virtualisation management systems can actually assist in the transition and the ongoing management of servers. The key is demonstrating how a solution will work to optimise the ongoing efficiency and capacity of servers.

Changing approaches

Another challenge (and opportunity) for channel partners is that desktop virtualisation does not happen in isolation.

IT is shifting to a more user-centric and device-agnostic approach to facilitate seamless user-access, anywhere, anytime while still maintaining system security and integrity.

Channel partners who can deliver solutions that allow for effective BYOD policies and seamless mobility are at an advantage. Therefore, virtualised desktop management systems that are user-centric and focus on a consistent user-environment irrespective of the device or its location are leveraged with deployments.

Many organisations are not looking to transition to a complete virtual environment. Some are just looking to deploy a virtual operating system or applications to existing desktops or through session virtualisation.

Providing customers with solutions that meet the needs of a limited deployment but provide the scalability to fully virtualise a desktop environment makes sense for customers wanting the flexibility and for resellers building long term strategic business partnerships.

The reseller channel is leading the way to virtual desktops, realising great success with organisations across all sectors.

Resellers who can provide a solution and a service that successfully mitigates risks and customer anxieties while integrating with other systemic changes and trends are at a clear advantage for success.

Partnering with a proven virtual desktop management system can provide the needed assurance that the transition to virtual desktops can be well managed and a great investment.