VMware View 3 Released

Today VMware announced the general availability of VMware View 3.  VMware View is more than just the next release and rebranding of VMware’s VDI solution, it is the first step in the vClient initiative that was announced at VMworld 2008.

VMware View 3 is the solution that allow corporate desktops to be centrally managed and run from within the data center.  VMware View consists of the following pieces:

• VMware View Composer – utilizes Linked Clone technology to speed the creation of virtual desktops while reducing the operating cost of the desktops through utilizing less storage
• VMware ThinApp – enables simplified application packaging and deployment to virtual desktops and allows the application layer to be separated from the Operating System layer
• Offline Desktop – provides the flexibility to intelligently and securely move virtual desktops between the data center and a local laptop or desktop (experimental mode only)
• Unified Access – provides end users with a single point of access to seamlessly connect to their desktop environment and administrators with a single point of administration
• Virtual Printing – enables end users to print to any local or network printer without installing specific printer drivers
• Multimedia Redirection – improves the user experience with rich multimedia playback capabilities processed remotely in the data center and delivered to the end user’s device

In the past few weeks I have been briefing a number of my Fortune 500 clients on the VMware View solution for managing their desktops.  VMware View allows them to reduce not only their capital expenditures but also their operational expenditures while providing a much more secure and robust desktop experience to their end users.  These same benefits can be applied to companies large and small.  VMware even provides a TCO/ROI calculator that incorporates all the new benefits of VMware View 3, so you can measure the benefits yourself.

I’ll be sharing more of my experiences working with these customers and VMware View in the comming months.