Citrix Improves Desktop Virtualization Offerings

At the Citrix Synergy 2010 conference today, Citrix is launching XenClient, which for the first time puts a hypervisor on a mobile computing device. The implementation of a hypervisor on a mobile client should not only boost performance of virtual applications on mobile computing devices, but also serve as a foundation for improving systems management and security.

Citrix is also launching a set of HDX Nitro technologies, which the company says will boost desktop virtualization performance by a factor of three, provide a new instant-on capability for virtual applications, faster printing, embedded WAN optimization software, and the ability to sense when 3-D graphics applications need additional performance.

According to Wes Wasson, chief marketing officer for Citrix, the enhancement leverages the company's HDX desktop virtualization protocol to provide unrivalled levels of desktop virtualization performance regardless of the desktop virtualization deployment model being used.

Citrix also announced an alliance with McAfee under which security software will also be embedded in Citrix desktop virtualization software and a new "Safe Zone" implementation that allows IT organizations to encrypt data using a software that plugs into a Citrix receiver.

In addition to battling VMware on the desktop, Citrix is rolling out enhancements to its XenServer offering and NetScaler application delivery controllers that are intended to make it easier to deploy these technologies in cloud computing scenarios.