Determining the ideal virtual desktop for users

EnergySolutions is based in the United States, but we have offices around the world. Virtualizing our infrastructure with VMware and NetApp gave us a management and savings boost at the back end, but there are still latency problems, depending on the user's location, and significant differences in the application features and experience available on each client or device. If we in IT want to create business value, we have to provide applications that offer a common experience in today's mobile environments, no matter where users are or what devices they have in their hands or on their desks.

We chose VMware View for desktop virtualization to leverage our existing partnerships, and we established as diverse a testing group as we could. We've found, however, that while the technology can be complex, the expectations and sophistication of our users are a much bigger barrier. This is particularly true for tablets, and we have decided not to incorporate them until 2012. As a potential solution, both now and for the long term, we are looking at setting up an internal store with approved devices that will provide standardized interfaces. How have others addressed the issue of presenting virtualized applications on different devices and managing user expectations?

Advice: Focus on applications, not devices
Tina Rourk, CIO, Wyndham Vacation Ownership

Since our user base has a mix of requirements that range from shared desktops to dedicated devices, we chose Citrix for our virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Our launch plans included focusing first on our owners and guests, and the associates who serve and interact with them, since they often use the same systems. We are also exploring how we support the high usage of individual mobile devices throughout our resorts and corporate locations.

To address user expectations and ensure common experiences across applications, we're also focusing on providing that standard look and feel. Controlling the devices can only get you so far in today's world, so we are considering implementing a policy that if the company provides the device, we will support it fully; if the user supplies the device, we will only support the corporate applications that are installed on the device. To provide better security controls on those mobile devices, we're using a tool called MobileIron.