Wipro Technologies, in partnership with Citrix and Microsoft, has launched Wipro Desktop as a Service (WDaaS), a desktop virtualization solution that delivers desktops, applications and data as an on-demand service. The solution is based on HP technology. WDaaS was announced earlier in October 2010 and is available in the market now.
WDaaS is an integrated service offering which uses the market-leading desktop virtualization technologies of Citrix and Microsoft and provides efficient plug-and-play desktop and application virtualization capabilities. The solution is built on HP Converged Infrastructure. For enterprises that want to deploy desktop virtualization on-premises, WDaaS will offer a pre-configured appliance (hardware, software and services) that can be managed remotely by Wipro. This solution lowers deployment cost and reduces the implementation time by half as compared to traditional system integration approach. For enterprises seeking a hosted or cloud offering, Wipro delivers desktops and applications as a service from a dedicated private cloud environment in its own datacenters or by leveraging cloud infrastructure providers. These delivery models lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and move the desktop cost from a CAPEX to an OPEX model.
The WDaaS solution is based on Citrix XenDesktop, the Microsoft VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) Premium Suite and Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) software components. It leverages Citrix FlexCast delivery technology which enables IT to optimize the performance, security and cost of virtual desktops, hosted or local, for any type of user, including task workers, mobile workers, power users and contractors. It uses Citrix HDX technology that assures each user gets a rich, high-definition experience over any network on any device, including PCs, Macs, thin clients, tablets and smartphones. The solution relies on Hyper-V for running the Windows desktop in the guest virtual machines and incorporates Microsoft's comprehensive VDI infrastructure and management software, including Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services, App-V as well as System Center management solutions so customers can virtualize, manage and deliver applications and desktops. WDaaS will be offered on the HP Converged Infrastructure solution. The hosted and cloud delivery models leverage Rack space infrastructure.
"Traditionally, desktop virtualization has been complex to implement," said Neeraj Jaitley, Vice-President, Cloud Infrastructure Solutions, Wipro Technologies. "Customers are now looking for providers with end-to-end technical and operational capabilities who can deliver scalable and highly reliable infrastructure, leveraging hybrid cloud architecture as appropriate. Wipro Desktop as a Service solution benefits from focussed technology R&D investments and supports 'as a Service' delivery models. Our engagement methodology can reduce the technology deployment cycle by half."
"Desktop virtualization is a key priority for today's CIOs as they look to transform their desktops to become more agile, flexible and secure. Citrix XenDesktop supports this desktop change with market leading technologies that turn desktops, applications and data into an on-demand service that can be accessed from any user on any device," said Dave Jones, Vice-President of System Integrator Development, Citrix. "WDaaS is a perfect example of how customers can transform their workplace and quickly realize the benefits of desktop virtualization through an integrated hardware, software and services offering of a major global System Integrator."
"Wipro, Citrix and Microsoft are breaking down the barriers that impede desktop and application virtualization," said Mike Schutz, Senior Director, Server and Cloud Division, Microsoft Corp. "Our work together helps provide a broad range of solutions for desktop and application delivery that enable users to stay connected and productive anywhere, anytime."
