Desktop virtualization solutions improve IT efficiency and security to managed networks, but many organizations find that their existing virtualization vendors can only deliver these benefits to a subset of their users.

Quest Software (News - Alert), a developer of enterprise systems management software, announced a technology alliance with Virtual Computer to deliver a desktop virtualization and management solution meeting the end-to-end computing needs of large enterprises.

Company officials said the combined technology provides “anywhere, anytime access to both centralized and distributed end-user environments through the integration of Quest vWorkspace client and Virtual Computer NxTop 3.0 enterprise platform.”

Through this partnership, which combines managed networks and client virtualization, Quest and Virtual Computer make virtual desktops flexible enough for the entire enterprise, industry experts said.

In addition to reducing the cost and complexity of deploying and managing corporate desktops, the solution also helps enterprises in improving desktop delivery options for stationery and mobile users, according to company officials.

The solution offers a consolidated management across server- and client-hosted virtual desktops, enabling IT teams to build a single virtual desktop image for deployment to stationery and mobile users.

Regardless of the deployment model, IT administrators can efficiently execute updates once in a secure environment, company officials stated. Master image updates are synchronized with linked user desktops--running centrally or locally--while preserving end-user personalization.

The solution also enables stationery users in corporate offices or an Internet/VPN connection tp access server-hosted desktops and applications remotely using the broker technology and high performance Experience Optimized Protocol or “EOP” in Quest vWorkspace.

Mobile users can use NxTop Engine, Virtual Computer's unique "bare-metal" client hypervisor and remote management technology, to maintain full access to their desktop when disconnected from the network, company officials said. NxTop Engine enables easy access to server-based resources while online via the integrated Quest vWorkspace connector.

The solution also features tight integration with Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager for virtual desktop creation, management and execution.

Further, NxTop Engine's two-way Hyper-V compatibility will allow virtual desktops to execute on local PC hardware, and users of server-hosted desktops will benefit from Quest's EOP enhancements for the RDP protocol, including emerging Microsoft (News - Alert) technology such as RemoteFX, according to company sources. 

Quest and Virtual Computer also plan to offer a one-of-a-kind capability for users to remotely access their desktops and applications, including desktops running on PCs equipped with NxTop Engine.

Users will be able to access their desktops and applications securely from a remote PC with a specialized client, a thin client, or a tablet-computing device, with an unprecedented level of freedom and convenience.

The initial vWorkspace/NxTop integration, including a NxTop Engine and the Quest vWorkspace connector, will be available as a release candidate beginning Aug. 30, with general availability in October, the company announced. Additional integration points and enhancements will be delivered in phases through 2011.

Virtual Computer will demonstrate the integrated solution at VMworld 2010, Booth 1433; Moscone Center, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2.

Quest Software recently announced its managed network services platform, PacketTrap MSP, is now available with Live Virtual Help Desk. 

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