IBM has launched a new Virtual Desktop product for small and medium businesses.
Virtual desktop solutions offered by VMware and Citrix are great for enterprise customers with the IT staff to support them. But IBM’s product launch offers the same technology to SMB customers who want similar features but don’t need all the power of enterprise-class offerings. Big Blue is betting its more template-based approach to virtual desktop deployment will catch the eye of small businesses.
IBM Virtual Desktop is a “ready to run” software package priced at $150 per user per year. This is still somewhat expensive, given that companies still need to invest in hardware to run the virtual desktops.
But IBM is confident that its “one console, one system, and one implementation” approach will attract businesses looking to shed the chores of hardware and software management. These costs can be significant, with IBM claiming up to a 40% realization in cost savings when correctly implemented.
IBM’s VAR network subsequently has been very receptive to the release, and has been able to make suggestions and improvements to the product offering through an early adopter program. The VAR network will be the only way customers can purchase this new VDI solution.
More information on IBM Virtual Desktop is available here.