Virtualization has proven to be an important technology in the data center where it enables small and medium businesses to divvy up server processing cycles in an efficient manner. Citrix, which has been a leader in the desktop virtualization market, wants to ride that wave of acceptance.Citrix announced XenDesktop version 4, which is designed to provide users with access to desktops from any location and from just about any device, including PCs, Macs, thin clients, laptops, netbooks and smartphones. The key is the companys FlexCast delivery technology, which supports a range of server-and client-side virtualization options, including offline desktops hosted in local virtual machines; desktops hosted on blade PCs; hosted desktops based in virtualized servers; and hosted shared desktops.

In addition, Citrix said XenDesktop 4 contains 70 new features to enhance performance and security. For instance, centralized management of virtual desktops and applications is now possible because of the integration of XenApp with XenDesktop. XenDesktop 4 will be generally available Nov. 16 for prices ranging from $75 to $350 per user.

Citrix has carved out a healthy niche business by delivering products that enable small and medium businesses to centrally manage their computer resources. This model is gaining more acceptance because server virtualization has become popular and the breadth of desktop devices found in businesses is growing. In addition to VMware, Microsoft, who has a long standing partnership with Citrix, has been showing more interest in desktop virtualization. Because it has been an unfamiliar model, many small and medium businesses have shied away from deploying it but now may be the time for them to take a closer look at it.

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