I’m going to try virtualising my Windows desktop. I want it to run in the cloud — fast — and I want to access it wherever I am on the planet.
I want my desktop to persist, though, when I’m not online. And I don’t want to mess about hosting it and then having to apply all sorts of gizmos to make it work. I want it done by one single provider.
So I’ve a look at Desktone. They appear to be having some good success in the market with their DaaS (“Desktop as a Service”) initiative. For instance, Thames Water swapped thousands of employees using Desktone.
I’ve filled in the form asking Desktone to call me. I also tried out the 7-day trial but unfortunately that wasn’t long enough for me to get organised enough to properly try it.
I’ve also taken a look at the hosted virtual desktop offering from Rackspace. It promises a 30-day trial so I’ll let you know how that goes.
Do you have any suggestions for companies I should look at? Please do let me know.
Initially I want to try it all out on me. Then I’d like to recommend the solution(s) to some of the FTSEs I’m working with.
Do any of the operators offer this as yet?
Update: I talked to the team at CyberlinkASP who are the partner behind the Rackspace offering (Rackspace provide the server infrastructure, CyberlinkASP do all the virtual desktop goodness.) I came away rather impressed from the call. They seemed to know their stuff. This was also upheld by the simply superb experience I had with the test VDI instance using Citrix Receiver. It all just worked. I’m going to do more experimentation shortly.
Update 2: CyberlinkASP also tell me that anyone who’s a big fan of the Rackspace “fanatical support” approach to business will rest easy with them — Cyberlink offer their very own version of that: Their services come with full help desk and call centre support. This is critical if you’re looking for a rounded solution as apposed to a functional service. Indeed many providers I’m seeing in the marketplace simply offer the bog standard basics leaving you to figure out everything from setting up Citrix Receiver to sorting out printer installation. Cyberlink do it all. Plus, if you’re looking to do a small amount of users (e.g. 1-5) they tell me they’d be delighted to help.
Our help desk/call center comes with our product, and all users take advantage, from help loading the Citrix receiver, setting up printers and anything in between. Most of the guys out there are lacking in support if they offer it all. Also, we’ll take 1 to 5 users anytime 🙂
i tried the desktone 7 day free trial. i did like it a lot. it was feature locked until you paid for it, could not install any of your own programs but what they had ran just fine… no issues. however ALL of these VDI companies so far only are geared to handling 10+ or more desktops.. I have found NONE so far that just wanted to sell me 1 or 2 or 3 for small offices.. This is harder work I realized but its a huge market for SME…. If you find a company willing to sell a single desktop for a decent price please post it here. I am also wanting to move to the cloud my desktop…
Interesting article Ewan. I would suggest you to look at dinCloud, check out their products and even you can forward your queries to their experts, they have a very good customer service. I am happily using their VDI services. These guys are really focused to deliver a heavenly experience to their customers.
Cheers!