Last November, Dell introduced Dell Desktop Virtualization Solutions (DVS) Enterprise for Windows Server 2012, an end-to-end application and desktop virtualization solution leveraging Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V and Remote Desktop Services (RDS), RDSH and RDVH on RemoteFX-enabled Dell Wyse thin clients. This solution is ideal for customers interested in deploying up to about 1000 virtual desktops with Microsoft in a flexible and cost-effective way.
As with all of its VDI solutions, Dell listens to its customers and continuously brings increased flexibility, lower cost per seat, greater end-user experience and simplified management.
This time, we are pleased to announce the following enhancements to Dell DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012, some of which were announced at TechEd recently:
- Support of Windows 8 Virtual Machines (VMs): it is now possible to run up to 250 pooled Win8 VMs (RDVH) or 300 sessions (RDSH, formerly Terminal Services) per PowerEdgeTM R720 server. This is a 66 percent increase in user density compared to Win 7 VMs (150 Win7 VMs previously), yielding a lower cost per seat than before. End-user satisfaction is augmented with the possibility to access Win8 VMs using touch-enabled tablets or Dell Wyse thin clients running WE8S.
- Qualification of two high-end server graphics cards (AMD FireProTM S7000 & S9000): using shared GPU technology, you can run up to 75 premium graphics users per R720 server. Now, demanding graphics intensive users are able to watch rich multimedia and 3D content through RemoteFX across LAN and WAN, eliminating the need for stand-alone configuration-rich desktop PCs and streamlining IT operations.
Dell has also added new VDI deployment options on Windows Server 2012 RDS and Hyper-V:
- DVS 10-seat trial kit: running on a single PowerEdgeTM T110 tower server, it is designed for very small businesses (less than 30 employees) who want to implement and use VDI (up to 10 users) or for larger organizations that simply want to try out VDI as an inexpensive proof of concept (POC) or pilot on Hyper-V before expanding to more users. Dell is currently offering a promotional bundle for channel customers in North America including also Dell Wyse T10 thin clients.
- DVS Enterprise with Active System (AS50): designed for customers who want to deploy Active System, a pre-built, pre-configured converged infrastructure. Active Infrastructure enables much faster hardware deployment and time to value. It runs on Active System Manager software, simplifying ongoing systems management and lowering the cost of running multiple and critical workloads. It is now possible to deploy 50-400 Win8 virtual desktops on AS50. AS50 scales horizontally and requires a datacenter infrastructure.
- DVS Enterprise with PowerEdgeTM VRTX: now you can leverage the benefits of the PowerEdgeTM VRTX with VDI workloads on WS2012 Hyper-V. The new VRTX supports up to 500 RDSH or RDVH users on four M620 blades. This solution is aimed at remote offices or branch offices (ROBO) that don’t have a datacenter power and cooling infrastructure, but need VDI along with other workloads. PowerEdge VRTX is also pre-integrated and converged, but it fits under a desk and makes very low noise. You can even manage it remotely if you don’t have an IT-expert on-site.
For higher seat count deployments (up to 5000 virtual desktops) on WS2012 Hyper-V and more advanced features, Dell recommends Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace which is based on the same datacenter hardware.
Please also refer to the latest Reference Architecture for full details about VDI workloads on PowerEdge VRTX, AS50 and the DVS 10-seat trial kit. Learn more about Dell’s portfolio of Desktop Virtualization Solutions at www.dell.com/desktopvirtualization.
