Channel committing to desktop virtualisation, says Citrix

James Stevenson, area vice-president at Citrix has described 2009 as “a year of two halves” when summing up the firm’s year to Channel Pro.
“The first half was challenging as many customers were under enormous budgetary pressures,” explains Stevenson. “In the second half, we introduced XenDesktop 4, which created a lot of interest across our customer and partner base.”

Stevenson believes the launch of XenDesktop 4 opens up a new market for the firm and its channel partners: “We’re seeing desktop virtualisation utilised as part of an in-house solution; delivering desktops as a service, or as part of large managed desktop outsourcing deal. Despite the difficult market conditions, market acceptance of XenServer and NetScaler has also been excellent.
“The levels of commitment from both new and existing channel partners to the desktop virtualisation market are significant. During a time where there is little in the way of new technologies or market growth opportunities, it does not surprise me to see our channel up-skilling their teams to deliver on the promise of desktop virtualisation.”
 
He continues: “Over the past 12 months, we’ve adapted our product strategy to suit the market - offering free server virtualisation with XenServer and a broad desktop virtualisation, rather than simple VDI approach, with XenDesktop. We are expanding our routes to market, seeing our average deal size increase, and positioned at the forefront of the most exciting technology of our time.”
 
Stevenson adds that the consumerisation of IT is the single most influential trend affecting the technology sector today. “As a result of its dominance, along with the launch of Windows 7, the financial and strategic costs of delaying adoption, and business value it can bring, 2010 is likely to be the inflection point for desktop virtualisation - a year for less conversation and more action,” he says.