Sun's Desktop Virtualization Solution
Recent approaches to desktop architecture address the problems of a thick client
architecture by using a centralized model in which applications are delivered as
services to users on any device. This gives the IT organization the flexibility and
control to deliver only those services that are necessary for the individual user. Thus,
overall TCO is reduced and manageability improved.
Built around the simplicity of thin client devices such as the SunRay™ultra-thin
client, a centralized desktop architecture provides access to applications running on
Microsoft Windows, the Solaris™Operating System(Solaris OS), and other
platforms from a single desktop. Users can access the applications they need, and
administration of the system is simplified. The desktop runs no software or
operating system, so it never needs upgrading. Users can also choose the ease-of-use
and low cost of alternative, open source productivity software such as the
Star Office™Office Suite and Mozilla™. In the datacenter, a consolidated server
solution runs the operating systems so that updates happen at one place and are
immediately available to all desktop users.
It is not sufficient from an implementation perspective to simply select hardware
and software alternatives. Organizations need to evaluate, design, and plan the
whole life-cycle of their desktop environment, and project teams need to address the
three vital life-cycle components: their people, their processes, and their technology.
Decision Areas :
There are three major areas of choice confronting the designer of a desktop
architecture:
■ Client-centric versus server-centric computing
■ Proprietary versus open source operating platforms
■ Client device type(s)
The factors that need to be considered when making these choices are also the
primary drivers that have to be understood and optimized by IS and IT
management:
■ Total cost of ownership (TCO)
■ Manageability
■ Security
■ Usability and performance
