IBM is planning to introduce its VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) offering for $150 per user per year.
Targeted at small and medium-sized businesses, the IBM Virtual Desktop for Smart Business is expected to reduce the administrative costs of setting up VDI deployments.
It allows access to a personal PC desktop from anywhere, using any device, using the Virtual Enterprise Remote Desktop Environment (VERDE) from Virtual Bridges.
It provides virtual Windows or Linux desktops, running on a server that can be accessed from a variety of devices such as iPads, thin clients, old desktops, netbooks and laptops.
Its open architecture provides flexibility and choice by supporting virtual Windows (XP, 7), Linux (Ubuntu, Red Hat, Novell) desktops, and other storage, directory, peripherals and remote display protocols.
It combines VDI technology with personalised sessions, integrated offline VDI (for disconnected and mobile use) and remote branch support, according to the product information given by IBM.
IBM has stated that it will not offer this package to customers directly, but through resellers.
