Systancia combines desktop and apps virtualisation

Systancia brings virtual desktops and applications under one console

French software firm Systancia has introduced AppliDis Fusion 4, the first virtualisation tool to combine desktop and application virtualisation in a single product, according to the firm.

Available from today, AppliDis Fusion 4 enables customers to deliver virtual desktops and access to applications from a single console, in contrast to other virtualisation vendors that offer desktops and application virtualisation through separate products, the company said.

"All the customers we have spoken with want a single solution for both desktops and applications," said Arnaud Caupin, international business development manager for Systancia.

Caupin claimed that customers using beta versions of AppliDis Fusion 4 had reduced their operating costs for desktops and applications by as much as 50 per cent.

However, unlike other virtualisation suites, AppliDis is designed to work with the systems customers already have installed. It supports the major hypervisors, including those from VMware, Citrix and Microsoft, and integrates with either Terminal Services or Citrix infrastructure for remote access.

"We see our solution as an adjunct to existing infrastructure. AppliDis gives a seamless view to the user no matter what the back-end connects to," said Andy Boyle, sales manager for the newly opened UK Systancia office.

The software includes a desktop connection broker, workspace management, server load balancing tools, and a universal printing service that lets users print without needing to install drivers.

"It's a complete solution designed to hide the complexity of the infrastructure," said Boyle.

Also new in AppliDis Fusion 4 is better multimedia capabilities and support for Twain-compatible peripherals in virtual desktops.

There is also a MyApps portal that lets users choose the applications they want to use, in a similar fashion to Citrix's recently released Dazzle.

Boyle claimed that there has been a lot of interest in AppliDis from local authorities, which have seen the potential benefits of desktop and application virtualisation but have limited budgets.

"Our solution has 100 per cent of the functionality of rival products, but not 100 per cent of the cost," he said.

Caupin added that the company is hoping to pick up business from government organisations because it is the only Europe-based company offering virtualisation products with local support.

Licensing for AppliDis Fusion 4 depends on volume, but a figure of £100 per user is typical, according to the firm. Education and government customers can take advantage of special rates.