Cisco touts virtual desktops for video collaboration

Cisco has unveiled a desktop virtualisation system which it claims will meet growing demand for the ability to work collaboratively across virtualised systems.

Virtualisation Experience Infrastructure (VXI) will allow companies to run virtual desktop devices, increasing the number of devices each server can host in the datacentre.

VXI can also increase workforce flexibility and data security, according to Cisco, while allowing users to share and collaborate on key information.

"An end-to-end system for desktop virtualisation allows companies to make huge cost savings, have a more agile response for the rollout of applications and increase the security of data by storing it in the cloud," said Cisco collaboration head Tim Stone.

"It is expected that some 40 per cent of desktop PCs will be virtualised by 2013, and VXI can bring together this technology with the demand for collaboration and access to rich media content across networks as well."

VXI integrates products such as Cisco Collaboration, Data Centre Virtualisation and Borderless Networks with desktop software and devices from major virtualisation players such as Wyse, EMC and NetApp.

The platform can also run Citrix's XenDesktop5 and VMware's View 4.5 desktop virtualisation software, and can support storage systems and several Microsoft applications.

Cisco also unveiled two Virtualisation Experience Client (VXC) devices to offer desktop virtualisation capabilities in a 'zero client' form.

The VXC 2100 physically integrates with the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8900 or 9900 Series that supports power-over-Ethernet and connectivity for up to two monitors and four USB ports for mouse, keyboard and screen connections.

The VXC 2200 is a standalone device providing access to a virtual desktop and business applications running in a virtualised desktop environment with the same connectivity options.

Cisco also confirmed that its Cius tablet will be out in March and will support VMware View, Citrix Receiver and Wyse's Pocket Cloud virtualisation software.