Virtualisation firm VMware has announced a new "universal client" strategy that will allow users to access data centre hosted desktop applications from anywhere.

Speaking at the VMWorld conference in Las Vegas, VMware's new chief executive Paul Maritz explained that customers need help with the "desktop dilemma".

"Information should belong to someone's identity and not to a particular device," he said. "We are the leader in both client virtualisation and server virtualisation and we will bring both the technologies together."

The first step in the vClient Initiative will be the rollout of VMware View, a portfolio of products that will allow users to access their desktop from whatever operating system they are using, and from outside the enterprise.

Key components of the VMware view will be introduced in 2009, and Maritz said that the firm will work to extend the technology in the future.

The components include an image management solution called VMware View Composer, which will provide seamless updates to desktop users while retaining their individual data and settings, and Offline Desktop that will enable users to access their server hosted desktops offline.

VMware will collaborate with Cisco to secure end users' virtual desktops across the WAN, such as through enhanced backup and recovery automation. The infrastructure is available from today.

"Today the server hosted desktop is being put into the cloud and this is being delivered remotely," said Brian Byun, VMware vice president of global partners and solutions.