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Citrix Drives Mainstream Adoption of Desktop Virtualization with XenDesktop 4.


First and Only Product to Deliver Every Type of Virtual Desktop from a Single, Integrated Solution

SANTA CLARA Santa Clara, city, Cuba
Santa Clara (sän`tä klä`rä), city (1994 est. pop. 217,000), capital of Villa Clara prov., central Cuba.
, Calif. -- Citrix Systems Citrix Systems' (NASDAQ: CTXS) is an American technology company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with subsidiary operations in California and Massachusetts, with additional development centers in Australia, India and the UK. , Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ
 in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations

U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on
: CTXS CTXS Citrix Systems (NASDAQ stock ticker symbol) ), today announced Citrix[R] XenDesktop[TM] 4, a groundbreaking new product designed to make virtual desktops a mainstream reality for hundreds of millions of corporate employees for the first time ever. Unlike first-generation solutions that were applicable only to a narrow set of users, XenDesktop 4 with its new FlexCast[TM] delivery technology is the first product in the industry to support every major desktop virtualization Simultaneously running multiple copies of the same operating system or different operating systems on a desktop computer. See virtual machine.  model in a single, integrated solution - a breakthrough that enables improved ROI (Return On Investment) The monetary benefits derived from having spent money on developing or revising a system. In the IT world, there are more ways to compute ROI than Carter has liver pills (and for those of you who never heard of that expression, it means a lot). , simplified management and extends the benefits of virtualization An umbrella term for enhancing a computer's ability to do work. Following are the ways virtualization is used.

Hardware Virtualization
Partitioning the computer's memory into separate and isolated "virtual machines" simulates multiple machines within one physical computer.
 to every employee in the enterprise. XenDesktop 4 further simplifies desktop computing by integrating all the capabilities of Citrix XenApp[TM], enabling customers to deliver on-demand applications to physical or virtual desktops as a seamless part of their overall desktop strategy. To ensure every user gets a high-definition experience at all times, XenDesktop 4 also includes significant enhancements to its industry-leading HDX See half-duplex.

hdx - half-duplex
[TM] technology. It also builds on the company's 20-year partnership with Microsoft, simplifying the management of virtual desktops through Microsoft System Center, and adding multiple enhancements that further extend the value of Microsoft Windows See Windows.

(operating system) Microsoft Windows - Microsoft's proprietary window system and user interface software released in 1985 to run on top of MS-DOS. Widely criticised for being too slow (hence "Windoze", "Microsloth Windows") on the machines available then.
 and Windows Server See Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Home Server, Windows 2000 and Windows NT.  platforms. In total, XenDesktop 4 adds more than 70 new features, significantly enhancing its performance, security and readiness for large, enterprise-wide deployments.

"2010 will be a watershed year for desktop virtualization, ushering in Noun 1. ushering in - the introduction of something new; "it signalled the ushering in of a new era"
first appearance, introduction, debut, entry, launching, unveiling - the act of beginning something new; "they looked forward to the debut of their new product line"
 a new era that will revolutionize rev·o·lu·tion·ize  
tr.v. rev·o·lu·tion·ized, rev·o·lu·tion·iz·ing, rev·o·lu·tion·iz·es
1. To bring about a radical change in: Television has revolutionized news coverage.

2.
 the way we work, live and play," said Mark Templeton Mark Templeton (b. 1975) is Principal Trombone of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mark studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama 1994-1998 with Eric Crees, Simon Wills and Peter Gane. During this time he became principal of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra.
, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Citrix Systems. "25 years ago, the personal computer turned the world upside down, radically improving individual productivity and communications. That world is about to change again. People today need to work in entirely new ways, powered by the connectivity of the internet, an explosion of new devices, and the limitless promise of the web. And they need to do it without being confined con·fine  
v. con·fined, con·fin·ing, con·fines

v.tr.
1. To keep within bounds; restrict: Please confine your remarks to the issues at hand. See Synonyms at limit.
 to ordinary desktops that are locked to an office, a device, or a network. Desktop virtualization has the power to make all this possible. That revolution begins here, today. And it starts with the new XenDesktop." (see video message from Mark Templeton)

Making Desktop Computing Fast, Simple and Flexible

By delivering desktops as an on-demand service to any device, XenDesktop 4 dramatically simplifies the world of desktop computing. On-boarding new employees goes from days to minutes. New branches can be opened in a fraction of the time. And employee moves, adds and changes become quick and easy. Combining secure central management with full device independence also allows companies to implement cost-saving "BYOC BYOC Bring Your Own Computer
BYOC Bring Your Own Chair
BYOC Build Your Own Clone
BYOC Bring Your Own Coffee
BYOC Bring Your Own Console (gaming)
BYOC Bring Your Own Cup (conservation) 
" (bring-your-own-computer) programs that give employees the freedom to purchase any laptop of their choice in lieu of standard-issue PCs owned and managed by IT.

Benefits for end users are equally profound. With XenDesktop 4, users are no longer tethered Attached to a data or power source by wire or fiber. Contrast with untethered.  to a specific device. They simply use whatever PC, Mac, thin client, laptop or netbook is most convenient, and get instant, secure access to their full Windows desktop and everything on it. XenDesktop's HDX[TM] technology ensures a rich, high-definition experience every time they log in, no matter where they are or what kind of virtual desktop technology is being used on the back end.

Extending Desktop Virtualization to Every User with FlexCast[TM]

The centerpiece of XenDesktop 4 is its FlexCast[TM] delivery technology, a powerful new capability that gives customers the flexibility to deliver any type of virtual desktop, to any user, on any device - and to change this mix at any time. XenDesktop 4 with FlexCast allows customers to use any combination of the following virtual desktop technologies, all orchestrated or·ches·trate  
tr.v. or·ches·trat·ed, or·ches·trat·ing, or·ches·trates
1. To compose or arrange (music) for performance by an orchestra.

2.
 from one, centrally-managed solution:

* For task workers sharing a similar set of applications, the most secure, cost-effective approach is a shared, server-based virtual desktop. This model gives each user a standardized standardized

pertaining to data that have been submitted to standardization procedures.


standardized morbidity rate
see morbidity rate.

standardized mortality rate
see mortality rate.
, locked-down desktop ideally suited for jobs where user customization is not needed or desired. By supporting up to 500 users on a single server, this model offers a significant cost savings over any other virtual desktop technology.

* For office workers who need more personalized per·son·al·ize  
tr.v. per·son·al·ized, per·son·al·iz·ing, per·son·al·iz·es
1. To take (a general remark or characterization) in a personal manner.

2. To attribute human or personal qualities to; personify.
 desktops, the hosted VM-based model, commonly referred to as VDI (1) (Video Device Interface) An Intel standard for speeding up full-motion video performance. See DCI.

(2) (Virtual Device Interface) An ANSI standard format for creating device drivers. VDI has been incorporated into CGI.
 (virtual desktop infrastructure), is often the best approach. By running each user's desktop in a dedicated virtual machine, this option combines the benefits of central management with full user personalization Custom tailoring information to the individual. On the Web, personalization means returning a page that has been customized for the user, taking into consideration that person's habits and preferences. , and can generally support about 60-70 desktops per server.

* For power users running high-end professional applications, blade PCs A PC architecture that houses multiple PC modules ("blades") in a single chassis. It takes the machines off the users' desks and houses them in rack mounted cabinets in the datacenter similar to blade servers (see blade server).  in the datacenter can also be an attractive option. This approach offers all the benefits of centralization cen·tral·ize  
v. cen·tral·ized, cen·tral·iz·ing, cen·tral·iz·es

v.tr.
1. To draw into or toward a center; consolidate.

2.
, but ensures dedicated processing power for each user by hosting only one desktop per server.

* XenDesktop 4 also supports a range of innovative client-side options, including the ability to stream desktops to each user's device to run locally, while still managing the OS, apps and data centrally. This approach offers an easy, low-cost way for customers to get started with desktop virtualization by leveraging existing PC resources and keeping datacenter overhead to a minimum. It can also be ideal for government and university labs that use diskless PCs for maximum data security.

* In some cases, the simplest option is to deliver virtual applications to a PC running a traditionally installed OS. By centralizing cen·tral·ize  
v. cen·tral·ized, cen·tral·iz·ing, cen·tral·iz·es

v.tr.
1. To draw into or toward a center; consolidate.

2.
 apps and delivering them as an on-demand service to existing desktops, this option offers many of the ROI and management benefits of a fully virtualized desktop with minimal setup costs, making it an ideal starting point Noun 1. starting point - earliest limiting point
terminus a quo

commencement, get-go, offset, outset, showtime, starting time, beginning, start, kickoff, first - the time at which something is supposed to begin; "they got an early start"; "she knew from the
 for customers new to desktop virtualization. Because virtual apps can work offline as well, this option is also a popular choice for mobile users.

"Dell's Flexible Computing vision aligns well with Citrix's desktop virtualization strategy. Citrix XenDesktop 4, as part of Dell's Flexible Computing offering, gives our customers the flexibility to pick the best type of virtual desktop solution for their needs," said Michael Dell Michael Saul Dell (born February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas) is the founder and CEO of Dell, Inc. Biography
Early life and education
The son of an orthodontist, Dell was born in to an upper-class Jewish family and attended Herod Elementary School in Houston,
, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dell. "Given the upcoming Windows 7 refresh cycle, we're expecting many of our customers to begin assessing desktop virtualization as the industry moves to anytime, anywhere desktop access."

"CSC (Card Security Code) A three- or four-digit number printed on the back of credit cards for security purposes. Called "Card Verification Value" (CVV) by Visa, "Card Validation Code" (CVC) by MasterCard and "Card Identification (CID) by American Express and Discover,  has enjoyed a robust history of offering clients the quality and innovation Citrix continuously brings to market, said Mike Laphen, CSC Chairman, President and CEO. By expanding the reach of desktop virtualization to every employee in the enterprise, XenDesktop 4 with its new FlexCast[TM] delivery technology will help CSC further deploy virtualized desktop services to meet the rapidly growing market demand."

On-Demand Apps by XenApp[TM]

Much of the cost and complexity of desktop management is a direct result of the applications running on each user's unique desktop. Integrating all the capabilities of Citrix's market-leading XenApp technology into XenDesktop 4 instantly improves the ROI of desktop virtualization by making application delivery a seamless part of the overall desktop management experience. Now, IT can control data access, manage fewer desktop images, eliminate system conflicts, and reduce application regression testing In software development, testing a program that has been modified in order to ensure that additional bugs have not been introduced. When a program is enhanced, testing is often done only on the new features. . Adding, updating and removing apps is simple because users can leverage a self-service app store, enabling them to access applications instantly from anywhere.

Enhanced HDX[TM] User Experience

XenDesktop 4 also includes significant new features that improve power and capacity management, service monitoring, scalability, security and performance. Most important among these are enhancements to its high-definition HDX technology, ensuring that every user gets the best possible experience, regardless of which virtual desktop technology is at work on the back end. New HDX improvements in XenDesktop 4 include enhancements for multimedia content, real-time collaboration, USB USB
 in full Universal Serial Bus

Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer.
 peripherals and 3D graphics to assist in real-time collaboration among disperse disperse /dis·perse/ (dis-pers´) to scatter the component parts, as of a tumor or the fine particles in a colloid system; also, the particles so dispersed.

dis·perse
v.
1.
 design teams. In addition to improving user experience, these new HDX enhancements utilize up to 90 percent less bandwidth than alternative solutions (see separate press release issued today).

"In 2009, we saw many organizations doing pilots and departmental implementations of desktop virtualization and proving that the technology greatly simplifies desktop computing. Now, it's time It's Time was a successful political campaign run by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) under Gough Whitlam at the 1972 election in Australia. Campaigning on the perceived need for change after 23 years of conservative (Liberal Party of Australia) government, Labor put forward a  to see these pilots turned into enterprise-wide strategic initiatives. 2010 will be a critical year to demonstrate proof that desktop virtualization can become a mainstream strategic IT initiative," said Matt Eastwood, group vice president, Enterprise Platform Research, IDC. "Key factors such as a PC refresh cycle with Windows 7 and the availability of improved technology, like XenDesktop 4, that enhances user experience and provides flexibility to deliver different types of virtual desktops will help drive desktop virtualization to the mainstream."

Expanded Microsoft Partnership

XenDesktop 4 expands the company's longtime partnership with Microsoft, helping customers drive an entirely new level of desktop efficiency by leveraging the latest enhancements in Microsoft platforms such as Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services and the Microsoft VDI Suites. XenDesktop 4 likewise builds on the latest performance and availability enhancements of Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Beginning with version 4, XenDesktop now ships with Hyper-V as well. The two companies are also working together to simplify the management of physical and virtual desktops and applications via the Microsoft System Center management platform, including plans to further integrate solutions like Microsoft Application Virtualization A smaller umbrella term within the larger umbrella term of "virtualization." It refers to several techniques that make running applications more protected, more flexible or easier to manage. See virtualization, network virtualization and storage virtualization.  (App-V) into the Citrix XenDesktop experience (see "Citrix and Microsoft Expand Desktop Virtualization Partnership"). XenDesktop 4 also builds on the latest features of Microsoft Windows 7, making everyday tasks easier, and helping customers work the way they want. And with its new expanded functionality, XenDesktop 4 helps customers migrate to Windows 7 more quickly and seamlessly than ever before.

"Citrix XenDesktop 4 represents an important milestone for the industry and an ideal complement to Microsoft's user-centric computing vision," said Bob Muglia, president, Server and Tools Business, Microsoft Corp. "Microsoft is working closely with Citrix to ensure users have on-demand access to the information they need when they need it, regardless of what device they're using - and to provide users with as seamless an experience as possible as they roam between devices."

Open Architecture

XenDesktop 4 is the only product on the market to support every major server virtualization (1) Running applications in separate, isolated partitions within a single server. The "virtual machine" method can run different operating systems simultaneously, whereas the "OS virtualization" method runs applications for only one operating system (see virtual machine and OS  platform, including Citrix XenServer[TM], Microsoft Windows Server[R] Hyper-V[TM], and VMware ESX See VMware. [TM]. It is also the only desktop virtualization product in the industry to support VMware vSphere[TM]. This unprecedented flexibility makes it easy for customers to choose whatever hypervisor best fits their unique business requirements with no limitations or proprietary lock-in.

Pricing and Availability

XenDesktop 4 will be generally available beginning on November 16, 2009 and will be licensed on a per user basis. This model allows each end user to use an unlimited number of connected or offline devices at no additional cost. XenDesktop 4 will be available in three editions with the following suggested list prices:

* Standard - $75 per user

* Enterprise - $225 per user

* Platinum - $350 per user

As a special, limited time offer, Citrix XenApp customers who are ready to step up from standalone app delivery to full desktop virtualization, will also have an opportunity to trade their existing XenApp licenses for new XenDesktop 4 licenses on a 2-for-1 basis (for program details see related announcement today).

Secrets, Lies and VDI - Dispelling the Myths

Citrix's desktop and application virtualization solutions, including XenDesktop 4 and XenApp 5, will be featured in a global, online event on October 20, 2009. This virtual event titled, "Secrets, Lies and VDI: Dispel the Myths and Uncover the Truth about Desktop and Application Virtualization" will feature presentations, chat sessions and online demos from Citrix, as well as participation from key Citrix partners such as CSC, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) , Intel, NetApp, Microsoft and Wyse and over 25 sponsors and Citrix Ready[TM] partner exhibitors. Citrix will also be providing an exclusive preview of this event for all certified channel partners on October 13, 2009.

Supporting Resources

Follow Citrix XenDesktop on the web for the latest news and information at:

* Citrix XenDesktop 4 page

* Citrix XenDesktop Community

* Citrix on Facebook

* Citrix on Twitter A Web site and service that lets users send short text messages from their cellphones to a group of friends. Launched in 2006, Twitter (www.twitter.com) was designed for people to broadcast their current activities and thoughts. : @XenDesktop and #XD4

* Ask the Architect: Dan Feller on desktop virtualization

* Free XenDesktop technical training

About Citrix

Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS) is a leading provider of virtualization, networking and cloud computing (1) Running applications in or from network servers. Computing "in the cloud" may refer to a company's own network, but often refers to the Internet and the use of Web browser-based or rich client applications.  solutions for more than 230,000 organizations worldwide. Its Citrix Delivery Center[TM], Citrix Cloud Center[TM] (C3) and Citrix Online Citrix Online is a division of Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS) that sells Web-based remote access, support, and collaboration software and services. Its products are GoToAssist, GoToMeeting, GoToMyPC, and GoToWebinar.  product families radically simplify computing for millions of users, delivering desktops and applications as an on-demand service to any user, in any location on any device. Citrix customers include the world's largest Internet companies, 99 percent of Fortune Global 500 enterprises, and hundreds of thousands of small businesses and prosumers worldwide. Citrix partners with over 10,000 companies worldwide in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1989, annual revenue in 2008 was $1.6 billion.

For Citrix Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.
 which are made pursuant to the safe harbor Safe Harbor

1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated.

2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive.
 provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with revenue growth and recognition of revenue, products, their development and distribution, product demand and pipeline, economic and competitive factors, the Company's key strategic relationships, acquisition and related integration risks as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Citrix assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

The development, release and timing of any features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion and is subject to change without notice or consultation. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment, promise or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions or incorporated into any contract.

Citrix[R], XenDesktop[TM], FlexCast[TM], XenApp[TM] and HDX[TM] are trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, and may be registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Partner Support for XenDesktop 4

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, www.amd.com) A major manufacturer of semiconductor devices including x86-compatible CPUs, embedded processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices and networking chips.  

"AMD commends Citrix on their continued commitment in the desktop virtualization market and their direction of making it widely available for large scale, mainstream use with the release of XenDesktop 4. AMD has designed its hardware to enhance the performance of a virtualized desktop solution and we look forward to working together with Citrix to give customers the flexibility to deploy whichever desktop virtualization solution is most appropriate for their varying types of users, whether they be task workers, knowledge workers or power users."

--Margaret Lewis, Director, Commercial Solutions and Software

AppSense

"AppSense shares the desktop virtualization strategy with Citrix of reducing the complexity of desktop and application deployments by giving IT centralized cen·tral·ize  
v. cen·tral·ized, cen·tral·iz·ing, cen·tral·iz·es

v.tr.
1. To draw into or toward a center; consolidate.

2.
 management and flexibility in selecting the right virtualization technology See VT. See also virtualization.  for all their user types, while also ensuring a high-definition experience. AppSense Environment Manager is already fully integrated with XenDesktop 4 and is the only enterprise solution recommended by Citrix to ensure users always receive a consistent, predictable and personalized working experience at the lowest possible cost."

--Pete Rawlinson, Vice President, Worldwide Marketing

Fujitsu

"Citrix XenDesktop is one of the key enabling technologies for Fujitsu's Virtual Workplace and Managed Virtual Workplace product and service offerings that form the main layers of the company's Dynamic Infrastructures strategy. With Citrix XenDesktop included, customers can considerably speed up the deployment of desktops to end users. Fujitsu has also been a key Citrix XenApp partner for many years. Now with the release of XenDesktop 4, where Citrix has redefined the desktop virtualization market by giving customers choice and flexibility in picking the right technology for all their users and ensuring high definition experience with all types of desktops, we are even more empowered to offer a desktop virtualization solution that can be best tailored to meet our customer's unique business requirements."

--Rolf Kleinwaechter, Head of Managed Office / Infrastructure-as-a-Service at Fujitsu Technology Solutions

HP

"Businesses can now address their most pressing data center challenges related to rising power requirements, maintenance costs and IT complexity with virtualization solutions that span the desktop to the data center. Together with Citrix and now XenDesktop 4, HP offers the most comprehensive virtualization portfolio allowing organizations to accelerate their adoption of desktop virtualization while simplifying management and increasing operational efficiencies."

--Jim Jackson, Vice President, Marketing and Solutions, Infrastructure Software and Blades, HP

IBM

"IBM has developed a unique set of tools and methods that enable customers to accelerate virtualization of the desktop, allowing for maximum return on investment and stronger end-user productivity and satisfaction. The IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud provides 'anytime, anywhere' access to applications, information and resources -- and available to clients as a project, managed, and subscription based private or public cloud service. Citrix XenDesktop with HDX technology is a key component of the IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud Services for delivering a great end-user experience for our customers. Enhancements to HDX in XenDesktop 4 will enable IBM to offer a richer service level to users worldwide."

--Jan Jackman, Vice President, Global End User Services, IBM

NetApp

"The new FlexCast delivery technology that is at the heart of XenDesktop 4 extends the capabilities of desktop virtualization to a broader set of users than ever before. NetApp storage systems are the ideal complement to XenDesktop 4 by providing the data protection, efficiency, and flexibility to simplify operations and to magnify mag·ni·fy
v.
To increase the apparent size of, especially with a lens.
 cost reductions enabled by desktop virtualization."

-- Patrick Rogers, Vice President of Solutions and Alliances for NetApp

Wyse

"As businesses start to look at their Windows 7 migration path, they are evaluating client virtualization options across all their user types. XenDesktop 4 is a big change and will bring out a revolutionary change in desktop computing. The combination of Citrix XenDesktop 4 and HDX technology, and the extreme performance of Wyse thin clients and software, provides a stunning, real-life Windows 7 experience. Now customers are provided with an easy, low risk, low cost, best user experience solution, and we expect this to amplify the adoption of client virtualization into the mainstream market."

--Ricardo Antuna, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Business Development and Alliances at Wyse
COPYRIGHT 2009 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2009 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

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