Citrix announces the first ever client-side virtualization solution

In his Synergy keynote, Citrix President and CEO Mark Templeton introduced XenClient, a revolutionary client-side hypervisor that extends desktop virtualization to corporate laptops. XenClient, developed in collaboration with Intel, allows centrally managed virtual desktops to run directly on corporate laptops and PCs—even when they are disconnected from the network, and runs multiple virtual desktops on the same device. In this new and first-of-its-kind product, Citrix establishes even more firmly its position as the leader in virtualization. Citrix now virtualizes the enterprise end to end, from applications, to desktops and servers—and now to devices.

Citrix XenClient delivers virtual desktops to go for millions of mobile workers

Enabling virtual desktops on mobile laptops requires a portable, local VM-based desktop solution that delivers the benefits of centralized management and security while fulfilling the great user experience, mobility, and flexibility that users expect from a mobile device. This approach also allows customers to run more than one virtual desktop on the same corporate owned laptop—ideal for companies that want to maintain a secure corporate desktop for each user, while still giving employees the freedom to run their own personal desktop and applications on the same device.

Current client-side technologies that run virtual desktops on top of an existing operating system have not been able to match these requirements. XenClient, built on the same proven virtualization technology as Citrix XenServer, is the first solution to offer the no-compromise control and security that IT demands, and the performance and flexibility that users expect.

A major milestone, XenClient provides the highest levels of performance, security, and isolation through its bare-metal architecture and integration with Intel vPro hardware virtualization technologies. XenClient Express, a free trial and evaluation kit that lets IT professionals begin experiencing the benefits of desktop virtualization for their mobile users, is available for immediate download beginning today. Customers interested in delivering virtual desktops to go can also view “The Making of XenClient” for the behind-the-scenes story of its creation.

XenClient was demonstrated in the opening day keynote of Citrix Synergy San Francisco by Citrix CEO Mark Templeton, and in the Hands-on Learning Labs and the Citrix booth in the Expo Hall. IT professionals who want to try XenClient for themselves can download the XenClient Express test kit from citrix.com.