Virtualization offers huge potential. It makes it possible to concentrate or distribute the resources of a computer (server) in order to offer users a wide range of flexible application options. 

Virtualization enables logical IT systems to be abstracted from the physical hardware resources available. This makes it possible, for example, to run different operating systems in parallel on one computer or to combine multiple physically isolated storage systems to form a single major data storage unit.

FWI offers virtualization options in the following three areas:

• Server virtualization
• Application virtualization
• Desktop virtualization

This involves outsourcing dedicated servers to ‘virtual computers’. Multiple operating systems are run in parallel on a physical computer (either multiples of the same operating system or different operating systems such as Windows and Linux). Virtualization ensures that the individual guest systems can be used in conjunction with the hardware resources of the computer without interfering with each other. Every guest system runs in an isolated environment (‘virtual computer’) which acts as a stand-alone computer vis-à-vis both the user and the other systems in the network.

 
The advantages for you are obvious:

• A reduction in the number of physical computers
• Improved hardware capacity utilization
• Flexibility: A reallocation of resources is possible while in operation.
• Simple administration and handling
• High level of availability / disaster recovery
• Business continuity: Another virtual computer takes over in the event of a failure.
• A proven system for the development and testing of software  

This allows you as the user to run applications which are not installed on your physical computer. 

Server-based application virtualization:
The user interface (logical application level) of an application is separate from the operation of the application (physical application level). The application itself is actually installed and run exclusively on a central server.

Client-based application virtualization:
The administrator ‘packages’ an application with the aid of a profiler and stores this application package on a central server. As soon as the user opens the application, this is transferred to the end device and run in an isolated environment.

 
The advantages for you are obvious:

• Simple administration: New applications / updates only need to be performed once on the central server.
• Security: All users work with a uniform and secure version of the software.
• Flexibility: Access is possible from anywhere and with nearly any end device.
• High performance  

Instead of being installed locally on the user’s end device, the user desktop is made available (virtually) by the FWI Computer Center. The following options exist depending on the technology used and user type:

• Standard desktop – access via the terminal server:
  The user accesses a standard desktop via a terminal server.
• Individual desktop – accessed via virtual computers:
  Virtual desktops are set up on a server with the aid of virtual computers; these virtual desktops are managed central as services but can be personalized by users.
• High performance desktop – access via blade PCs:
  The desktop is set up on a blade PC at the FWI Computer Center, with the processor performance and resource utilization being made available exclusively to the relevant user.

 
The advantages for you are obvious:

• Cost advantages: less administration work and lower IT running costs
• Flexibility: New desktops can be set up within minutes; access to differently configured user environments is available as required.
• Security: Sensitive data are stored on secure central servers rather than on unprotected end devices.
• User experience
• High performance  

In practice, a combination of desktop and application virtualization has proven its value. On the basis of best practice experience, we recommend virtualizing applications with XenApp and relying on XenDesktop for the virtual desktops.

 
The advantages for you are obvious:

• Avoiding application conflicts
• Improving application performance
• Setting up a lean infrastructure based on the flexible availability of IT resources