Citrix Cloud Clout
I like Citrix. Maybe it's because its executives and PR folks have been so nice to me. Or maybe it is because it pretty much invented desktop virtualization over 22 years ago. And you thought virtualization was new. Fact: IBM invented virtualization for mainframes in the '70s.
Citrix may not rule server virtualization as VMware does, but I'd venture to say it still dominates desktops and apps. Now it wants to deliver virtual desktops not just from in-house servers, but out-of-house clouds. That was the message given at the company's recent Synergy conference, which packs in thousands every year.
Citrix is in the process of buying App-DNA, which assesses how ready you are to move to either virtual desktops or newer versions of Windows (such as Windows 7).
Citrix, on a bit of a spending spree, also picked up RingCube. Its business is focused on creating "personal vDisks" for end users that hold data, personalization settings and apps.
On the cloud front, Citrix bought ShareFile which lets you keep your stuff in the cloud -- much like SkyDrive and other services.
Finally, Citrix is pushing out tools to help IT manage how data is stored and accessed on the cloud.
Am I too kind to Citrix or has this pioneer not be given enough credit? You tell me at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 10/28/2011 at 1:18 PM