Is desktop virtualization important?

According to The Register's latest Tech Panel research, around one in four of the IT professionals that took part think there is a clear rationale for virtualizing the desktop. But for another significantly larger group of readers there's still a lack of clarity around the rationale of such an approach.

Clearly this is one area where you, our readers, are asking whether desktop virtualization really makes sense. This result is particularly interesting as readers also identified a number of potential drivers that might encourage adoption of desktop virtualization - including resource optimization, 'green' issues and of course better use of existing hardware resources.

Virtualization should, after all, enable the incumbent hardware kit to be used more efficiently - whilst delivering additional benefits down the line too. But whether that is enough for you to start implementing the technology is another question altogether.

Virtualization is winning mind-share because more than 50 per cent of you claim to have significant experience in the various aspects of virtualization. And you certainly went to some lengths explaining the technological approaches that are currently in favour in this area.

Whilst these results may not be too surprising, when it comes to nominating the most popular method it was interesting to see that the response "Standard Thin Client Approach" came in at number three. This may indicate that Thin Clients solutions, many of which have matured significantly over the past three years, are finally gaining significant mindshare. Or perhaps it shows that lots of you have been doing Virtualization on your old Windows, AS/400s and Unix boxes for some time now.

We will be presenting the results in full on 6 Nov when The Reg holds its first online debate - an e-symposium called Virtualization: From the Data Centre to the Desktop. You'll get the chance to hear more about these areas and ask any questions you have on virtualization. Your responses will form the basis for the event and we really wish to encourage you to get involved in the Q&A opportunities. We hope that you enjoy the seminar and take the chance to grill the speakers live on the web.

You can find out more and register for the event here. ®