Citrix Launches SMB Specialization, VDI-in-a-Box Version 5

At Citrix Summit 2011 this week in Barcelona, Spain, Citrix renewed its focus on SMB with a new version of Citrix VDI-in-a-Box. Version 5 combines Citrix VDI-in-a-Box and the Citrix GoToManage cloud based support ostensibly to make it super-easy, super-quick and super-affordable for SMBs to add virtualization. Here’s the scoop on how partners can dive in and how SMBs can benefit.

First off, a refresher: If VDI-in-a-Box sounds familiar, you may remember we covered it back in May 2011 when Citrix scooped up Kaviza, the company behind it. Today, if you’re a Citrix VAR or partner looking to sell VDI-in-a-Box 5, you’ll need to sign up for Citrix’s new SMB specialization and, after you’re certified in January 2012, you’ll have access to a cornucopia of virtualization tools, training and support and “best practices” specifically geared toward hitting the all-important SMB spot.

The VDI-in-a-Box 5 solution naturally will live in the ecosystem of SMB virtualization products. Once partners are fully engaged and certified, VDI-in-a-Box deployments can begin and VARs can leverage Citrix’s Receiver software, HDX technology and ESX, ESXi, XenServer and even VMware and Hyper-V hypervisors with the boxed-up solution. VARs and IT admins also will have access to to an all-new dashboard for at-a-glance information of VM management, in addition to a new “early warning system” that can detect issues to come.

Citrix has also partnered with Dell and Wyse to help make “end-to-end” VDI deployments easier. Dell will offer up pre-configured server configurations, while Wyse will offer “Zero-framework clients” that integrate with the VDI-in-a-Box solution. For VARs knee-deep in the Citrix ecosystem, this could be a perfect time to gear up. But for those wary of big-name labels, be sure to check out NComputing and Pano Logic: both companies have been focused on creating easy-to-deploy VDI infrastructures that are prefect for SMBs.