VMware Adds iPad to List of VMWare View Client Devices

It’s a move that may seem miles behind the curve, but VMware now is offering its VMware View for the iPad. You’re probably either thinking, “Wait, didn’t VMware already have that?” or, “Well, it’s about time!”  The iPad as a thin client is nothing new, but VMware has trailed somewhat in terms of providing its own technology to supplement it. So the question then is, Is VMware View for the iPad worth the wait?

For those of you unfamiliar with VMware View, it’s a software client that enables users to access their virtual Windows desktops, applications and data from anywhere. The iPad version is available as a free download via the Apple App Store. To enable the app, users simply punch in their username, password and the IP address and they’re off to the races.

According to VMware, use cases for VMware View for iPad range from the road warrior to the healthcare environment and even IT admins who roam cavernous corporate headquarters. No surprises here.

But VMware noted the big bonus comes from the company’s special PC-over-IP protocol that delivers a much more responsive user experience than traditional virtualization and remote desktop solutions. That same PC-over-IP protocol also promises more security and ease of connectivity. VMware has also developed its own multi-touch support to make navigation without a mouse less of a challenge, while fully supporting use of the iPad’s keyboard. VMware View for the iPad also supports a VGA dongle, making it easy to use with an external monitor.

VMware on its blog promises more updates down the road, but currently VMware View Client for iPad only supports Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and XP SP3.

VMware tends to be pretty popular in the virtualization space, and with the advent of iPad 2 on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see how popular VMware View for iPad gets vs. offerings from competitors such as Citrix.

Bottom line? Just more evidence and confirmation of the consumerization of IT.

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