Desktop virtualization pioneer VMware is renaming its desktop virtualization software [1]--formally known as Virtual Desktop infrastructure (VDI)--VMware View. VMware View will come with expanded capabilities that allow IT managers to create new virtual desktops from a generic master template, as well as user-specific files, potentially reducing storage needs by up to 70 percent. In addition, VMware View will also feature offline desktop access in which users can download the entire virtual machine for local use when not connected to the Internet.

VMware View is available today, with the basic package costing $150 per concurrent user. The premium package that comes with ThinApp and all the new features will cost about $250 per concurrent user.

The ability to deduplicate virtual machine images [2] is set to position VMware on a whole new level as it seeks to increase the value of its product. Obviously, the availability of this technology essentially eliminates much of the differentiator factor for companies such as 3PAR, and other storage vendors.

Other features include Virtual Printing, which allows virtual desktops to print to any local or network printer without having to deal with drivers, and Multimedia Redirection, where multimedia tasks are redirected to be handled by the client. Indeed, this drive by VMware to improve is making Microsoft's three-pronged strategy to defeat VMware look dated [3].

To read more about this story:
- check out this article [4] from The Register
- check out this article [5] from Network World