CIOs remain largely skeptical about desktop virtualization, but the move to Windows 7 may drive greater interest in the technology. NetworkWorld's Jon Brodkin takes a look at the costs and technological challenges that continue to impede wide adoption of virtual desktops. 

According to Chris Wolf, analyst with the Burton Group, there isn't much of an ROI case for virtual desktops in large, server-hosted deployment scenarios right now. Over three to five years, a company might break even, if it's lucky. The technology requires considerable changes in the IT infrastructure, and it presents the risk that users will be left stranded if there is a server or network failure.  

Taking a more bullish stance, long-time desktop virtualization proponent Andy Moon, in a post on TechRepublic, outlines a host of growing advantages he sees in the technology:

• Organizations can use extremely scaled down client computers; 
• Desktop performance stands to improve because servers run the operating system; and
• It is easier to patch and upgrade virtual desktop computers than traditional desktops.

Moon does not deny the risk that a network or server failure can cause enterprises using virtual desktops, but he suggests that the benefits may be beginning to outweigh this concern. If an enterprise has a robust infrastructure and is looking at a Windows 7 upgrade, it might be time to consider desktop virtualization, he writes. 

For more:
- read Jon Brodkin's article at NetworkWorld
- read Andy Moon's post at TechRepublic

Related Articles:
Fujitsu integrates 'zero client' into monitor
Businesses seek variety in virtualization