In his recent article on The Challenges of Desktop Virtualization, Daniel Feller comments on how difficult it can be to support non-IT-delivered applications, which can proliferate into the tens of thousands, in virtualized desktop environments. He recommends doing a multi-level assessment to try to figure out which applications are in use, and their appropriate delivery strategy. We’ve talked to some customers with thousands, and even tens of thousands, of applications. This sort of analysis may not even be feasible.

The Wanova alternative: Use distributed desktop virtualization, which allows IT to manage groups of endpoints with a single image for core IT-approved OS and core applications (and patch them regardless of whether the endpoints are connected). By “splitting” the PC into separate layers, Wanova also creates a persistent area for user-installed applications, as well as user data and settings. IT can manage the apps that are critical on a departmental or company level, while end users can install their own applications without compromising IT’s ability to control the base image. Further, if a user loses or damages his or her PC, IT can restore the endpoint, complete with applications and personalization.

Good for IT. Good for the end-user. This is how desktop virtualization should be!