VMware Updates Desktop Manager, Integrates with VDI

• By Becky Nagel
• 01/31/08

Yesterday VMware announced it has released a live version of Virtual Desktop Manager (VDM) 2 and integrated it with its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure management product.

VDM 2, an enhanced desktop broker tool, lets IT pros manage thousands of virtual desktops at a time and create new desktops in minutes, according to the company. By integrating the VDM for the first time with VDI, VMware is offering its clients a "complete desktop virtualization solution for the enterprise," the company said.

"Our expanded VDI solution now provides these organizations with a complete and integrated, end-to-end desktop virtualization solution," Jeff Jennings, vice president of desktop products and solutions at VMware, said in a released statement."Customers can now manage virtual desktops with greater levels of operational efficiency, flexibility, and security."

VDM 2 originally debuted in beta format in September. It is based on technology that the company picked up when it acquired Prospero in April 2007.

VDI is available in two editions--Starter (10 virtual desktops) and Bundle (100 virtual desktops)--with a list price of $150 per user. Those using earlier versions of the infrastructure suite can purchase VDM licenses separately for $50 per concurrent user.

A free 60-day demo is available for download here.