IBM Releases Virtual Storage Optimizer

IBM has unveiled a new storage solution designed to help organizations take advantage of cloud computing technology in order to significantly reduce their virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) storage needs.

IBM's Virtual Storage Optimizer (VSO) is designed to help organizations reduce their VDI storage overhead by up to 80 percent, based on current results. The VSO is available now as a part of IBM's Virtual Infrastructure Access (VIA) services and is based on an IBM Research-developed algorithm that not only decreases the physical storage needs of virtual desktops, but also provides for faster, more efficient creation of new desktop images, as well as reduced overall energy consumption, according to IBM.

"VSO helps businesses more efficiently manage physical storage requirements and improve utilization rates, energy efficiency, availability, and scalability of critical applications," said Jan Jackman, vice president, End-User Services, IBM Global Technology Services, in a prepared statement. "VSO further extends our ability to help businesses and schools embrace cloud computing models that accommodate employee mobility and enhance end-user productivity."

In addition to the new VDI offerings, IBM has also developed technology and business partnerships with VMware and Desktone. The partnerships are intended to result in a set of solutions for a range of organizations, including government and educational institutions.

About the Author

Chris Riedel is a freelance writer based in Illinois. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • businessman holding tablet with holographic AI icons

    Google Moves AI Agents into the Mainstream

    At its recent I/O developer conference, Google presented artificial intelligence agents not as a distant research project, but as a product strategy spanning Search, personal assistants, productivity software, developer tools, and smart glasses.

  • VSLive! session

    VSLive! San Diego 2026 Puts AI at the Core of the Campus IT Stack

    For higher education IT teams working through AI pilots, ERP integrations, student-facing apps, analytics projects, and mounting security concerns, Visual Studio Live! San Diego 2026 offers a look at the development practices that are shaping the campus technology landscape.

  • digital partnership handshake with glowing network effect

    Microsoft and OpenAI Rework Alliance, Loosening Exclusive Ties

    Microsoft and OpenAI have adjusted the terms of their high-profile partnership, signaling a shift in how the two companies will collaborate as competition in the AI market intensifies.

  • Abstract futuristic digital network with glowing padlock icons

    Microsoft Intros New Agentic AI Security Multi-Model Defense System

    A new multi-model agentic AI security system built by Microsoft's Autonomous Code Security team helped researchers find 16 new vulnerabilities across the Windows networking and authentication stack, the company anounced in a recent security blog post.