June 18, 2009

VDIworks helps virtual desktops with new high-speed connection protocol

VDI and virtual desktops need the support of users to become successful. VDIworks' VideoOverIP 1.0 may be just what the doctor ordered.

VDIworks: Well, even though this is the first release of VideoOverIP, we've tried to innovate and deliver some interesting features. One of the areas where VideoOverIP is unique is in its very high level of configurability. Anyone who has used experience remoting protocols understands that the fidelity varies drastically in different network environments. Sometimes, the only way to guarantee the best possible experience is to allow IT admins to adapt and tune how the protocol works. With VideoOverIP, you can decide which compression algorithm works best in your environment. We allow adjustments to the audio buffer so that you can achieve the highest level of audio/video synchronization on your particular network. Once you select a specific compression algorithm, you can then also set various levels of compression. You can choose between lossy and lossless image transmission. You can also select between multiple methods of capturing images from source. It's very flexible.

In addition to the configurability, VideoOverIP provides support for multimonitor usage. We don't cap resolution like many other protocols, so you can support "large glass" displays. And of course, we work with Microsoft and VMware hypervisors. Surprisingly enough, that's a unique feature for a higher-end remoting protocol.

InfoWorld: In your opinion, how will VideoOverIP help virtual desktop adoption?

VDIworks: Clearly, one very important aspect of this question is sort of tied to what we just spoke about, i.e. removing vendor lock-in. The fact that this protocol does work with any brand of thin client and server allows customers to call the shots; they can experiment at a small scale without ripping apart their infrastructure and can leverage their existing investments in hardware and software. No need to start from scratch.

The other thing it does, obviously, is improve the end-user experience. I feel very strongly that proponents of VDI or centralized computing can't just shove the technology down end-users' throats. While IT teams may see a lot of management benefit, and the CFO may see TCO reductions, we have to offer the end-user some benefits also. I think VideoOverIP does that, by enhancing all forms of video on-screen, whether it's a YouTube playback or a movie in Windows Media Player. VideoOverIP is not tied to specific codecs like many other protocols, so the end-user doesn't need to worry about what he or she is doing. The protocol makes the entire experience faster.

InfoWorld: What does the future hold for VideoOverIP? Anything new and exciting in the works?

VDIworks: Absolutely. We currently have Vista and Windows 7 support in alpha. We are trying to deliver an excellent experience on these platforms, complete with Aero graphics.

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tomdow 18-Jun-09 3:51am
I have to agree that it's really hard to standardize on a single protocol when each comes with a dependency on some piece of hardware or hypervisor. If videooverip can solve that problem, I think it could be useful to IT shops planning vdi deployments.

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