Citrix and VMWare are teaming with IBM to launch the first offering of the new IBM Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure that delivers full desktop functionality to any client from highly reliable and secure xSeries and BladeCenter servers.

IBM is announcing a new pre-integrated hosted client solution that is based on VMware virtual infrastructure software and leverages Citrix client access technologies to host multiple users of fully functional desktop environments on IBM BladeCenter, while increasing efficiencies such as utilization of computing resources and quicker deployment of new users. With the new virtualized solution, customers could see total cost savings of up to 60 percent and return on investment in as short as six months.

IBM's Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure helps overcome a key obstacle to adoption of hosted client architectures: resistance from the desktop user. Users will be able to enjoy all of the benefits and personal control of a stand alone desktop -- functionality including print capabilities, USB drive support, dual monitors and audio - while reducing many of the hassles of a "fat client," including limiting susceptibility to theft and viruses, extended downtime during a hard drive failure, or having to rebuild their preferences and settings after each client "refresh," according to IBM.

This companies says this new solution is ideal for all types of knowledge workers with constant computing requirements, and also for remote employees, branch office environments like automobile dealerships or retail stores, customer service call centers and software developers.

"Existing hosted client solutions gain some efficiencies by consolidating clients, but they fall short of delivering the full potential for client experience and IT efficiency," said Doug Balog, vice president and business line executive, BladeCenter, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "IBM's Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure with VMware virtual infrastructure software can provide high utilization, performance and reliability, allowing customers to reduce cost and complexity, while providing the level of desktop functionality and quality of support that end users have come to expect."