The first solution to be rolled out using the Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure is based on IBM BladeCenter, VMware's virtual infrastructureproduct line -- which has been proven in production at more than 10,000 customers worldwide -- and Citrix Presentation Server, the industry standard for providing access to client/server and desktop-based applications using application virtualization. VMware and Citrix are two key founding members of Blade.org, a collaborative organization and developer community focused on accelerating the expansion of blade solutions and the BladeCenter ecosystem.

"VMware virtual infrastructure makes it possible to have one common infrastructure for both desktops and servers and has enormous benefits for customers implementing client hosting. It delivers availability, responsiveness, flexibility, scalability and cost benefits," said Brian Byun, vice president of strategic alliances at VMware. "

VMware virtual infrastructure boosts server utilization rates to up to 80 percent, driving more efficiencies than a solution that is merely dedicated hardware to support desktop features. We're excited to be working with IBM on continuing to bring these benefits to customers with IBM's new Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure offering."

"The new IBM Virtualized Hosted Client integrated solution including Citrix keeps security and management under IT control while enabling a more productive and personal work environment for end users," said David Jones, corporate vice president, business development and corporate affairs, for Citrix. "Citrix has added a new capability to Citrix Presentation Server that works with IBM BladeCenter and VMware virtualization technologies to enable dynamic provisioning of hosted clients running full Windows XP Desktop images in a secure data center. The resulting solution is used to provide the rich experience that PC users have come to expect and is now available from thin clients or legacy PC's."