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Half of UK companies heading for ‘virtual failure’
~ Centralis releases top five tips for VDI implementation ~
Nearly half (41 per cent) of UK companies are currently investing in desktop virtualisation according to IDG[1] – but independent consultancy Centralis and industry analysts Butler Group warn that projects run a high risk of failure unless key analysis and planning stages are completed.
VDI can help organisations slash costs, manage the desktop environment and allow for far simpler deployment of patches and upgrades. But it could be a wasted investment without proper strategy and implementation, according to Centralis.
In response, Centralis has developed the top five critical factors in achieving successful VDI rollout in order to help UK businesses succeed:
1) Understand your strategic requirements
Understanding the overall strategic goals of a company, and the application and desktop delivery required to support those goals, is essential before considering any implementation project – especially VDI.
2) Document what success looks like
Every VDI project should be underpinned by measurable success criteria, clear milestones and deliverables, one of which should be detailed technical documentation
3) Ensure that both analysis and design take place
Knowing where you are starting from and what your final solution will look like are critical to delivering success – structured analysis and design ensure that you consider all the angles, and that your foundations are in place before you begin to build.
4) Secure user buy in
Every project benefits from user champions, whether directors or trainees, helping to ensure that everyone appreciates how new deployments will improve their working day and benefit the business.
5) Manage and publicise the project every step of the way
Ensure project management is tight and project communication is widespread and timely, recognising when milestones are met and success criteria achieved.
“Implementing virtualised desktops can be hugely beneficial to a company, but getting it wrong can be costly – the last thing many businesses need in the current climate,” said Ewen Anderson, managing director, Centralis. “Sitting down and thinking about what you want to achieve before rushing in can solve issues around wasted resources and expectations, ensuring a resounding success.”
According to the Butler Group, companies employing the structured methodologies used by Centralis greatly reduce the risk of failure in large-scale projects such as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
More information can be found at: http://www.centralis.co.uk/resources/documents/application_and_desktop_virtualisation.pdf
(376 words)
[1] ‘The promise of desktop virtualisation’ IDG, June 2008
Executive quote
“Implementing virtualised desktops can be hugely beneficial to a company, but getting it wrong can be costly – the last thing many businesses need in the current climate,” said Ewen Anderson, managing director, Centralis. “Sitting down and thinking about what you want to achieve before rushing in can solve issues around wasted resources and expectations, ensuring a resounding success
About the company
About Centralis
Centralis is one of the UK’s leading independent I.T. consultancies, specialising in delivering applications securely to their point of use.
Formed in 1996, Centralis mission is to help customers reduce cost and improve business agility through innovative, award-winning solutions backed by top-level partnership with industry leading vendors, including Citrix, Microsoft and VMware.
Centralis provides consultancy, support, managed services and resale of selected products. Strong technical skills and commitment to delivering on time and to budget has led to long-term business partnerships with many customers across the private and public sectors, including Standard Life, Centrica, BUPA, Surrey County Council and many NHS Trusts and Universities.
Centralis remains independent, and wholly owned by employee shareholders.
Contact details
For more information or photography, please contact Patrick Hussey at LEWIS, the PR agency:
Telephone: 0161 601 7740
Email: centralis@lewispr.com
Related links
http://www.centralis.co.uk/resources/documents/application_and_desktop_virtualisation.pdf
Technorati tags: Centralis | Virtualisation | VDI |
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