Desktone, Inc., the pioneer of Desktops as a Service (DaaS), announced today the cloud-hosted Desktone virtual desktop platform is interoperable with the Cisco Integrated Services Router Generation 2 (ISR G2) and UCS-E series server, delivering simple, cost-effective Windows desktops and applications as a cloud service to help SMBs, branch and remote offices meet demand for mobility and remote workforce support. As a registered developer in the Desktop Virtualization category of the Cisco Developer Network, Desktone has completed interoperability verification testing required by Cisco.

Many branch offices and SMBs have explored virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and found it too complex and costly. Cisco and Desktone help remove these barriers by enabling organizations to receive all of the benefits of VDI managed from the cloud. The Desktop Virtualization Cloud Connector delivers simple, turnkey cloud-based virtual desktops that are pre-packaged on hardware and remotely managed from the cloud by a service provider, transforming desktops from a CAPEX outlay, into a predictable, easy to budget OPEX item.

The Desktop Virtualization Cloud Connector comprises the Desktone Platform bundled with the Cisco Integrated Services Router Generation 2 (ISR G2) and UCS-E Series Server. Desktone’s multi-tenant virtual desktop platform was purpose-built for the cloud as an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to traditional VDI technology. By hosting the cloud-based platform on the UCS-E Series server, Cisco is able to offer centralized management and support for end user desktops and apps, reducing the cost and complexity of desktop virtualization. Service providers can offer a superior desktop experience with no WAN limitations and end users can access full-functioning desktops with local compute and all their applications from any device they choose.

“Mobility presents significant challenges for SMBs and companies with remote offices, including device security, management and integration,” said Mike Dillon, CTO, Quest®, one of the nation’s leading technology management firms. “The Desktop Virtualization Cloud Connector is a simple, cost-effective way to address these concerns, while enabling businesses greater flexibility in how they work. Utilizing the cloud to deliver converged virtual desktop and networking solutions makes it easy for us to provide our customers with flexible, secure virtual desktops wherever and whenever they are needed.”

Cisco UCS E-Series Server modules are next-generation, power-optimized, x86, Intel® Xeon® 64-bit blade servers designed to be deployed in Cisco ISR G2. These price-to-performance-optimized, single-socket blade servers balance simplicity, performance, reliability and power efficiency. They are well suited for applications and infrastructure services typically deployed in small offices and branch offices. Cisco ISR G2s and UCS E-Series servers lower the TCO by reducing server hardware shipping costs, power consumption, cooling, cabling, space and support costs. The built-in lights-out server management through CIMC provides remote server monitoring and configuration management for virtualized and bare metal deployments.

“Desktone has seen substantial interest from service providers that want to service the branch office or SMBs,” said Peter McKay, CEO, Desktone. “With the Desktop Virtualization Cloud Connector, service providers can easily incorporate cloud-hosted desktops and apps into existing networking and communications solutions without the cost and complexity typically associated with VDI.”

"Small and mid-sized organizations are quickly migrating to cloud computing solutions as a way to adapt to changing business needs," said Mark Lohmeyer, VP product management, Cisco. "With the inherent flexibility and scalability the joint solution offers, virtual desktops hosted on the Cisco ISR G2 and UCS E Series Server are an ideal solution for customers with branch offices and remote workforces who are tasked with supporting numerous employees and devices with limited IT resources."

Cisco will offer demonstrations of virtual desktops and applications hosted on the UCS-E Series at Cisco Live 2013 in London, January 28 – February 1.

For more information on Cisco cloud connectors go to www.cisco.com/go/cloudconnectors.

About Desktone

Desktone provides the only unified platform for delivering desktops and applications as a cloud service, enabling the deployment of Windows desktops and applications from the cloud to any end user device. Desktone enables IT service providers to rapidly provision desktops and applications to users connected on any device, anywhere, without the upfront costs and complexity of traditional desktop virtualization – transforming desktops from a CAPEX to OPEX item. Leading service providers, such as Dell, Fujitsu, NEC Time Warner Cable and Dimension Data, have selected Desktone’s Platform to offer desktops and apps as a cloud service. Founded in 2007, Desktone is funded by Highland Capital and Softbank and is headquartered in Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.desktone.com.

Interoperability testing is designed to simulate typical customer configurations, and does not replace the need for on-site testing in conjunction with actual implementation.