SAN FRANCISCO--BUSINESS WIRE--Quest Software, Inc. Nasdaq: QSFT and Virtual Computer, Inc. today announced a technology alliance to deliver a desktop virtualization and management solution meeting the end-to-end computing needs of large enterprises. This technology provides anywhere, anytime access to both centralized and distributed end-user environments through the integration of Quest® vWorkspace client and Virtual Computer NxTop 3.0 enterprise platform. The combined solution will dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of deploying and managing corporate desktops, while improving desktop delivery options for stationery and mobile users. Virtual Computer will demonstrate the integrated solution at VMworld 2010 Booth 1433; Moscone Center, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2.

“Desktop virtualization is the single greatest opportunity to remove time, cost and complexity from our IT operations, while advancing our vision for a University without walls. This is only achievable with an approach that addresses all of our users”

"There is unprecedented interest in desktop virtualization to improve IT efficiency and security, but many organizations are finding their existing virtualization vendors can only deliver these benefits to a subset of their users," said Rachel Chalmers, research director with the 451 Group. "By combining hosted and client virtualization, Quest and Virtual Computer can make virtual desktops flexible enough for the entire enterprise."

One Image, Multiple Deployment Models

The offering will provide consolidated management across server- and client-hosted virtual desktops, enabling IT teams to build a single virtual desktop image for deployment to stationery and mobile users. Regardless of the deployment model, IT administrators can efficiently execute updates once in a secure environment. Master image updates are synchronized with linked user desktops—running centrally or locally—while preserving end-user personalization.

Stationery users in corporate offices or an Internet/VPN connection can access server-hosted desktops and applications remotely using the broker technology and high performance Experience Optimized Protocol EOP in Quest vWorkspace. Mobile users can use NxTop Engine, Virtual Computer’s unique “bare-metal” client hypervisor and remote management technology, to maintain full access to their desktop when disconnected from the network. NxTop Engine enables easy access to server-based resources while online via the integrated Quest vWorkspace connector.

The joint solution will also feature tight integration with Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager for virtual desktop creation, management and execution. NxTop Engine’s two-way Hyper-V compatibility will allow virtual desktops to execute on local PC hardware, and users of server-hosted desktops will benefit from Quest’s EOP enhancements for the RDP protocol, including emerging Microsoft technology such as RemoteFX.

Anywhere, Anytime Access to Centralized and Distributed Desktops

As business becomes increasingly mobile, Quest and Virtual Computer will offer a one-of-a-kind capability for users to remotely access their desktops and applications, including desktops running on PCs equipped with NxTop Engine. From a remote PC with a specialized client, a thin client, or a tablet-computing device, users will be able to access their desktops and applications in a secure manner for an unprecedented level of freedom and convenience.

“Desktop virtualization is the single greatest opportunity to remove time, cost and complexity from our IT operations, while advancing our vision for a University without walls. This is only achievable with an approach that addresses all of our users,” said Daniel Bolton, technical analyst at Kingston University. “Quest and Virtual Computer present a unique and compelling vision for the desktop of the future. Moreover, they effectively provide the tools we require to deliver a fully managed desktop virtualization experience for our users."

The initial vWorkspace/NxTop integration, including a NxTop Engine and the Quest vWorkspace connector, will be available as a release candidate beginning Aug. 30, with general availability in October. Additional integration points and enhancements will be delivered in phases through 2011.

About Quest Software

Quest Software simplifies and reduces the cost of managing IT for more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Our innovative solutions make solving the toughest IT management problems easier, enabling customers to save time and money across physical, virtual and cloud environments. For more information about Quest go to www.quest.com.

About Virtual Computer

Virtual Computer is the market leader in distributed desktop virtualization. The company’s flagship product, NxTop®, enables desktop IT professionals to create flexible, reliable, and secure end-points for any combination of laptops, desktops, VDI or cloud computing. Fully managed from a single console, NxTop dramatically lowers the cost of deploying and maintaining personal computers in organizations of any size. www.virtualcomputer.com

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Quest, Quest Software, and the Quest logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Quest Software in the United States and certain other countries. NxTop is a registered trademark of Virtual Computer. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.