Don't Overlook Desktop Virtualization!

Today I’m officially the poster child for desktop virtualization. Seriously, I’ve put together another example of the benefits simply by deciding to have a “procedure” that doesn’t allow me to carry my laptop to/from the office, and by taking prescribed medicines that make me so dizzy I can’t drive. I have no clue how long it will take to write this or if it will make much sense at all, but here we go…

Yesterday, I returned to work after a couple of days recovering at home and I, as I’ve been told today, “pushed myself too hard.” When I woke up this morning I knew there was no way I’d survive the hour long drive to the office because I can’t even get out of bed. However, I have a ton to do and really can’t afford to be out for another full day. My challenge? No laptop! I left my machine at work. My other challenge? Reference the prior “can’t get out of bed” comment.

Normally this would not be an issue for me. I could sit in front of my iMac and connect to our VMware View infrastructure to do whatever I need to do, securely. However the iMac is not made for my lap so I had to figure out another plan. Voilà! We have an old IBM Thinkpad that hasn’t been powered on for at least a year. This laptop is at least 8 years old, but I’ll say it’s 10 to add some effect.

Problem number 1… is this laptop going to power on? Thanks to IBM, Microsoft and all the wonders that are Windows XP, it did. With that minor issue resolved, and a power cord in hand, I crawled back to bed. I then took the following steps:
1. Plugged in Laptop
2. Downloaded the VMware View 4.5 client
3. Installed the client, although I’d rather use the ThinApp
4. Entered connection server name
5. Entered my credentials
6. Launched my Windows 7 VM

How long did all of this take? Less than 5 minutes, which is way less than it took for me to write this post. Honestly, I don’t know why more organizations have not jumped on the Desktop Virtualization train because I just proved that the BYOPC concept works, again. I guess you’re wondering about performance? I don’t notice a difference, seriously. Keep in mind that I’m using SharePoint, CRM, Office 2010, Acrobat, etc., etc… I’m not a video editor. Today I’m a cross between a knowledge worker and power user.

Do you have a different opinion?  Let me know!