Web hosting server virtualization, automation and software provider, Parallels, has launched with Quest Software, a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) bundle, designed to offer a centralized Windows desktop deployment and management platform.

The end-to-end stack is hoped to reduce the management and security headache of desktop computing, and reduces the investment required in hardware and software licenses.

The combination of Parallels Virtuozzo Containers server virtualization and Quest's Provision Networks Virtual Access Suite (VAS) desktop brokering and management solution simplifies desktop and image management, improves security, addresses regulatory compliance and offers the most cost-efficient approach to terminal services.

Michael Rose, Research Analyst at IDC noted, ''The bundled VDI solution from Quest Software and Parallels provides customers with a unique offering of high consolidation ratios and a reduction in image management requirements. The combined platform can enable organizations to build a VDI infrastructure with high density that maximizes management efficiency.''

Parallels Virtuozzo Containers enables users to run multiple workloads as isolated, simultaneously executing virtual environments called 'containers.' Since it is installed on top of the operating system (OS), the containers use the resources of the underlying host OS, rather than needing their own. This means a far greater density of workloads can be run on a physical server: three times that of other approaches. In addition, fewer deployed OS instances means the solution is easier to manage and containers can be provisioned with applications and services on-the-fly, with a single click.

Paul Ghostine, VP and General Manager of Quest Software's Provision Networks division remarked, ''By delivering up to three times the number of virtual desktops on each physical server, Parallels Virtuozzo Containers makes VDI a truly cost effective solution. We see this partnership as an opportunity to further extend our leadership in the VDI space by giving customers a variety of platform choices for their desktop virtualization needs.''

Provision Networks Virtual Access Suite is the only enterprise-grade Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solution, providing multi-platform integration and the most comprehensive desktop lifecycle management capabilities. These include automated provisioning, sysprep editing, AD integration, power management, support for application streaming, advanced brokering and arbitration, a complete scheduling infrastructure for automated task execution, and the best experience for LAN and WAN users.

Serguei Beloussov, CEO, Parallels explained, ''The combination of our two best-of-breed solutions offers customers a desktop computing solution that reduces management headaches and easily scales to meet the business' needs. We are pleased to work with Quest Software's Provision Networks Division, providing customers an easy path to centralizing, virtualizing and optimizing their desktop infrastructure.''