Boston Limited Launches GRID VDI with NexentaConnect 

Boston Limited has announced it is leveraging Nexenta’s NexentaConnect for Citrix XenDesktop with their NVIDIA GRID-based server solutions.

Building on the partnership with NVIDIA and Supermicro to configure a number of high performance Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) optimised barebone server platforms, Boston has partnered with Nexenta to increase the user density of these platforms and reduce the load on the back-end SAN for Graphics Accelerated Desktops, as well as simplifying the process of deployment. Unveiled on Nexenta’s booth (#203) at Citrix Synergy, the GRID VDI with NexentaConnect appliance was a key part of the launch activity for the new NexentaConnect for XenDesktop storage platform.

The new NexentaConnect for XenDesktop gives virtual desktop administrators the ability to accelerate the performance of their organisation's desktops on new or existing storage arrays, while providing greater density at a much lower price point. The NexentaConnect solution reduces the amount of storage required for a XenDesktop deployment, provides real-time visibility and management of individual desktop users using storage resources, and drives down the cost per desktop.

Legacy storage solutions typically consume a vast amount of resources in VDI deployments. IT decision makers have been challenged to find the right storage configuration – one that isn't too expensive, complex, time-consuming or slow. The solution is often to add more hardware, buy one - off arrays for VDI, or deploy an all flash system – such alternatives drive up the cost of VDI deployments and compromise IT budgets.

Manoj Nayee, Managing Director of Boston Limited, says “As an extension to our range of GRID-enabled servers for graphic-rich virtualised environments we are delighted to have chosen NexentaConnect, a software-only solution that provides advanced features and functionality suited to handle the demands of a virtual desktop environment. By combining storage and compute, NexentaConnect for XenDesktop enables the deployment of graphics accelerated virtual desktops in the real world.”

Thomas Cornely, Vice President, Product Management at Nexenta, says “The massively expensive storage system (MESS) vendors have been obstructing the true promise of desktop virtualization for too long. Nexenta has solved the cost and complexity of VDI storage and desktop administration with NexentaConnect for XenDesktop. Virtual desktop administrators no longer have to throw more hardware at the problem.”