Citrix: XenDesktop Local Mode for Mobile Laptops Podcast with Pete Downing & Dan Cote - Episode 192

Summary: In episode 192, Douglas Brown interviews Pete Downing, Principal Product Manager, and Dan Cote, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, from the Citrix Client Virtualization Group. They discuss the products behind the local mode of XenDesktop, which enable IT to centrally deliver, manage and secure Windows virtual desktops that run on PCs and Macs — online, offline, and even over slow or intermittent network connections. They explain how client virtualization is different than VDI and better than traditional PC management, and why it helps drive enterprise mobility and BYO initiatives. About XenDesktop Local Mode XenDesktop local mode is an umbrella term for capabilities that enable running virtual desktops locally. It includes both XenClient and DesktopPlayer. DesktopPlayer runs virtual desktops on a Type-2 client hypervisor, which is ideal for BYO laptops since it does not disrupt the user’s existing base operating system, but still allows IT to deliver a centrally managed corporate Windows virtual desktop to Macs. XenClient runs virtual desktops on a Type-1 client hypervisor, for greater control and management of desktops, laptops, Ultrabooks and tiny PCs. About Pete Downing Pete Downing is the Principal Product Manager and Product Owner of XenClient Enterprise. A familiar face to some, Pete joined Citrix Systems via the Ardence acquisition, bringing knowledge of Provisioning Server to XenDesktop and XenApp. He also has a deep knowledge of various Citrix products, where he was involved with Citrix’s cloud platform and cloud networking initiatives working specifically on Citrix NetScaler, Citrix CloudBridge and other strategic cloud initiatives. He has a diverse background that includes product management, pre-sales engineering and time as an IT systems administrator. With a diverse background in networking, virtualization, server based computing, application deployment, profile management, Microsoft AD and systems administration; he brings a vast knowledge of the industry to his role as a PM. Aside from being an avid CrossFitter, his hobbies include road cycling, mountain biking, carpentry, electrical work, bonsai trees and photography. Read Pete’s blog: http://blogs.citrix.com/author/peted1/ Follow Pete on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pdowning1077 About Dan Cote Dan Cote is Sr. Product Marketing Manager for the Client Virtualization Group at Citrix. He’s responsible for marketing, communications and demand generation for XenClient and DesktopPlayer, two products that comprise the local mode of XenDesktop and deliver centrally managed Windows virtual desktops to PCs and Macs for online and offline computing. He joined Citrix via the acquisition of Virtual Computer, where he was Global Director of Demand Generation. Previously, Dan was VP of Marketing at professional services firms nSight, Inc. and SellMasters, both catering to high-tech and Fortune 500 companies. He also successfully launched and ran his own Internet video marketing business. Dan holds a BSBA from the University of Lowell. Read Dan’s blog: http://blogs.citrix.com/author/danielco/ Follow Dan on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dancote