Virtualization requires a focus on storage

According to a recent survey conducted with 93 respondents, SearchCIO.com found that 24% of respondents expect at least limited use of Desktop Virtualization in 2009, while another third plan to evaluate the technology this year. (About 40% reported having no plans to explore or use desktop virtualization this year.) So, it's safe to say that desktop virtualization is on the corporate radar.

If your firm is considering implementing a virtual desktop strategy, be sure to include a review of how data is stored and accessed by your users. Storage is the most overlooked cost of a virtual desktop strategy and could be the biggest cost delta in moving to a desktop virtualization environment. The cost delta can be mitigated by several factors. For instance, if your user policies currently redirect personal files to a network location, then virtualizing desktops will not add much of a burden. However, if personal files are stored locally, then additional storage needs will be significant.

If an investment in additional storage capacity is required, then that will turn out to be just the beginning of the story.

• File types - You probably aren't too concerned about users storing music locally on their desktop, but that will need to be re-examined when those files are using up more expensive SAN space.
• Data Center - The extra storage capacity will need to go somewhere, and it will need power. Is there room in your data center for the storage devices? Is there enough electricity to keep them running? Does your HVAC system have the capacity to handle the additional heat sources?
• Internal Bandwidth - Before the virtual desktop, your users were accessing their massive Excel spreadsheets and Access databases locally. Once that desktop is virtualized, they will be pulling all of that data across your network, from the storage device to the central desktop server farm. This is not biggest hurdle, but it's not trivial by any means.

Please contact Roig Consulting for an objective assessment of these issues before getting too far down the virtualization road. We can help you plan and prepare for all of the implications of your virtualization strategy.

Google expands its email offerings

Google has announced the test-release of an important email feature: Off-line access. This may not seem like such a big deal to the average corporate user. After all, we've been using email on the plane for years now, sync-ing up when we get to a network connection. But G-Mail is different. There is nothing on your PC... it's all on the internet. This is the foundation of cloud computing and this release represents a radical strategic exception for Google, which has stake its future on cloud computing.

The bottom line is that Google needed to do this if wants to be a serious player in the corporate market. Consumers will tolerate not being able to read their email when there's no network, but business users will not. "This is a feature we've heard loud and clear the enterprise wants," said Todd Jackson, Gmail's product manager.

But will it be enough to move large corporate customers off of the industry standard, Microsoft Exchange? Will it even be enough to move small companies away from other open source, but more traditionally architected solutions? I'm not so sure.

Email is the mission critical application of modern business. You can survive having your A/P system down for a day. But take away email and you'll see everyone from the CEO to the receptionist gathering torches and pitchforks on their way to the data center. There are very good reasons why Exchange has earned its place as the market leader:

• It's highly reliable
• Tolerant of administrator and user mistakes, and
• Very straightforward when it comes to recovery.

Who in their right mind would want to mess with that? This is the hill that Google is trying to climb. And, given the current climate, I suspect that very few decision makers will risk making that kind of change.

For more information: A blog post on CNet

Verizon pushes cell - landline convergence

Next month, Verizon Wireless plans to release a new, land-based phone that claims to integrate seamlessly with their cellular network. The phone is VoIP device which uses the customer's existing internet service for access. While they say they don't intend to compete with Vonage and Comcast internet phone service, the package is aimed squarely at the market segment that would consider switching from traditional phone service to one of those products.

The package consists of a very expensive phone ($199, after rebate) and a monthly service plan ($34.99). "Phone" is probably a misnomer, though... at least as much as "cell phone" is a misnomer for the BlackBerry that's strapped to my waist. The device incorporates a 7" screen which allows the user to access a limited number of web-based applications, such as news, sports, and traffic information. It's also where users can manage their calendars and send and receive text messages from Verizon Wireless phones.Take a look at this picture:

And this is the primary advantage that the device offers over Vonage and Comcast. I can use a softphone client on my PC over my existing Comcast internet access, thereby combining all the advantages of a phone and a PC. But it requires that I fire up my machine whenever I want to make a call. The Verizon device is "always on" and always connected. It really becomes a much more convenient PC that is relatively unobtrusive. It's a PC you can fit in your kitchen, for instance.

There are distinct disadvantages with respect to Vonage & Comcast. Cost being the most prominent. But I suspect that's a temporary state of affairs. I would bet on Dell or Apple coming out with a competing device that's, at least in the case of Dell, more favorably priced. Keep an eye on this. It should be very interesting.

Read more at C-Net: Verizon Wireless launches new product

Google announces a profitable fourth quarter

Somehow, someway, Google was able to record a reasonable profit in 4Q2008. According to their press release:

“Google performed well in the fourth quarter, despite an increasingly difficult economic environment. Search query growth was strong, revenues were up in most verticals, and we successfully contained costs,” said Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google. “It's unclear how long the global downturn will last, but our focus remains on the long term, and we'll continue to invest in Google's core search and ads business as well as in strategic growth areas such as display, mobile, and enterprise.”

Other highlights of the announcement include:

• Total Revenue of $5.70 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008... an 18% increase over fourth quarter 2007 revenues.
• Operating income was $1.86 billion, or 33% of revenues, in the quarter.
• Net cash provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter of 2008 totaled $2.12 billion.

Today, the stock closed at $306.50, up $3.42, for a gain of 1.13%.

Even as the world economy struggled in the latter half of 2008, Google managed to post improvements over 2007. I know of no other company that was able to manage that feat. Their productive is no longer seen as a discretionary item. They are indispensable to businesses and consumers... at least for now. And that is the secret to success in any market!

Read the Press Release from Google.
Google Inc.: GOOG (NASDAQ)