Virtualization has become a significant IT trend in recent years. Traditionally used with servers and storage to help consolidate and improve utilization, virtualization is a key tool for optimal deployment of computing resources. By consolidating workloads from several smaller servers onto a single larger server, organizations can contain costs, streamline administration, and increase efficiency. Desktop virtualization functions similarly to server virtualization and is rapidly becoming a popular solution that can offer compelling benefits for those faced with the challenges of managing corporate desktop environments. In order to be successful, however, the virtualization servers used as part of a virtual desktop solution require scalability, balanced system design, and sufficient power and performance to support a large number of virtual machines.

Along with Sun hardware, Sun™ Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Software addresses the need for suitable performance and power. Sun Fire™ X4450 servers based on Intel® Xeon® processors are engineered with the balanced system design, power, and scalability that is required for virtual desktop solutions. This white paper discusses running virtualized desktops on Sun Fire X4450 servers as part of a virtualization solution, and details a testing effort performed by an independent firm to determine the maximum capacity, performance, and scalability of Sun Fire X4450 servers running in a virtual desktop environment.