IBM has added another solution to its Solutions for Smart Business portfolio, the Virtual Desktop for Small Business. The IBM (News - Alert) Virtual Desktop solution, priced at $150 per user on a one year contract, is offered as a pre-integrated, ready-to-run software package. More than 100 IBM Business Partners are actively involved in the early Adopter program.

IBM Virtual Desktop for Smart Business is a complete end-to-end desktop management solution and has been designed to lower the barriers of cost, complexity, and coverage, which have been traditionally associated with virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technology. Utilizing the Virtual Enterprise Remote Desktop Environment (VERDE) from Virtual Bridges, the installed solution will allow access to a personal PC desktop from anywhere, using any device. The IBM Virtual Desktop has self-configuring, self-managing and self-protecting features which will enable organizations to adopt easily through installation and management, as well as continuous backup and recovery.

The IBM Virtual Desktop for Smart Business utilizes open architecture to provide flexibility and choice by supporting virtual Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux Ubuntu, Red Hat (News - Alert), Novell desktops, and a variety of storage, directory, peripherals, and remote display protocols. The virtual Windows or Linux desktops, which are running on a server, can be accessed from a variety of end user devices such as iPads, thin clients, old desktops, netbooks, and laptops.

IBM Virtual Desktop will be delivered primarily through IBM Business Partners. The IBM Business Partners will provide local consulting, networking and software infrastructure skills which will ensure smooth installation. Once the installation is complete, the IBM Business Partners will be active in providing feedback and preparing to use the program to tap into the growing demand for desktop virtualization solutions.

In a release, Dan Cerutti, general manager of IBM Smart Business, said that, "As IBM's latest smarter work offering, the Virtual Desktop expands the time and place where people can access information, contribute ideas and support customers. Together with our partners, we're bringing the power of virtual computing to smaller companies seeking greater agility while freeing up critical IT resources."