If you weren't already aware, FlexPod is a huge success with desktop virtualization implementers.  This integrated infrastructure solution offers the scalability, performance and convenient infrastructure modularization that many look for when deploying virtual desktops.

It should be no surprise therefore that we're doing a lot of design optimization, testing and validation work based on FlexPod, especially in support of XenDesktop environments.  Case in point: our latest FlexPod Cisco Validated Design (CVD) focused on 2,000 seat mixed workload.

This configuration speaks closely to very typical environments our customers are implementing, involving a mixed delivery model approach leveraging both traditional VDI (Hosted Virtual Desktops / HVD) along with Hosted Shared Desktops based on XenApp.

What's exciting is the notable density and performance gains we've seen as this solution has evolved:

• We're now realizing a 25% increase in per blade desktop density (compared with previous generation processors)
• An overall greatly compacted footprint resulting in 2,000 users served out of 32RU
• The system is completely virtualized within ESXi 5.1: This includes Active Directory, Provisioning Servers, SQL Servers, XenDesktop Delivery Controllers, and XenDesktop RDS (XenApp) servers, all hosted as virtual machines

And maybe the biggest headline coming out of this effort: the boot-up and login performance:

• The 2000-user mixed hosted virtual desktop and hosted shared desktop environment booted and registered with the XenDesktop 7.1 Delivery Controllers inunder 15 minutes

I highly encourage you to check out Frank Anderson's blog here. He does an excellent job walking through the solution architecture, CVD methodology and key findings. You can also check out some great perspective from NetApp's Rob McDonald, and Citrix's Malathi Malla on the new CVD.

Want to hear first-hand how we put this solution together, and gain more insight into how it's raised the performance bar?  Don't miss our webcastwith featured presenters from Citrix, Cisco and NetApp. Our panel of experts includingMike Brennan (Cisco), Marcelo Brosig (Citrix) andCedric Courteix (NetApp)will guide you through our latest CVD, and you'll have a great opportunity to engage them with questions pertaining to your VDI project.

Join us for our Webcast: Cisco Validated Design: Citrix XenDesktop with FlexPod Data Center

• March 27th at 9 AM ET
• March 27th at 10 AM PT

For more info, including the CVD, featured case study, and solution brief, see below: