Virtualizing the Last Mile

The last mile of virtualization has multiple dimensions, based on where you are going with virtualization. When you ask about the last mile of virtualization—about what it will take to get to 100% virtualized either within your data center or within a cloud (hybrid, public, or private)—the “it depends” answer is the one you will …

Downstream Impact of Microsoft Licensing Changes for VDI

On Monday, Microsoft announced some changes to licensing with respect to VDI, as described in yesterday’s article, Microsoft Changes Windows Licensing. Although Microsoft licensing has always been somewhat complex and difficult to understand, this change is a step forward in terms of simplification. Further, the announcement certainly was good news for enterprises that use VDI, …

Microsoft Changes Windows Licensing

…or “Yaw’ll run and git your shotguns, ’cause those pigs are a-flyin!” Mark November 3, 2014, in your calendar as a red-letter day and living proof that leopards can change their spots. On this day, Microsoft changed the terms of Windows licensing for its flagship desktop operating system, Windows Enterprise. In an update to the …

Cloud Dependency: Automated Upgrades

In my last cloud dependency article, I reviewed the need for ubiquitous networking. In this article, I look at the need for automated upgrades. I do not mean the need for automation in general, but specifically the need to automate any upgrade or update behavior. There are two sides to every cloud story: what the …