Rarely does OPT focus on specific technologies, but after multiple discussions with CEOs whose outsourcers are recommending desktop virtualization, I thought it might be a useful case example of technology hype curves. Gartner Group largely coined the term “hype cycle”, defining the cycle with five phases: 1) Technology Trigger; 2) Peak of Inflated Expectations; 3) Trough of Disillusionment; 4) Slope of Enlightenment; and 5) Plateau of Productivity. Fairly self-explanatory, yes?

Desktop virtualization means that the “PC” at someone’s desk is really just a shell that links to servers. Even standard applications like Microsoft Office are run from the server. The same technology applies to laptops, which then require a wireless card or network connection to function.

Why does desktop virtualization fall into the hype category and why should you care? The earlier the technology is in the hype cycle, the greater the risk to implementing and supporting the technology, and ultimately to obtaining business value for the expenditure.

As of July 2009, Gartner expects mainstream adoption of the technology in 2 to 5 years, and lists it in the Trough of Disillusionment phase. I would argue for Peak of Inflated Expectations in the Midwest – we haven’t seen enough full scale adopters to get disillusioned.

Desktop virtualization’s promise:

• Much lower desktop support, hardware and software costs. The actually device is much cheaper and the expectation is that the time between replacements will be longer. Because there are no applications that run locally, some desktop software licenses like anti-virus can be eliminated entirely. Because the applications run off a central server, the device does not have the typical issues associated with a PC that require help desk support – there is no disk management, no desktop operating system issues and no virus management.
• Simple software updates. Many applications still require updates to each PC, whether they are Microsoft XP patches or new versions of software, from Acrobat to custom created applications used by your organization. Because applications are now run centrally, they are very fast to update and the issues of being on different versions are eliminated..
• Business continuity. Now, PCs at home can be used to access the servers. The virtualization takes over the PC and is immune to issues like viruses that have traditionally resulted in the prohibition of home PCs accessing the corporate network. Have you bought laptops for people just so they can work from home? This technology reduces the need for laptops for home users and also potentially reduces the need for special office space in a business continuity plan.

The challenges that come from being early in the hype curve:

For Challenges and Recommendations, Read More >>>

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Pettit Rusick.

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