In a day of big releases (see our earlier news about Ubuntu 9.04), Version 1.0 of Ulteo Open Virtual Desktop was released today. Ulteo is a 
product built on open source technologies that allows an enterprise or smaller company run a Linux application server that holds both Linux and Windows based applications. The server can then be connected to from a normal PC's Java enabled web browser (such as Firefox or Internet Explorer) and it looks just like the individual is using their own PC, however they are connected to the terminal server running Ulteo.
product built on open source technologies that allows an enterprise or smaller company run a Linux application server that holds both Linux and Windows based applications. The server can then be connected to from a normal PC's Java enabled web browser (such as Firefox or Internet Explorer) and it looks just like the individual is using their own PC, however they are connected to the terminal server running Ulteo.Whilst in the background, the solution still sounds a bit 'gritty' with Terminal Services shooting off to offer up Windows Applications, and X libraries pushing out Linux Applications like OpenOffice, the end user's result seems fairly cohesive as you can see from the screenshot (right) and also the array of screenshots on the Ulteo website.
Having seen Ulteo grow up from something that looked promising, but quite immature to something that is worthy in the Enterprise in less than 18 months is laudable and is definitely worth a look at if you are thinking about saving serious cash on the next round of desktops and/or software for your workplace.
Founded by Linux veterans Gaël Duval (original founder of Mandrake Linux, now known as Mandriva) and Thierry Koehrlen (co-founder of www.intalio.com), Ulteo boasts the following blurb in today's release erratta of Ulteo 1.0:
Now organizations can deliver to their PC users either Windows or Linux applications or a mix of the two on the same user desktop via the Ulteo Open Virtual Desktop.
“Last year, when we launched our OVD for linux applications, many public and private organizations across the world contacted us to ask us when we would offer a solution for just Windows applications or for a combination of Windows and Linux”, says Thierry Koehrlen, CEO of Ulteo.
“So we have been developing this new solution and tested it with many organizations of all sizes. Today we release it as our V1 so that companies can leverage the best of all worlds. Since it is centrally managed, deployment is very fast and does not impact the client PC. Windows users can finally get Linux applications and those who migrated or planning to migrate to Linux can deliver the missing Windows applications back to the PC, all in a web browser.”Since Ulteo is Open Source, the OVD can be easily integrated both into existing infrastructure and with complementary solutions.
“For Windows applications, the Ulteo OVD runs on top of Windows Server Terminal Services. In addition, it is an ideal solution for server management, load balancing and monitoring Windows TS servers”, explains Gael Duval, CTO of Ulteo.
“But we also have requests to integrate the Ulteo OVD with commercial or Open Source portals, Enterprise Content Management, LDAP or Active Directory, etc. Since it is Open Source, these integrations are happening really fast."With no upfront licence fees, the Ulteo OVD is an ideal solution in a difficult economic environment.
The Ulteo solution is Open Source and free of charge but many organizations would like a commercial relationship with Ulteo. Now they can buy affordable annual enterprise subscription plans to get the same benefits as a commercial alternative. As a result, the ROI with Ulteo is better and faster than commercial products that come with upfront license fees.
Open Virtual Desktop 1.0 is now available for downloadat the Ulteo website.
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