Compaq BL10e - HP ProLiant - 512 MB RAM Hardware Manual page 3

Figure 1. XenDesktop overview
Although desktops are virtual and actually running on remote servers, the user experience is
equivalent to that of a local Windows desktop. From a user's perspective, logging on to a virtual
desktop is the same as logging on to a local one. Using of Microsoft Active Directory allows users to
enter their credentials once and be connected to their desktops.
As shown in Figure 2, XenDesktop dynamically assembles virtual desktops, enabled through the
separation of the operating system, applications, and user settings, thereby simplifying endpoint
management. XenDesktop also allows administrators to manage virtual desktop connections and
assign users to dedicated or pooled virtual desktops. Using endpoints that support XenDesktop, such
as thin clients, eliminates the need for local hard drives and allows the bulk of the processing to occur
in the data center. Along with server and data center consolidation, this can lead to higher utilization,
and greater consolidation and centralization, resulting in increased security, more efficient computing,
reduced power consumption, and lower cooling costs.
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