Welcome to the 2X Virtualization News, Quarterly Edition for the 4th Quarter, 2009. This edition covers items of interest for 2X end-users, including a features list for the 2X VDS Version 8, which is soon to be released, as well as the virtualization benefits realized by Teleflora, the largest floral delivery network in the US, by using their 2X solution. Also take note of this quarter’s special promotion offers. Thanks for your interest in 2X, and stay tuned for ongoing developments in future issues!

2X Software’s newest product, the VirtualDesktopServer Version 8.0, is soon to be released. The product will boast significant advantages to the Version 7 release, including the following:

• Managing Client Settings: administrators will now have the ability to monitor and control user settings directly from the management console, simplifying user settings changes.
• Zero-Management Thin Clients: any device can now be converted to a thin client, without any additional management controls – the device can be booted in PXE mode, allowing new hardware components to be detected automatically.
• Management of 2X SecureClientGateways: while in previous versions, administrators could only control a single 2X SecureClientGateway, and only if it was running on the same machine as the 2X PublishingAgent, VDS Version 8 will allow administrators to remotely install and manage multiple 2X SecureClientGateways.
• Windows CE Client: 2X VDS Version 8 will support devices running Windows CE, with virtually the same functionality as standard XP and Vista clients.
• TWAIN Redirection: 2X VDS Version 8 will also include TWAIN redirection, allowing any application using TWAIN technology to use hardware connected to the client device, making third-party scanning redirection solutions unnecessary (e.g., RemoteScan).

Stay tuned for more information regarding this upcoming release; contact sales@2x.com for further questions.

The 2X ApplicationServer was recently highlighted as the winner of VirtualizationAdmin.com’s Readers’ Choice Award for the Application Server category. The award decision was made using the results of a bi-monthly poll hosted on the VirtualizationAdmin.com site, in which users rated the 2X ApplicationServer above all other products in the Application Server group. The site’s manager, Sean Buttigieg, noted that since the site’s users are “specialists in their field who are knowledgeable of many workplace virtualization solutions,” the award demonstrates the increased recognition received by 2X’s robust product line. Please read the full press release here: 2X ApplicationServer Reader’s Choice Award.

Teleflora, the nation’s largest floral delivery network, recently detailed how their 2X solution has dramatically improved desktop reliability in their call centers, using the 2X ApplicationServer, along with the 2X ThinClientServer. According to Jeff Jones, System Architect at Teleflora, the company’s 2X solution has been able to “reduce desktop crashes by 99% from previous levels,” while simultaneously conserving the company’s IT budget through the dramatic cost savings associated with remote application publishing. Jeff calls his 2X solution a “diamond in the rough that fundamentally changed the way we do things,” and claims he’d be very comfortable expanding his cooperation with 2X in the future. Read the full case study here: Teleflora Case Study.

Two leading IT magazines, IT PRO and Network Computing, demonstrated high praise for the 2X VirtualDesktopServer in recent product reviews. IT PRO claimed the product was “easy to install and deploy, and fully capable of managing all virtual resources,” while Network Computing claimed that “after just a short time in our test lab, it was clear to us that the 2X VDS can make very light work of managing large numbers of virtual desktops.” Both groups ultimately cited the 2X VirtualDesktopServer’s ease of use as the factor placing the product ahead of its peers. To read the reviews in full, please visit the links below: To read the reviews in full, please visit the links below:

IT PRO review
Network Computing review

2X products were recently praised by CRN Senior Editor Joe Kovar in an article highlighting 2X’s addition to the CRN 2009 Emerging Vendors list. Kovar praises 2X for offering vendor-independent solutions, which can mesh with virtually any well-known virtualization platform, and the affordability of 2X solutions versus competitors. To read the article in full, please visit: CRN Emerging Vendors – 2X Software

Special Offer 1 – Has your 2X evaluation period been successful, and you’re ready to purchase? Purchase any 2X product before Oct. 31st, and receive one year of Upgrade Insurance for free! (Add the FREEYRUPIN promo code to your order)

Special Offer 2 – Are you a satisfied 2X customer and want to upgrade to the 2X ApplicationServer or 2X VirtualDesktopServer? 2X Capacity Upgrades are half price until December 31st! Contact sales@2x.com for specific upgrade questions, or to receive an order quote. (Add the PRODUPGRADE promo code to your order)

Special Offer 3 – Has your Upgrade Insurance expired, but you need to upgrade to the latest version of your 2X product? Renew your Upgrade Insurance and avoid a Version Upgrade charge, providing a savings of over 50%, until Dec. 31st! (Add the UPINVU promo code to your order).

To order, please contact your reseller, or to order directly, email us at orders@2x.com. 2X Software is always happy to answer your product questions directly. To receive a reseller recommendation for individualized product solutions, please contact us at partners@2x.com. To see our product pricing information, please visit: 2X Product Pricing. Take advantage of our limited time offers today!

For questions or concerns, please contact Sales or Support below; for quick technical help, please consult the 2X Forums.

• 2X VirtualDesktopServer v. 8.0
• 2X ApplicationServer Wins VirtualizationAdmin.com’s Readers’ Choice Award
• Teleflora Trusts 2X for Call Center Reliability
• Leading IT Magazines Praise 2X VirtualDesktopServer
• CRN Magazine Highlights 2X Product Line
• Promotions