If you have an interest in VDI then you will be interested in Flex-IO from Liquidware Labs.

 

Flex-IO is new software that addresses two key challenges in virtual desktop deployments – IOPS bottlenecks and latency. It accelerates storage IOPS by an average of 25,000 available IOPS or roughly 40X per virtual desktop host.

 

Latency is also often cited as an industry issue when using spinning disks or slow storage for virtual desktops. It decreases latency by up to 75%. Boosting IOPS while decreasing latency enhances the overall end-user experience of virtual desktops to a performance level that is often faster than physical desktops.

 

Flex-IO installs as a virtual storage appliance and is simple and easy to administer from a central web-based management console. The software-based solution leverages existing storage and a nominal amount of host RAM to provision and host non-persistent virtual desktops. It can be implemented in minutes compared to the time-intensive, complex, and high costs associated with implementing storage hardware. Flex-IO supports any VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) solution that runs on VMware ESX/ESXi Server, including VMware Horizon View and Citrix XenDesktop.

 

Limited IOPS and latency on slow storage, such as spinning disks, has continued to slow down widespread adoption of VDI because customers demand high performance at a price that is comparable with physical desktops,” said Jason Mattox, CTO of Liquidware Labs. “Flex-IO solves the price/performance equation for customers with an easy-to-deploy virtual storage appliance that leverages investments in existing storage while optimizing available Read and Write IOPS.

 

Flex-IO adds value beyond any other competing product on the market with the following benefits including:

 

  • Optimization of both Read and Write IOPS – an average boost of 25,000 per host
  • Reduced latency – up to 75%
  • Reduces the number of network hops by centralizing storage on VDI hosts
  • Optimization of any host storage medium including iSCSI devices
  • RAM requirements are approximately 1/3 of other solutions (recommended 32GB per 100 users)
  • Easy to install in minutes, even on a live VDI host
  • Eliminates the time-consuming logistics of sourcing, comparing and provisioning of VDI storage
  • Extremely competitive pricing – one of the lowest entry points on the market

 

We’ve been looking for a cost-effective solution to increase performance of our non-persistent virtual desktops,” said James Gordon, Technology & Operations for Needham Bank. “We’ve been a satisfied customer of ProfileUnity User Management from Liquidware Labs. When we were introduced to Flex-IO we were impressed with the IOPS and latency performance boost it provides for an affordable price. That, coupled with our trust in Liquidware Labs, made Flex-IO an easy decision.

 

With an RRP of just NZ$3,700 (plus GST) per host, including 12 months maintenance and support, Flex-IO makes IOPS acceleration affordable.

 

Flex-IO is available for download and trial now. Visit www.LiquidwareLabs.com for more information

 

Paul Leslie – Business Development Manager

 

Flex IO