Enterprises gained new support options for virtual desktops this week as VMware announced professional services to help firms implement its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) model, while Citrix unveiled plans to link its traditional application delivery framework to its XenDesktop technology.

VMware is expanding its professional services organisation to support VDI as well as server virtualisation. Customers will be able to get consulting and deployment assistance from VMware itself, or through a VMware partner, the firm said.

For companies new to desktop virtualisation, VMware is offering VDI Jumpstart to train staff on how to set up its desktop virtualisation technology, while its Plan and Design scheme is for customers taking desktop virtualisation to the next level.

“Plan and Design is a bit more sophisticated, for people that already have a pilot up and running. It’s about training people and building out the infrastructure and is more tailored and customer-specific,” said Tommy Armstrong, VMware’s senior product marketing manager in Europe. The new service offerings are available now.

Meanwhile, a new certification scheme aims to give customers a wider choice of user console devices. Thin client vendors including Wyse, HP and Igel will certify their own kit for VDI compatibility, with a list of models available from VMware.

Sun has also joined the list, as VMware announced that VDI is now compatible with Sun Ray client devices. Sun claimed the Appliance Link Protocol used in its Sun Ray devices offers better performance than other remote desktop protocols when used over a WAN connection.

Citrix unveiled a similar scheme at its Synergy event in Texas. Its Desktop Appliance Partner Programme certifies devices for the firm’s XenDesktop virtualisation suite, which was made available at the show.

HP, Wyse and Igel are among the vendors supporting the Citrix scheme, which will see them integrate Citrix Desktop Receiver into their devices. This is a new lightweight software client designed to link to XenDesktop, and will also be available in a version for Windows PCs.

Desktop Receiver is part of an expanded Citrix Delivery Center suite, which brings together virtual desktops with Citrix’s traditional application delivery mechanisms. This new line-up includes Citrix Branch Repeater, an appliance designed to streamline application access for remote offices.