File Virtualization

Both Windows XP and Vista, along with Apple OSX, include integrated protocols for remote desktop connection. For business travelers, as well as those who need technical support, providing remote access to your PC can help to alleviate the problems that come with using multiple computers. As we shift toward a cloud-computing model, however, the idea of isolated physical machines is shifting towards a new model of data accessibility, increasing the need for enhanced security for remote connections.

On a simple level, you can enable your OS to allow for remote connections from a specified IP address or by way of a unique login, to allow you (or a trusted 3rd party) to have remote access to your desktop. A number of dedicated programs such as GoToMyPC and WebEx allow you to further filter these levels of access, so that you can, for example, provide yourself with complete access to your PC while giving technical support access only to certain functions (or folders.) These programs utilize the same basic technology as screen-sharing, and, in fact, they offer that capability, but also allow for variable interaction. Look for a program that provides a high level of encryption to ensure that any data transmissions are protected as well.

Security concerns should be paramount for those who need remote access, as you’ll have to make sure that nobody can gain unauthorized access to your machine files. In order to properly secure your machine, limit access to certain (approved) IP addresses and use difficult to guess passwords (also, never write down or save your passwords where they can be easily recovered.) Further, you’ll want to disable remote access outside of times when you need to establish a remote connections to limit your PC’s vulnerability.

For site publishers who are looking to move beyond shared hosting, but aren’t quite ready for the level of financial and technical commitment that comes with operating a dedicated box, a Virtual Private Server may be the ideal solution. VPS hosting allows you to have many of the same privacy and SEO benefits of a dedicated server (your own space, IP address and re-seller accounts) while simplifying the server administration process.

In general, most Linux-based VPS packages run on Web Host Manager, which is a multi-site version of cPanel server administration software. As a result, managing a series of sites on a WHM-based VPS is not much more difficult than cPanel itself and requires little to no command-line knowledge. Some users may opt for a Windows-based VPS, which provides the same benefits (and drawbacks) as a standard Microsoft server in a shared environment.

From a technical perspective, you are, essentially, operating a partition of a server with a few other users – while shared hosting usually places hundreds of users on the same server, a VPS is generally shared between a smaller number of users who have access to greater amounts of bandwidth, storage and options than a traditional low-cost hosting package. Make sure to look for a VPS package that includes 24/7 support, especially if you lack an internal server administrator, so that you can keep your sites up and running at all times. Many hosting companies allow easy migration from a VPS to a dedication server, allowing you to grow your network over time more easily.

As OSX becomes increasingly popular, many PC users have been adopting Apple products, especially as the company releases innovative new laptops such as the MacBook Air. As a result of the shift, however, many former PC users find that some of their programs (and files) don’t yet operate natively on OSX. As a result, there are a number of virtual options to run Windows on your Mac:

Boot Camp
This Apple-produced software allows you to run Windows on your Macintosh OSX-based computer with a disk restart. The primary advantage of Boot Camp is that your machine will be dedicated to your Windows Apps; however, the software does not allow you to run XP or Vista in conjunction with OSX as the following virtual applications do.

VMWare Fusion
Designed for home and business use, Fusion allows you to run Windows and OSX simultaneously, either on the same monitor or separated across different screens. With integrated support for multi-tasking, you can easily switch between operating systems, and can even utilize built in Windows features such as DirectX graphics support.

Parallels Desktop
The leading Windows virtualization products, Parallels is on its fourth generation product, and is the software of choice for home or enterprise-level users. Designed for optimal speed, the software provides seamless integration along with advanced security features that help protect your virtual installation. With easy installation, energy efficient management, as well as support for a wide variety of hardware formats, include the iPhone, over a million worldwide users rely on Parallels.

Apple and Microsoft have traditionally been akin to oil and water: it has taken a virtual miracle to finally get Macs to run Windows, while Apple has gladly moved into the PC turf by releasing Safari and iTunes to PC users. In the next stage of the Operating Systems wars, the real question is which mobile OS will win out, iPhone or Windows Mobile?

Well, this entire argument is about to become obsolete now that the Citrix Receiver allows for virtualization of Windows-based applications on the iPhone. It remains to be seen what Apple’s response to the software will be, but, in reality, there is little to nothing they can actually do about it (developers can certainly find a work around to any attempt to block or patch it.) The main reason the system will hold up is that’s it’s not a native iPhone App, but, rather, utilizes a connection to the Xen App framework, which means that web connections are possible (so, unless Apple wants to censor browsing, Windows apps are on the way.)

Many users have been worried about the potential conflicting operating systems as mobile and desktop products converge; while many PC users opted for an iPhone, they found it difficult to transmit many of their data sources (Excel spreadsheets for example) to their mobile storage. If Citrix succeeds in creating a virtual Windows platform, which surely can be extended to Android and other platforms, then consumers may end up having an open choice between competing mobile platforms.

Back in May, Hewlett Packard agreed to acquire Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for nearly $14 billion. Enabling HP to catch up quickly with IBM in virtual computing represented key element in the transaction, the company has been quick to expand its offerings in the area.

As pure hardware solutions become a commodity business, HP recognizes that its primary advantage is in providing implementation consulting, especially for firms who are looking to scale large systems. HP has developed a number of business automation tools which run directly on server platforms, enabling them to compete with the likes of SAP, as well. While the company had traditionally been at a cost disadvantage to more focused firms such as IBM (at least since IBM shed their hardware division earlier this decade by way of Lenovo), their foray into virtual computing has enabled them to work with open-source vendors to create cost-effective solutions for corporate environments.

Just a few months ago, the company announced an entire suite of enterprise level server solutions that are directly aimed at the growing virtual IT market. As part of these efforts, the company has launched a series of thin client desktops which are designed as virtual terminals, lowering hardware costs, as well as allowing for improved licensing rates with software vendors (since contracts can be configured on demand.) While a number of firms continue to compete for ground in the space, HP has entered into a long-term alliance with VMWare to provide integrated solutions to corporate clients, leaving Citrix and Microsoft to pair up in what should be the next big growth phase for IT.