Citrix aims to bring Windows 7 to Apple iPad
Multitasking via virtualisation for iPad
By David Coursey PCWorld.com | PC World | Published: 12:15, 01 February 2010
Citrix is set to provide a way to use Windows 7 on the iPad, meaning that users will able to multi-task applications - a feature that is lacking on Apple's device.
Promised to be ready when the tablet computer ships in March, Citrix says the new software, based on the current iPhone version of its Citrix Receiver software, is a response to questions about how the iPad might find a home in the enterprise.
"If your company has XenDesktop or XenApp you will be happy to know you will be able to use your iPad for real work as well," wrote Citrix Vice President Chris Fleck in a company blog.
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"It turns out the 9.7 inch display on the iPad with a 1024x768 screen resolution works great for a full VDI XenDesktop. Windows applications run unmodified and securely in the data centre, and even multiple applications at once."
Citrix said the iPad's larger screen solves many of the challenges users' faced because of when using the iPhone with a virtualised Windows desktop.
"The iPhone restrictions of screen size and small keyboards are overcome with the iPad. The iPad looks to be an ideal end-point device that can empower users to be productive wherever they are and IT will be able to safely deliver company-hosted virtual desktops and apps without worry," Fleck wrote.
While it might be interesting to add iPads to a company's enterprise environment, Fleck admitted the new Receiver software might also be a way for customers to justify the purchase of tablets that employees will buy anyway.
"Let us know how you're going to put it to work," Fleck writes, concluding his post, "Even it's just to rationalise buying another gadget."
The iPad isn't likely to be perfect for many business apps, besides presentations, but companies already supporting virtualised desktops many find applications and users that make sense for Apple's new tablet.
