Flex-IO, IO/s Accelerator for VDI, Available From Liquidware

Liquidware Labs, Inc., in desktop transformation software solutions, announced the Flex-IO, a software that addresses two challenges in virtual desktop deployments: IO/s bottlenecks and latency.

It accelerates storage IO/s by an average of 25,000 available IO/s or roughly 40X per virtual desktop host.

Latency is also often also cited as an industry issue when using spinning disks or slow storage for virtual desktops. Flex-IO decreases latency by up to 75%. Boosting IO/s 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 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 solution that runs on VMware ESX/ESXi Server, including VMware Horizon View and Citrix XenDesktop.

“Limited IO/s 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, Liquidware. “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 IO/s.”

Flex-IO adds value beyond other products on the market
with the following benefits including:

Optimization of both read and write IO/s – 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 solution (recommended 32GB per 100 users)
Install in minutes, even on a live VDI host
Eliminates the time-consuming logistics of sourcing, comparing and provisioning of VDI storage
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 and operations, 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 IO/s and latency performance boost it provides for an affordable price. That, coupled with our trust in Liquidware Labs, made Flex-IO an easy decision.”

Flex-IO enters the IO/s acceleration market at listed price of $3,000 per host (North American pricing only). Average VDI deployments in the industry often have 100 users or more per host – making Flex-IO come in at a very affordable performance boost per user. However, until January 31, 2014, limited time introductory pricing will offer customers a better value.

Flex-IO is available worldwide for download and trial now.

Read also:
Liquidware Labs Unveils FlexDisk and Flex-IO Technologies
For non-persistent virtual desktops