Virtualization of desktop PCs is still a young idea, but one with a bright future. And Global 2000 enterprises are leading the way, says new Forrester study. One appeal of virtualizing desktop PCs (having the PC run from a virtual desktop image in a back room, or running the OS, applications and data on top of an installed host OS) is clear, says a new Forrester Research survey of IT leaders. Despite years of work by vendors and IT departments, those PCs still take too much time and money to maintain. For some enterprises, security benefits arise from desktop virtualization, as well. But are many CIOs actually treading into the waters of desktop virtualization? Are they even considering dipping their toes? According to a mid-2007 Forrester survey of 565 IT leaders in North America and Europe, almost half (49 percent) say they are not interested in client virtualization technologies or are not aware of them. Some 18 percent say they’ve implemented client virtualization technologies already, while eight percent plan to do so within 12 months. The remaining 24 percent call themselves “interested.” What’s driving the interest in alternatives to traditional PCs? That’s no surprise: 52 percent say costs, 49 percent say security and 46 percent say manageability (patches, etc.), according to Forrester’s survey. “Global 2,000 enterprises are on the leading edge of alternative PC technology adoption,” writes Forrester Senior Analyst Natalie Lambert in the report. She says that these companies have the most motivation to walk away from traditional PCs: “large enterprises are in the most pain when it comes to managing and securing the PC environment—from both internal and external workers—and are therefore more willing to be early adopters in emerging technologies,” Lambert writes. Related content feature 4 remedies to avoid cloud app migration headaches The compelling benefits of using proprietary cloud-native services come at a price: vendor lock-in. Here are ways CIOs can effectively plan without getting stuck. By Robert Mitchell Nov 29, 2023 9 mins CIO Managed Service Providers Managed IT Services case study Steps Gerresheimer takes to transform its IT CIO Zafer Nalbant explains what the medical packaging manufacturer does to modernize its IT through AI, automation, and hybrid cloud. By Jens Dose Nov 29, 2023 6 mins CIO SAP ServiceNow feature Per Scholas redefines IT hiring by diversifying the IT talent pipeline What started as a technology reclamation nonprofit has since transformed into a robust, tuition-free training program that seeks to redefine how companies fill tech skills gaps with rising talent. By Sarah K. White Nov 29, 2023 11 mins Diversity and Inclusion Hiring news Saudi Arabia will host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh By Andrea Benito Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe