UC
Regular readers of this blog know that I’ve spent a great deal of time discussing the challenges in implementing software-based UC applications featuring voice and video via thin-client desktop virtualization. The challenge comes from processing voice and video. Without local encapsulation, the thin client software must send raw voice and video across the WAN for encapsulation at the data center. This approach isn’t feasible due to bandwidth and latency concerns. Thus, the ideal solution is one that encapsulates voice/video locally. We’ve seen a number of solutions in recent months from vendors including Citrix, Logitech, Mitel, Siemens, and Wyse all designed to support local capture and encapsulation of voice/video.
With the introduction of VXI (Virtualization Experience Infrastructure), Cisco gets into the mix. VXI comes in two flavors: a backpack that attaches to 8900 and 9900 series phones and a stand-alone device. Both provide monitor and keyboard jacks that enable the VXI to support virtual desktop software from partners such as Citrix and VMware. In both cases, voice and video are handled outside the thin client application, either on the 8900/9900 phone or some other external device with the stand-alone VXI device.
With VXI Cisco doesn’t yet solve the problem of supporting voice/video on the thin-client itself–that comes in a future release previewed at last week’s Collaboration Summit. Still, Cisco’s effort is an interesting first step, one that positions Cisco’s VXI devices as a desktop alternative for companies wanting to leverage thin client desktops while still supporting voice and video over IP.
