Liquidware Labs, the leader in desktop transformation software solutions, today announced the introduction of  Flex-IO,  new software  that addresses two key challenges  in virtual desktop deployments – IOPS bottlenecks and latency.  Flex-IO accelerates storage IOPS by an average of 25,000 available IOPS or roughly 40X per virtual desktop host. 

Latency is also often cited as an industry issue when using spinning disks or slow storage for virtual desktops. Flex-IO decreases latency by up to 75%. Boosting IOPS 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 and easy 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. Flex-IO can be implemented in minutes compared to the time-intensive, complex, and high costs associated with implementing storage hardware. Flex-IO supports any VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) solution that runs on VMware ESX/ESXi Server, including VMware Horizon View and Citrix XenDesktop.

“Limited IOPS 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 of Liquidware Labs. “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 IOPS.”

Flex-IO adds value beyond any other competing product on the market with the following benefits including:

• Optimization of both Read and Write IOPS – 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 solutions (recommended 32GB per 100 users)
• Easy to install in minutes, even on a live VDI host
• Eliminates the time-consuming logistics of sourcing, comparing and provisioning of VDI storage
• Extremely 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 & Operations for 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 IOPS 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 IOPS acceleration market at an affordable price, and will list at only USD $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 an even better, extreme value.

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