14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 7 fans will be able to pick up an iPad when it’s released in March and get some “real work” done, according to NeoWin citing Citrix, a software engineer company. Users will be able to run Windows 7 on the device itself, although only virtually, according to Citrix.
“No doubt you have heard about the iPad by now and you may be already pondering whether or not you will be buying one,” Chris Fleck writes over at the Citrix community blog. “Chances are you have a Laptop or PC and a Smartphone already so you need to rationalize how you will use it beyond e-books and browsing. Well 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,” Fleck reveals, referring to the ability to run the Windows operating system.
However, in order to access your Windows 7 computer on the iPad’s screen, a Citrix Receiver software will be required. It currently works with the iPhone and iPod, allowing users to virtually connect to Windows directly from the device. Considering the similarities between the iPhone OS versions employed by all three devices (iPhone, iPod touch and iPad), Citrix is just steps away from meeting its goals.
“It turns out the 9.7 inch display on the iPad with a 1024x768 screen resolution works great for a full VDI XenDesktop,” Fleck explains. “Windows applications run unmodified and securely in the data center, and even multiple applications at once. The advancements that were made for the Citrix Receiver for iPhone will carry over to the iPad, however the iPhone restrictions of screen size and small keyboards are overcome with the iPad. It's a beautiful thing! The iPad looks to be an ideal end point device that can empower users to be productive whereever they are and IT will be able to safely deliver company hosted virtual desktops and apps without worry.”
“So tell us if you want Citrix Receiver for the iPad and let us know how you're going to put it to work (even it's just to rationalize buying another gadget),” Fleck concludes.