Citrix Systems is extending its Presentation Server to manage access to virtual machines as well as traditional server-hosted user sessions. The move will allow organisations to consolidate more users into a centrally managed environment, Citrix said, including those whose roles currently require them to have their own PC.

Desktop Broker, to be unveiled at the Citrix iForum user conference in October, adds support for virtual machines to Presentation Server. It will enable users to be connected at login to either a traditional Citrix session or to a dedicated Windows XP virtual machine, depending on their user profile.

"Right now, you have one desktop for multiple users, mostly task-based workers such as call-centre operatives. But information professionals often need their own system," said Calvin Hsu, product marketing manager for Citrix.

With Desktop Broker, Citrix customers can move these users to virtual PCs hosted on centralised servers and provide access through the same Presentation Server infrastructure.

"It results in a higher [management] cost than with a shared desktop, but firms will still see some of the benefits from consolidation," said Hsu. Customers will be able to operate a mix of shared desktops and virtual machines, as they see fit.

Businesses are showing renewed interest in thin clients and server-based computing, according to Citrix, as they look for greater centralisation, and consolidation moves beyond applications to the entire desktop environment.

"The more you can consolidate and simplify management, the better. It's 'back to the future' for Citrix," he said. Licensing and availability of Desktop Broker will be disclosed at the Citrix iForum.