Citrix Systems today announced a new solution that will help transform traditional enterprise data center into a cloud-based virtual data center which supports on-demand delivery of IT service. 

Combining Citrix NetScaler VPX web application delivery software and HP's 5400zl and 8200zl switch series, IT organizations can turn networking into a virtualized data center service by embedding application-layer intelligence and control more deeply into the networking fabric. The combined solution enables customers to converge two core data center capabilities, LAN switching and L4-7 load balancing into a single device to help lower operational costs, increase application availability and speed performance.

"Best practices in data center design dictate incorporating application delivery in order to create a resilient, business-focused data center. By expanding the deployment options to include HP switching, Citrix gives customers the flexibility to deploy its NetScaler VPX technology strategically throughout the enterprise," said Cindy Borovick, vice president, enterprise communications infrastructure and data center nNetworks, IDC.

"The open architecture of the HP Network Solution enables the integration of Citrix NetScaler VPX directly within the switch," said Mike Banic, vice president of marketing, HP networking. "This provides customers with a converged infrastructure for the data center that intelligently balances traffic workloads and improves the overall experience for the application users in branch offices and in remote locations."

"As the only load balancing solution certified to integrate with HP 5400zl and 8200zl switches, Citrix is truly bringing something new to the marketplace," said Klaus Oestermann, group vice president and general manager, networking and cloud product group, Citrix. "We are excited to work with HP to provide our joint customers with the confidence to design and implement next-generation virtual data centers."