Q. I've heard the 2008 R2 SP1 RemoteFX feature will improve the graphical experience for my VDI environments. Where does rendering take place with this feature, on the client, the server, or both?

A. Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will introduce RemoteFX, which is a new technology based on the Calista Technologies acquisition. RemoteFX takes advantage of a GPU on the server to perform rendering of rich content such as Silverlight and DirectX. It then streams content to the client. Because the rendering is performed on the server, which means the user experience will be consistent no matter what type of device they're using—thin or fat client, the experience will be the same, with full Aero capabilities.

With rendering taking place on the server, you'll want good GPUs in the servers and may also have specific hardware devices just for the rendering (known as an ASICs). Virtual machines will see the enhanced graphics capabilities through an enhanced vGPU, allowing access to rich graphics capabilities.