Neoware says its Image Manager allows users to run Windows XP Embedded or Professional on thin clients without Flash chips -- one of the most costly components of a thin client, the company says, and one that often limits the usable lifespan of thin-client devices.
According to Neoware, Image Manager can be used to stream a single software image containing OS, hardware drivers, and applications to any PC or thin client, regardless of configuration. Users are able to save configuration and setting data, but their changes are stored centrally. The company says this approach is more secure, allowing administrators to eliminate unauthorized changes to local desktops.
A Gartner principal analyst, Federica Troni, said, "By deploying operating systems and applications to a personal computer or thin client on demand, enterprises can enhance security and manageability."
Neoware did not immediately confirm whether its Image Manager uses
ATA-over-Ethernet (AoE),
iSCSI,
HyperSCSI, or another remote storage protocol.
Neoware was named the
eigth-fastest growing US company by
Fortune Magazine last summer, and last fall acquired an IBM mainframe and midrange systems terminal business.
AvailabilityNeoware says it plans to bundle Image Manager with a Flash-free client, and a robust version of Windows XP Embedded, priced at $399. Image Manager will also be available standalone, priced at $89 to $189 per user, depending on usage, the company says.
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