which recently changed its name from Venturcom to Ardence.
Ardence 3.3, formerly called
BXP, is touted as an alternative to the client/server model. In the client/server model, client application software runs on a server, with only screen data sent to the client and keystrokes and mouse movements sent to the server, according to an Ardence
whitepaper. Consequently, the client/server approach requires high-performance servers, but uses minimal network bandwidth.
In contrast, the Ardence software-streaming approach uses the server only as a mass storage device, and streams both the operating system and applications to the client on demand. Applications execute on the client as though on an ordinary PC. This technique requires substantially higher network bandwidth, but gets by with fewer -- and less powerful -- servers, according to the whitepaper.
Ardence points out that software-streaming allows "full utilization of the client's processor, memory, and peripherals with maximum performance." In many scenarios it offers lower cost and higher performance than the client/server model, the company adds.
Ardence lists the following new features in version 3.3 of its software-streaming product:
- Enhanced Active Directory Support -- allows clients to adhere to more secure environments with stronger password support. Passwords are not directly stored in the database and a policy is set to automatically change passwords on a set number of days. Also offers support for multiple organization units within the active directory.
- Client Personality -- many applications require specific registry settings, environment variables and/or a file to ensure each client is unique on a network. Custom fields can be created and set within the Ardence database. A command-line utility then calls these variables and adjusts the registry setting, environment variable, or file.
- Watch Dog Service -- monitors Ardence Services. Detects errors or issues and restarts any service that goes down. This minimizes system downtime and outages.
Ardence 3.3 is available in three editions, described as follows:
- Device Edition -- for device-oriented applications, such as point-of-sale terminals and kiosks, using Windows XP Embedded
- Desktop Edition -- the fully functional client for Windows 2000 Professional and XP Professional desktops
- Server Edition -- Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 client
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