Wyse previewed Project Pyramid earlier this year, saying it would bring "unprecedented simplicity to the management of virtual desktops."The company promised at the time that the software would enable it to deliver a complete "self-configuring" line of thin clients, including those running Windows Embedded Standard 7, Wyse-enhanced SUSE Linux, or Wyse's own ThinOS.

Now known as Wyse Configuration Manager (WCM), the technology is apparently still slated for Linux-, ThinOS-, and Wyse Zero-based thin clients --  but it's being offered first on devices running Windows Embedded Standard 7, such as the Z90 pictured at right. (Announced in January, the device uses two of AMD's embedded-specific G-Series processors: either the single-core, 1.5GHz T52R or the dual-core, 1.6GHz T56N.)

A Wyse Configuration Manager (WCM) product page touted by the company was not live at the time of writing, so we have relatively few specifics on the technology, which is said to be protected by multiple patents. However, it's said WCM will allow customers to deploy thin clients automatically, in quantities ranging from just a few to tens of thousands, the company claims.

Wyse says thin clients may be stationary, mobile, office or home-based. On startup, user logon, or whenever instructed by Wyse management software, they'll automatically be updated to the latest firmware and desired configuration, according to the company. On Windows-based devices, Microsoft's write-filtering technology provides an extra measure of security, the company adds.

According to Wyse, WCM will help an organization lower their IT costs by creating one Windows Embedded Standard 7 image for an entire company. It's claimed each user can have a different configuration without IT having to create custom images -- with updated settings such as VDI connections (RDP, Citrix ICA, VMware View) -- for each endpoint.

Wyse also announced Wyse Feature Release 2 (WFR2) enhancements for its Windows Embedded Standard 7-based thin clients, which include not only the Z-90 pictured earlier but also the recently announced X90m7 mobile device shown at right. In addition to improved management capabilities via WCM, WFR2 is said to deliver image size reductions (claimed to result in a longer lifespan), plus enhanced configuration capabilities such as: self-provisioning, provisioning via USB, secure provisioning for mobile users, and state-based provisioning.

Further information

According to Wyse, WCM 1.0 and WFR2 are now available for its Windows Embedded Standard 7 thin clients, and will be available later this year for those running Windows Embedded Standard 2009. A release schedule for SuSE Linux, ThinOS, or Wyse Zero was not provided.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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