| Windows XPe thin clients gain virtualization support |
Dec. 04, 2007
 Igel Technology has updated its Windows XP Embedded-based thin client firmware, adding thin client virtualization support. The new release adds compatibility with WMWare's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and VDI management software from Leostream, along with support for Microsoft's latest Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) release.
Like other virtualization technologies, VDI divides the host's physical resources -- memory, storage, processor cycles, etc -- into multiple virtual machines (VMs). With VDI, though, VMs are remotely accessible via the network (see figure below). The approach aims to make thin clients work more like desktop PCs, while still preserving some thin client advantages, such as centralized administration.
VMware VDI typical use
(Source: VMware. Click to enlarge)
Igel has supported VDI in its Linux-based thin clients since July. Also tested in Linux clients, but new to Igel Windows clients, is optional integration with the Leostream Connection Broker.
Leostream connection broker
(Source: Leostream)
The Broker is said to help manage "pools" of VMware desktops by offering a single sign-on agent that hides the complexities of VM assignment, connection, and re-allocation. Leostream says Connection Broker allows three different allocation models for hosted desktops: many users sharing a limited pool of desktops; each user getting an assigned desktop; or a user getting the option to connect to one or more desktops. Protocols supported by Leostream include RDP 5.0 and 6.0, Citrix's ICA, VNC (UltraVNC, TightVNC, and RealVNC), RAdmin, and VMware Remote Viewer.
The new firmware is also said to include support for the latest version of Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol, RDP 6.0. Touted RDP 6.0 features include resource redirection for a broad variety of plug and play devices, support for spanning a single remote session across multiple displays, and both font smoothing and 32-bit color, according to Igel.
Igel says the new firmware also helps users by intelligently placing application windows automatically in one of the four displays on the company's PanaVeo thin client (shown above). This is said to make using a multi-screen Windows desktop very fast and easy for people such as financial traders.
The new firmware also enhances security with the option of disabling specific USB devices in any supported IGEL XPe device, either via a local setup manager or remotely via the IGEL Remote Management Suite, according to the company. Drastically reducing the risk of data theft from a network, this feature involves a simple mouse click with no scripting, IGEL says.
Stephen Yeo, worldwide strategic marketing director for IGEL Technology, said, "All of our 20 thin client models allow access to virtual PCs using VMware's VDI standard. IGEL now offers the broadest range of VDI-compatible thin clients from a single manufacturer."
The new firmware is freely downloadable from the IGEL Web site, here.
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