| Thin client server revitalizes old PCs |
Nov. 10, 2005
Frankfurt-based 2X Software Ltd. has released a new thin-client software suite that aims to simplify thin-client deployment and give new life to old PCs, by converting them into thin-client terminals. The client-side operating system is a "small footprint Linux-based OS," and the server-side software works on either Linux or Windows systems, the company said.
ThinClientServer can be used to convert old PCs to thin clients, supports "any" brand of thin-client device, and allows administrators to manage them all from a single management interface, 2X said. The server-side software also provides central management of users' connection settings.
"2X ThinClientServer protects companies against vendor lock-in and allows re-use of existing PC hardware," said 2X CEO Nick Galea. "Existing thin-client vendor management software is proprietary -- it only supports vendors' own thin clients whilst not allowing PCs to be converted to thin clients."
How 2X ThinClientServer works
2X ThinClientServer deploys a small footprint Linux-based OS to old PCs, new low-cost PCs, and to popular thin-client devices (HP, Neoware, Wyse, Maxspeed, and other). The thin client systems always boot the latest version of the OS from the ThinClientServer. Hardware and connection settings (resolution, logging, etc.) are retrieved from the server when the client logs on, making the thin clients easy to manage, the company said.
Users' connection settings -- Terminal Server name, type (RDP, Citrix ICA, or NX), screen resolution, etc. -- can be managed centrally via the Web-based management interface. There is no need to push out these connection settings to the thin client devices, because they are retrieved when the user logs on, 2X said.
According to the company, most thin-client management software can only configure connection settings based on the individual device. 2X ThinClientServer links connection settings to Active Directory/LDAP usernames, groups or OU's (organizational units). This reduces the administration involved with adding users and managing roaming users, the company added.
Key features, as listed by 2X:- Converts existing PCs to thin clients
- Thin clients can boot via PXE, CD ROM, floppy or hard disk
- Supports virtually all thin clients and computer hardware via advanced auto detection
- Supports local media and printers.
2X ThinClientServer is available for both Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, SUSE Enterprise Server 9.x, and Fedora 3/4) and Windows (2000, 2003 Server, XP) based servers.
Pricing and availability
Pricing starts from EUR 495 for managing up to 25 thin clients; EUR 950 for 50 thin clients and EUR 2995 for 250 thin clients. More information and a free trial version of the product are available here.
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