Thin Clients in Actual Practice:

Efficient and Flexible

Provisioning of Virtual Desktops

2/11

There’s no question about it, thin client comput-

ing is gaining ground. However, the amount of

money that can actually be saved with a thin

client solution depends upon two key factors:

the management software and a well-matched

combination of hardware and software.

Server-based computing, virtual desktops and cloud com-

puting – all of these technologies for economical provisioning

of business applications have one thing in common: They all

work most effi ciently in combination with thin clients. Since the

1990‘s the demand for these low-maintenance, energy-saving

end-user devices that offer the advantage of easy, centralized

administration has continued to increase. The prices for entry-

level models have continued to drop and have now reached a

point where they are at least 50% cheaper than the purchase

price of a typical workstation PC. But watch out! The product

concepts and designs from different thin client manufacturers

vary greatly, which is precisely why price itself should not be the

sole factor in selecting a device. Instead, the selection should

be based on overall cost effectiveness. After all, what we are

really talking about here is nothing less than achieving a fun-

damental standardization of your workstation environment and

sustained reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for

your desktop units.

Firmware: More Deployment OptionsThe extent of the deployment options for modern thin clients

depends greatly on the types of centralized IT infrastructures

that they can access. This ability to communicate with the

“home base” depends, in turn, on the fi rmware and operating

system in use. Software tools, software clients and protocols

have long allowed far more than mere access to conventional

terminal servers running Citrix XenApp™, Linux or Microsoft®

Windows Server™.

Nowadays, comprehensive, full-service fi rmware packages

enable direct access to the Internet, multimedia content and

virtual desktops. At the same time, thin clients can also be used

as host terminals or to access SAP servers by means of an inte-

grated GUI, making middleware unnecessary. Other examples

of helpful software tools are an integrated thin-print client or a

VoIP client for implementing IP telephony using a thin client and

a USB headset.

Current Trendsetters: Cloud Computing and Virtual DesktopsThose who are interested in the relatively new methods of pro-

visioning applications, cloud computing and desktop virtualiza-

tion, should also be sure to take a close look at the capabilities

of the fi rmware offered by their prospective device providers.

For direct access to Internet applications, an integrated brows-

er including a Java environment is recommended. Otherwise,

these considerable data streams would have to run through

the terminal servers, hogging broadband capacity and, in the

worst-case scenario, even endangering business continu-

ity. To permit direct access to virtual desktops, a thin client

must defi nitely support a suitable virtualization solution, such

as VMware View™, Citrix XenDesktop™ or the Microsoft® VDI

Suite. Furthermore, those who do not want to lock themselves

into a specifi c virtualization solution up front should make sure

that the thin client model that they choose is capable of using

several connection brokers to access diverse virtualization solu-

tions. For instance, many of the Universal Desktop models from

IGEL feature this capability, which is certifi ed by both VMware

and Citrix and offers a higher degree of fl exibility for the future

(future-ready investment). Another benefi t is what is called “vir-

tual appliance mode.” With it, after the thin client is switched on

the familiar logon screen already known from a Windows® PC

is displayed. In this case, the logon is part of a virtual desktop.

Hardware: Performance and InterfacesThe hardware specifi cations, including physical ports and inter-

faces, are also a key factor in selecting a thin client. To safe-

guard the future applicability of this equipment investment, a thin

client should have the largest-possible fl ash memory and RAM

capacities. Having these now will ensure that the fi rmware can

be modifi ed by updates to meet the needs of future application-

provisioning technologies and other server-side requirements.

In addition, it will also ensure that the thin client has enough

main memory and graphics memory. The fact that even CAD

applications are now being made available over terminal servers

and thin clients is well demonstrated by pioneering projects like

the one at the Graz University of Technology (Graz, Austria). In

deciding on which thin client solution to buy it is also important

to check which peripheral connections are available to meet cur-

rent and future needs, such as printer ports, serial/parallel inter-

faces, PCI, PC card, DVI and USB. To meet this need, the Ger-

man market leader in thin clients, IGEL Technology, has come up

with a fl exible, need-based and economical expansion method:

3/11

IGEL offers optional special free-standing device bases for its

Universal Desktop models that contain a parallel or serial port

and/or a WLAN socket. As additional expansion methods, IGEL

also offers optional USB serial or USB parallel adapters as well

as Y-cables for splitting a DVI connection (standard-equipment

dualview).

Graphics: Multiview and WidescreenTo promote effi cient work at a computer monitor it is critical that

a thin client unit offers high enough display resolutions, sup-

ports multiview confi gurations and provides high-quality video

output (DVI standard). In particular, to enable parallel work in

several document and data windows at the same time, the

device must support wide-screen format. Furthermore, when

using two monitors, it is important that dialog boxes, such as for

logging on, not be displayed in the middle of the overall viewable

area (possibly split between the two screens), but only on one

of the two monitors. The settings necessary for both scenarios

must be available in the device management software package.

Ideally, they should be part of a device profi le that can be readily

transferred to other thin clients. In fact, thanks to an integrated,

thermally adapted graphics card, multiview devices such as the

IGEL UD7 can even operate up to four monitors simultaneously

at resolutions of up to 1920 x 1200 pixels. Such devices driving

multiple monitors are typically used not only in fi nancial applica-

tions, but also in software development, building security as well

as in production and systems monitoring and control.

Security: Opportunities for Cutting Costs?When deciding on a thin client, security aspects as well as asso-

ciated local tools and software clients should be considered

right from the start. Examples of effective security features are

a VPN client or protocols such as HTTPS, SSL, L2TP or IPSec.

Moreover, remote management should always be encrypted. To

promote overall enterprise security, devices should also be fi tted

with either internal or add-on external smartcard readers, which

allow implementation of secure two-factor authentifi cation. For

added fl exibility, smartcards can also serve as electronic com-

pany IDs or as the basis for a time-saving single sign-on (SSO)

solution. This kind of solution also makes sense for fast, fl exible

location changes during daily work (“session roaming”) such as

by means of Citrix® Hot Desktop.

The Price Factor: How Low Can You Go with the Price of a Thin Client?The cost/benefi t ratio of a thin client solution is determined

by two main factors: hardware and fi rmware. When it comes

to hardware, it can be fi rst divided into three categories: low-

cost, general-use and high-end. There are also different device

designs, such as units having an integrated TFT monitor.

IGEL’s Universal Desktop concept, with different levels of fi rm-

ware, allows targeted, need-based and cost-effi cient model

selection. The fi rmware also includes the thin client operating

system. The relatively inexpensive Microsoft® Windows® CE is

particularly well suited for those using Microsoft®-based archi-

tectures without any unusual peripheral devices. Models with

Microsoft® Windows® Embedded Standard are a bit more

expensive. However, they allow optional local installation of

special device drivers or hypervisor software. For mixed system

environments, models with a Linux operating system are well

worth considering for the following reasons: low costs, high-

performance and maximum stability and security. Furthermore,

Linux offers high connectivity, which means that it allows a vari-

ety of ways of accessing centralized IT infrastructures. However,

the exact number of possible ways depends on the specifi c fea-

tures of the fi rmware in use.

The Austrian retailer Hervis

Sports shows how

comprehensive a

peripheral-device

scenario with thin

clients can really be: A 100%-subsidiary of SPAR

Österreichische Warenhandels AG, one of Austria’s

largest chains of food and non-food stores, Hervis

Sports uses IGEL thin clients as point-of-sale (POS)

devices. In general, their POS systems include the

following devices: a secure cash register drawer,

keyboard, EC card reader, receipt printer, handheld

scanner and two monitors. In fact, the thin client

POS system can also be used offl ine because the

POS system software is installed on a fl ash card

accessible through a PCI adapter.

4/11

Service & Support: Is Everything Really There?Business continuity and the availability of mission-critical

processes depend on many things, not least of which is the

quality of the pre-sales advice and after-sales support from

the thin client provider. Both the thin client manufacturer and

dealer should be easy to reach and readily respond to inquir-

ies to avoid any delays in system installation, confi guration and

to prevent unforeseen problems from occurring. In certain cir-

cumstances, it may be necessary to customize software and/or

hardware, such as when certain applications, peripheral devic-

es or network modules need to be supported. However, not

all manufacturers have the development skills necessary to do

this. Customers should expect the latest updates of company

fi rmware and management programs to be readily available to

them, ideally as downloads from an FTP site. Furthermore, the

update process should include a fail-safe feature designed to

prevent incomplete updates and consequential device failures.

The Management Solution: Consistent and Effi cientThe greatest potential for savings from thin client computing

compared to a traditional client/server network is the ability to

provide centralized management and remote support. The most

important factor here is the management software used with the

thin client system. In fact, it is even more critical considering the

increasing importance of software clients, tool and protocols,

and not just for the thin clients themselves but also because all

fi rmware components should be able to be remotely managed to

yield the greatest possible savings in support costs. Ideally, this

management should be accomplished through freely defi nable

group profi les that can be readily applied by drag-and-drop to

thin client groups located in individual branches, stores, depart-

ments and the like. In addition, a remote mirroring function of

thin client user sessions (VNC shadowing) can help to optimize

support services.

Furthermore, a truly future-ready management solution should

also be a platform-independent one. To ensure this independ-

ence, the IGEL Universal Management Suite, which comes

standard with all IGEL Universal Desktops, features a Java-

based management console, a management server as well as

a centralized profi le and device database. The profi le and device

database can also be based on existing databases: such as Ora-

cle®, Microsoft SQL2000®, SQL2005® or PostgreSQL.

Rollout and Updates: Keep It Fast and EasyIt is the management solution that has a decisive infl uence on

the length of the rollout. With the help of various tools and wiz-

ards, launches or migrations can be optimally prepared for in

advance. For instance, the IGEL Universal Management Suite

features a helpful function for importing the MAC addresses of

the thin clients to be deployed. These addresses are taken from

a list of device ID numbers provided by the manufacturer as a

CSV fi le. After the import is completed, the various devices are

grouped and their profi les are assigned to them. This last step

can also be done by using the IP address of the network con-

nection port. In this way, the confi guration can be kept unique

to a given location. Once this prep work is done, the only thing

left to do is to hook up the thin clients. After being switched on

for the fi rst time, a thin client automatically establishes contact

with the management server and retrieves its own settings pro-

fi le from the database. In this way, it is possible to place several

thousand devices in operation in just a few days.

Keep a Strategic Focus on Your Own SituationAll thin clients are not created equal. Before deciding on which

one to go with, it is a good idea to look ahead to determine how

fl exible and future-ready your new solution ought to be. The

selection of hardware, operating system and fi rmware, not to

mention the management solution, should be done by closely

adhering to an overall IT strategy and taking into account future

needs and current IT trends such as virtualization and cloud

computing. In terms of their hardware alone, thin clients can

be readily expected to have a service life of up to eight years.

To fully exploit the potentials for savings in desktop use over

this relatively long period, the project evaluation criteria must

be very carefully defi ned. That is why it is important to select an

established and reliable provider known for its policy of regular

fi rmware support and a high level of service.

Head Offi ce

IGEL Technology GmbHHanna-Kunath-Strasse. 3128199 Bremen, GermanyTel.: +49 (0) 421 52094 0Fax: +49 (0) 421 52094 1499

United Kingdom

IGEL Technology Ltd.1210 ParkviewArlington Business ParkTheale · Reading · BerkshireRG7 4TY · UKTel.: +44 (0) 118 340 3400Fax: +44 (0) 118 340 3411

United States

IGEL Technology America, LLC

2106 Florence Avenue

Cincinnati · OH 45206 · USA

Tel.: +1 954 739 9990Fax: +1 954 739 9991Toll free (US only): +1 877 GET IGELinfo@igelamerica.com

Singapore

IGEL TechnologyCare of: C. Melchers GmbH & Co.Singapore Branch101 · Thomson Road# 24-01/05 United SquareSingapore 307591Tel.: +65 6259 9288Fax: +65 6259 9111

Hong Kong

IGEL TechnologyCare of: Melchers (H.K.) Ltd.1210 Shun Tak CentreWest Tower168-200 Connaught Road C.Hong KongTel.: +852 25469069Fax: +852 25596552

IGEL is a registered trademark of IGEL Technology GmbH. All hardware and software names are brand names or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Errors and omissions excepted. info@igel.com

©07/2011 IGEL Technology 99-US-30-1 www.igel.com

IGEL’s Universal Desktop Concept

Whether it is server-based computing, virtual desktops or cloud computing – IGEL’s

Universal Desktops work well together with the greatest variety of centralized

IT infrastructures. In particular, their powerful hardware and excellent graphics

performance, along with continuously developed firmware, provide future-readiness that safeguards this major

investment. Thanks to different device designs, operating systems, alternative firmware features (tools, clients and

protocols) and a wide range of hardware options, the selection of a suitable model can be tailored to meet the exact

needs of the installation and ensure cost efficiency. Other, but no less important, considerations are that IGEL Universal

Desktops use minimal energy, have long service lives and come standard with the IGEL Universal Management Suite,

a proprietary remote management solution.

Full Support of Peripherals

IGEL Universal Desktops can be integrated into a vast variety of peripheral-device environments.

That is because several USB ports, audio inputs/outputs as well as at least one DVI-I interface

all come as standard equipment. With an optional “Y” video cable, all models can even

accommodate dualview monitor setups. They also support widescreen formats. Beyond all

this, IGEL offers USB serial or parallel adapters, optional mounting bases, integrated smartcard

readers and supports external security solutions. The optional bases with their WLAN capability

and/or an additional integral serial or parallel port greatly enhance system connectivity. To

conserve desktop space, VESA monitor mounting systems are available along with rubber

bases allowing horizontal positioning of thin clients for an even smaller device footprint.