Informations about thin clients, zero clients, and used protocols

7. Manufacturers of thin clients and zero-clients

7.1. Ncomputing

7.1.1. Informations

The thin clients provided by NComputing work with their virtualization solution : vSpace Virtualization Platform.

At NComputing, you will find several series of thin clients.

7.1.2. L serie (graphics performance)

NComputing L-serie thin clients must be connected to a switch using a network cable (Ethernet).
This makes it possible to obtain a very flexible configuration.

With this serie of thin clients, you can connect up to 100 users (30 for older versions) to your vSpace Server and share your server resources with your different users.

Here is the list of benefits offered by these thin clients :

• graphic performance : thanks to the multimedia acceleration of these thin clients, your users will be able to watch videos in Full HD (1920x1080). The maximum screen resolution supported by these thin clients is 1920x1200 px.
  Note that the L350 thin client offers a DVI-D (digital signal) port unlike the L300 which offers a VGA (analog) port.
• USB 2.0 ports redirection : these thin clients have 4 USB ports (including 2 ports reserved for keyboard and mouse).
• economical : these thin clients save you up to 75% of time for managing workstations and save up to 90% of energy.
• ease of deployment : no matter how many clients you use, deployment will be faster with vSpace management tools.
• easy to manage : it's a zero-client, so there is nothing to manage on the client computer. (No operating system, no application, ...)
• eco-friendly : each thin client consumes only 5 watts.

Source : L-series thin clients for education and SMB by NComputing

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7.1.4. RX serie (Citrix HDX Ready)

The NComputing RX serie thin clients were designed to take advantage of Citrix HDX technology.
This Citrix HDX technology allows your users to enjoy very good graphics performance through full rendering of client-side videos and use of flash video rendering on the server. In addition, these clients support resolutions up to 1920x1200.

Here is the list of benefits offered by these thin clients :

• compatible with multiple Citrix technologies : Citrix XenDesktop 5.6 to 7.13, Citrix XenApp 6.5 to 7.13, StoreFront 2.6 to 3.8 (including via the Citrix NetScaler Gateway), Citrix Web Interface 5.4.
• manageability : centralized enterprise management on a server with the NComputing vSpace Pro program.
• graphics performance with native support of the Citrix HDX technology.
• dual monitor capability with optional secondary HDMI adapter.
• economical : each client consumes less than 5W.
• optimized for Microsoft's Skype for Business program.
• can be connected wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n).
• and more.

Source : NComputing - RX-HDX for Citrix

For more information about the hardware configuration of these clients and their compatibilities, consult the official product sheet : Datasheet_RX-series_RX-HDX_(EN)_446277.pdf

7.1.5. N serie (Citrix HDX Ready)

NComputing's N serie thin clients have also been designed to take advantage of Citrix's HDX technology.
Nevertheless, these thin clients use a System-on-Chip (SoC).
Which means that part of the system is in a single chip.

This serie of thin clients can take advantage of Citrix HDX technology at one-third the price of PCs and HDX-enabled thin clients.
In addition, it's based on their 3rd generation Numo™ 3 dual-core technology.

Here is the list of benefits offered by these thin clients :

• compatible with the following Citrix technologies : XenDesktop, XenApp, and the old VDI-in-a-Box technology (which no longer exists).
• manageability : centralized management with NComputing vSpace Management Center
• performance and reliability : the SoC used by these clients enables them to be more efficient and reliable.
• good graphics performance with native support for Citrix HDX technology.
• dual-screen supported : optional support available for the N500 client or and the N600 client has the native support for the dual-screen capability.
• economical : the N500 thin clients consume less than 5W and N600 thin clients can consume up to 13.5W.
• can be connected wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) if you buy the N500w client.
• Premium support

Source : NComputing - N-series for Citrix

7.2. Dell Wyse

7.2.1. Informations

At Dell, which acquired Wyse, you will find thin clients and zero-clients for most known technologies : Microsoft RDS (Remote Desktop Services), Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop, VMware Horizon, ...
You will also find cloud clients and mobile clients (laptops).

7.2.2. 3000 serie (high-end for limited budgets)

First, the 3000 serie of thin clients are high-end for low-budget customers with Dell Wyse Cloud clients features.
In addition, these can be connected to any virtual environment : Citrix, VMware and Microsoft.

Then, these clients have powerful SoC (System-on-Chip) processors that allow your users to enjoy very good performance.
The multimedia processor integrated in these clients allows them to also benefit from very good performances with applications greedy in graphics (Photoshop, AutoCAD, ...), but also for the sound, the videos and the Flash.

Finally, be aware that these clients can support up to 2 screens and they are certified Microsoft RemoteFX. Which guarantees high-end graphics.

Source : Dell Wyse Thin Client Desktop 3000 Series

7.2.3. 5000 serie (high-end and high performance)

First of all, the 5000 serie thin clients are high-end clients with very good performance thanks to Quad Core processors (4 cores per processor) from AMD (G serie).
With these AMD processors, 5000 serie clients can support up to 2 displays in 4K and can support PCoIP (optional).

Then, in the 5000 serie, you'll find zero-clients, as well as thin clients under Wyse Thin Linux, Windows Embedded Standard, or their Wyse ThinOS operating system protected against virus.
These clients can be used with VMware Horizon, Citrix XenDesktop, and Microsoft RDS virtual desktop environments.
Or with Amazon WorkSpaces with PCoIP technology that is available as an option.

Finally, you can manage all your thin clients with Wyse Device Manager (WDM), Cloud Client Manager (CCM) or Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) solutions.

7.2.4. 7000 serie (high-end and high graphics performance)

First, the 5000 serie thin clients are high-end clients with accelerated graphics and multimedia performance through AMD (G serie) accelerated processors (APU).
These AMD processors can be single-core, dual-core or quad core.

Then, these clients can work with a Linux Enterprise operating system improved for Wyse clients, with Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard or as a cloud client with Wyse WSM (which now part of Wyse vWorkspace).

Finally, be aware that the available connection may vary depending on the operating system chosen.
In addition, there is also an option to have a standard connectivity : serial port, parallel port and PS/2 ports (for old keyboards and old mouse, for example).

7.3. Atrust

Atrust is a manufacturer of thin clients and zero-clients for Microsoft Windows MultiPoint Server solution.

Indeed, thanks to Atrust, you will be able to easily deploy a complete environment based on Microsoft Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 thanks to :

• their st110A server
• m300 or m302 zero clients that can be connected via USB
• or zero m320 clients that can be connected via the network (Gigabit Ethernet)

At Atrust, you will find :

• thin clients with x86 or ARM processors running Linux, but also x86 thin clients running Windows Embedded.
• mobile clients : Windows Embedded laptops with screen sizes ranging from 11.6 to 15.6 inches.
• all-in-one clients with x86 or ARM processors running Linux, but also x86 thin clients running Windows Embedded.
• PCoIP zero clients based on the Teradici PCoIP technology which offers a very good user experience and very good graphics performance.
• zero clients compatible with Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 and Userful Multiplatform solutions that provide independent stations for each user through a single server.
• servers available in different formats : tower, mini server or rack.
• their proprietary programs. In particular, their Atrust OS operating system and their centralized client management software : Atrust Device Manager.

For more information, visit Atrust's official website.

7.4. HP

7.4.1. Zero clients

The HP zero clients are designed for VMware environments and support the new PCoIP technology. PCoIP is a technology to provide very good graphics performance to your users.
Since zero clients don't have an operating system, they are immune to viruses and their management is greatly facilitated.

Support for PCoIP technology also makes them compatible with Amazon Workspace.

In summary, HP zero clients enable you to achieve great performance and reliability at an affordable price.

7.4.2. Thin clients

HP allows you to choose your preferred thin client format, as well as the operating system to use.
For example :

• HP Smart Zero
• HP ThinPro based on Linux
• Microsoft Windows Embedded

7.4.3. Mobile thin clients

HP also offers mobile thin clients (which look very much like laptops) to help you build cloud computing.
This type of thin client is optimized for the cloud and the VDI (Virtual desktop infrastructure).

7.5. Other manufacturers of thin clients or zero-clients

There are obviously other manufacturers, such as : Fujitsu and Pano Logic.
But, we introduced you to the major manufacturers.