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April 21, 2005

New Thin Client Initiative at Microsoft

Microsoft is developing 2 new "Server Centric Computing Clients" these clients are based on windows XP, so these will be "thin" clients for Terminal server purposes.

From Bink.nu
Microsoft wants to make Windows the platform of choice for server centric computing by offering new feature rich Windows SKUs for our enterprise and academic customers by providing management and servicing features parity with Windows XP Pro. These clients will offer innovative alternative to the traditional desktop for legacy PCs, low-end PCs, thin client devices and task workers.

Customers complain that Windows XP Pro too expensive for Structured Task Workers. Other request are:
- Need of one set of security, manageability & serviceability technologies across all clients
- Disparity of HW requires broad driver support
- Remote Bootable (network / diskless)
- 3rd Party Anti-Virus & Management support
- Easy Shell Lock DownSmart App Install BlockingCodename

"Eiger" is the thin-ist of the two and has less features then "Mönch" client. See tables below for details:

Windows XP "Eiger"
Minimum System Requirements
64MB RAM (128MB Recommended)
Pentium class processor
500 MB HD (1GB recommended)
800x600 graphics or higher
Network Interface Card
Hardware Support
Standard & ACPI Chipsets
ISA, PCI, AGP, USB, ATA/IDE, SCSI, AC’97, Smartcards
Support for most standard components in legacy PCs
Deployment Methods
Setup wizard
Unattended setup
Remote Installation Server (PXE/RIS)
Systems Management Server
Boot Methods
Hard Disk, Flash
PXE/RIS
User Feature Set
Remote desktop connection client
Shutdown, restart, standby
Accessibility features
Internet Explorer
Local & Network Printing
Basic Control Panel
Office Viewers
Servicing
Windows Update Services
Systems Management Server
Management
Standard Microsoft management technologies (WMI, MMC …)
Not supported
Windows image acquisition (WIA)
Telephony, VPN & Dial-up
Wireless networking (802.11)

Windows XP "Mönch"
Minimum System Requirements
64MB RAM (128MB Recommended)
Pentium class processor
500 MB HD (1GB recommended)
800x600 graphics or higher
Network Interface Card
Hardware Support
Standard & ACPI Chipsets
ISA, PCI, AGP, USB, ATA/IDE, SCSI, AC’97, Smartcards
Support for most standard components in legacy PCs
Deployment Methods
Setup wizard
Unattended setup
Remote Installation Server (PXE/RIS)
Systems Management Server
Boot Methods
Hard Disk, UFD, Flash
PXE/RIS
Multicast Remote Boot (over PGM)

User Feature Set
All Windows “Eiger” Features plus…
Windows Devices (PDA, Smartphone, …)
Windows image acquisition (WIA)
Wireless networking auth (802.1X)
VPN Support
Advanced IP Security
Servicing
Windows Update Services
Systems Management Server
Management
Standard Microsoft management technologies (WMI, MMC …)
Not supported
Telephony, Dial-up

Funny fact: just like previous Microsoft Windows codenames, Whistler and Blackcomb, Eiger and Mönch are mountains. Whistler and Blackcomb are in British Columbia, Eiger and Mönch in Switzerland: http://www.about.ch/cantons/bern/eiger_moench_jungfrau.html

And there is a third mountain: Jungfrau, so maybe another Windows project?

Posted by editor at April 21, 2005 03:26 PM