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August 10, 2005
Kiosk Mode and Windows CE
Mike Hall, a product manager in Microsoft's Windows Embedded group, has recently posted several entries to his weblog explaining how to build a Windows CE 5.0 image to support "kiosk mode", which restricts the system to a limited set -- possibly one -- of applications.
Hall points out that Windows CE 5.0 ships with a number of OS templates, including ones for gateways (headless), Internet appliances (Windows shell), and thin clients (RDP client shell), but nothing that can easily be modified to provide a kiosk mode.
Hall's solution is to begin with the existing thin client template, remove the RDP shell, and replace it with the kiosk application(s). This non-trivial exercise currently spans five sometimes lengthy (and interestingly numbered) posts on Hall's blog:
* Part 1 -- Introduction
* Part 10 -- Removing the WBT/RDP Shell
* Part 11 -- Creating \Startup folder and launching app
* Part 100 -- Thoughts on managed code
* Part 101 -- Full screen Compact Framework application
In a related blog post, Marcus Perryman takes up the issue of trying to run Windows Mobile in kiosk mode. Perryman says that many enterprises are tempted to save money by using Windows Mobile Pocket PCs instead of Windows CE based industrial handhelds for kiosk-type applications.
Perryman points out that, by design, Pocket PCs are "very, very difficult" to lock down "so that only one app runs and the user can't get to any other applications or reset the device to a state where you can get to other apps." He suggests that in many cases, full kiosk mode isn't really necessary, but if it is, Windows CE is probably the more cost effective solution in the end. Read Perryman's
blog post here.
Posted by keefner at 04:13 AM
August 08, 2005
Wyse Deploys 1,900 Linux Thin Client for Swiss
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyse Technology, the global leader in thin computing, today announced that one of Switzerland's largest health insurance organizations for private and corporate customers, Christian & Social Health and Accident Insurance (CSS), has deployed more than 1,900 Linux-based Wyse® thin-client devices at its headquarters in Lucerne and regional branch offices. The deployment is the industry's implementation of a first Linux-based thin-client solution for both desktop and mobile devices. This deployment of Wyse devices at CSS replaces a previous solution from a competing thin-client vendor.
"We are extremely pleased with our collaboration with Wyse Technology, particularly their willingness and ability to customize their thin-client solutions to meet our specific needs," commented Pius Hoeltschi, IN Manager at CSS. "With these thin clients from Wyse, we can increase our data security and management while reducing our overall computing costs and ongoing maintenance and service needs. The seamless synchronization of our servers with the desktops and the smart phones of our field staff has been a key challenge in our organization, and we are very pleased with the versatility we've seen with Wyse's products. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Wyse into the future."
Linux-based thin-client solutions from Wyse provide CSS with an adaptable alternative to the standard PC that is inherently resistant from viruses, and helps CSS' distributed organization to save a significant amount of time, money and IT management resources. Benefits of the thin-client deployment at CSS locations include centralized data security, scalability on the network, flexibility to deploy the device in multiple-OS environments. In addition, free seating is enabled, providing CSS staff members with the ability to access applications and data from any device on the network with the exact same end-user experience. With absolutely no moving parts, the Wyse V50, and all members of the V class thin client family of products, operate silently and are maintenance free.
Commenting on the successful conclusion of the project, Wolfgang Staehle, President and General Manager EMEA Operations, Wyse Technology noted: "It was interesting for us to gain experience in advance of the actual launch of the new Linux thin clients with such a large scale pilot project. We're proud to have been able to deliver such an all-encompassing solution, and that we were able to meet all of CSS' requirements."
As proven at CSS and other similar deployments globally, Wyse Technology demonstrates its leadership and innovation by offering the industry's first scaleable Linux-based thin-client solution that seamlessly integrates with handheld devices, including those based on Palm® OS (3.5 and higher) and Microsoft® Pocket PC. The thin-client solution provides local browsing capability and a stateless plug-and-play configuration for mobile devices via a USB port. Wyse provides customers with the most advanced open source thin-client solutions available on the market today.
Wyse Technology
Wyse is the #1 vendor the world's largest businesses and institutions trust for scalable thin-client computing solutions. Wyse provides the hardware, software, and services that shift computing complexity to the network, reducing cost, liberating IT departments from unnecessary support and maintenance functions, empowering users to be more productive in their jobs, and protecting and improving access to critical information and business applications. Headquartered in San Jose, California with offices worldwide, Wyse has been #1 in thin-client market share for the last eight years, enjoys a close partnership with Citrix Systems, and has been named Microsoft "Embedded Partner of the Year" for three years. Wyse customers include FedEx, Best Buy (Canada), Quaker Foods and Gold's Gym.
For more information, visit the Wyse website at www.wyse.com or call 1-800-GET-WYSE
Source: Wyse Technology
Posted by editor at 03:38 PM