« May 2009 | Main | July 2009 »
June 26, 2009
PR: 2X Enhances Children’s Education Through Free Software Offer
Dallas, Texas, June 19, 2009 – 2X Software Ltd., the international developer of server-based computing software, announced today that it has formed partnerships with four thin-client hardware producers: VXL Instruments, Computer Lab International, NCS Technologies and 10ZiG Technology (formerly BOSaNOVA, Inc). 2X Software has committed to provide free ThinClientServer licenses for these companies’ thin-client products on sales to state-funded schools until October 1, 2009.
This unique offer allows all 2X Thin Client Vendor Partners to provide schools with small IT budgets an efficient, inexpensive solution to their server-based computing needs. Visit www.2x.com for details.
The 2X ThinClientServer allows the conversion of outdated PCs to energy-efficient, cost-effective thin clients, while simultaneously providing centralized thin client management controls. This conversion ends the fat client administration nightmare by allowing all users’ connection settings to be efficiently managed from a central device. Additionally, administrators can use the ThinClientServer to restrict users’ individual accessibility options, a critical asset for school network administrators managing students with varying security clearances.
Key features for the 2X ThinClientServer include the following:
- Conversion of existing PCs to thin clients
- Management of user connection settings by user, group or department
- Thin client vendor independence – centrally manage any thin client/PC
- Supports virtually all thin clients and computer hardware
- Limit users to Citrix or 2X published applications rather than allowing users complete desktop access
- Boot clients via PXE, Hard Disk, CDROM or USB
- Thin client shadowing and auto-login support
Eric Grayson, Vice President, Americas at VXL Instruments, emphasized the potential for the partnership to increase sales levels at both companies, noting that "more than anything else, the partnership will allow VXL and 2X Software to generate leads for our respective products." He also noted the specific desire of the company to address the low-end educational market, as "state educational programs have rigid business models. We chose 2X because of their desire to target the low-end of the market, serving customers who need an effective, low-cost solution. As VXL is seeking increased sales in the low-end educational market, partnering with 2X associates our products with a trusted thin client brand name, and should generate additional leads in this space."
Jason McGeough, Director of Product Development at Computer Lab International, claimed that the most value from the partnership would be to the customer. "The opportunity for a customer to introduce server-centric computing to their environment, while having top of the line support from two industry leaders like 2X and CLI, is very appealing. We are optimistic that if we can get prospects testing out the solution, the ability to receive top notch support and have assistance in making the migration to virtualization is only going to speed up pilot programs and make for a better user experience. This can be critical for the education vertical, as well as for small and medium size businesses that don’t have the vast resources or support to introduce technologies that will reduce the IT TCO."
Manoj Thomas, Director of Field Sales Services and Technical Solutions at NCS Technologies, stressed that the partnership between 2X and NCS will now enable them to provide not just superior hardware solutions but also bundled software solutions. 2X offers feature-rich software solutions which can be bundled with NCS desktops, mobility, servers, and thin clients. Mr. Thomas also noted that by combining the quality and service both companies are known for, the end result will in all likelihood foster future opportunities for all of the verticals they serve, but especially in the education sector. "With this new partnership between NCS and 2X, I look forward to introducing innovative solutions that are easy to deploy, increase data security, and have longer device life cycle: all the while lowering total cost of ownership," said Manoj.
Robert Hammond, Technology Sales Manager at 10ZiG Technology, explained that 10ZiG’s thin client partnerships with 2X would offer a "feature-rich, cost-effective solution to our customers. The 2X ThinClientServer provides a pre-loaded, direct access thin client software solution with great company support, providing an attractive compliment to accompany our thin client devices. As both companies are similar in size and targeted user base, the new thin client educational partnership provides a win-win for both parties in expanding our reach to small-order customers."
About 2X
2X Software Ltd - 2X - is a company developing software for the booming server-based computing market. Thin client computing controls spiraling PC management costs, centralizes application and desktop management, improves security and performance and allows users to work remotely. The company’s product line includes: 2X ThinClientServer, 2X LoadBalancer for Terminal Services/Citrix, 2X ApplicationServer for Windows Terminal Services, and 2X VirtualDesktopServer. 2X is a privately held company with offices in the USA, Germany, UK, Cyprus and Malta. Its management team is backed by years of experience in developing and selling network infrastructure software. 2X is a Microsoft and RedHat partner. For more information visit: http://www.2x.com/.
About VXL Instruments
VXL is one of the world’s premier providers of Thin Client devices. The company provides an innovative range of high-specification, well-built systems at the lowest price point possible. Since 1976, this combination of quality and value in their Thin Client solutions has been helping companies around the globe build IT infrastructures that are flexible, secure, manageable and affordable. VXL has been manufacturing terminals and thin client products for nearly three decades. Their integration and support center in Houston, TX provides sales and technical support to the USA and the Americas region. VXL’s mission, as a global leader in thin client and network computing technology, is to deliver higher returns on investment to their customers at a low total cost of ownership. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.vxl.net.
About Computer Lab International
Computer Lab International is the leading supplier of Thin Client Terminals and Thin Client Management software. With over 20 years in the thin client and legacy terminal market, CLI has the experience and expertise it takes to make exceptional thin client terminals. CLI is continuing their leadership with server-based computing and desktop virtualization along with partners such as VMware, Microsoft, IBM, Provision Networks and Citrix. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.computerlab.com.
About NCS Technologies
As a manufacturer and supplier of PC products, NCS Technologies is focused on the needs of their customers. The company’s corporate goal is to make it easy for their customers to acquire quality solutions at fair prices from people dedicated to providing a consistently high level of service. All the company’s steps taken since inception have been toward meeting this customer need. As part of their commitment to quality, NCS ensures that its staff is continually updating their skills, with experts in Windows operating systems, Novell NetWare, MS-DOS, UNIX, as well as many other software products. The company has integration and installation specialists that are experienced in handling everything from small to large organizations, and polite and responsive technical support personnel. Highly-trained technicians will gladly answer any questions which might arise prior to purchase, during installation, or anytime during the life of the product. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.ncst.com.
About 10ZiG Technology
10ZiG Technology, formerly BOSaNOVA, Inc., is a privately held company headquartered in Phoenix Arizona. The company is principally engaged in the design and development of software solutions based on XP, CE, and LINUX. The company’s solutions include a highly refined user interface, remote management software, and performance optimization, packaged to maximize the functionality of thin clients and network appliances. The company’s products are sold through a worldwide network of IBM and CITRIX Business Partners. Industry affiliations include membership in IBM's PartnerWorld for Developers, Citrix Global Alliance Partner Program, and the Microsoft Partner Program. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.10zig.com.
For more information:
Please email Nikolaos Makris on [email protected]
URL: www.2x.com
Posted by Staff at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)
PR: Cloud Confusion Amongst IT Professionals
24 June 2009 – The findings of a survey by document management software company, Version One (www.versionone.co.uk), has revealed that 41% of senior IT professionals admit that they “don’t know” what cloud computing is. Version One carried out the research with 60 senior IT professionals (IT directors and managers) across a range of UK public and private sector organisations. This research follows-on from a similar survey carried-out by Version One which highlights that two-thirds of UK senior finance professionals (finance directors and managers) are confused about cloud computing.
Of the remaining 59% of IT professionals who profess to know what cloud computing is, 17% of these understand cloud computing to be internet-based computing while 11% believe it is a combination of internet-based computing, software as a service (SAAS), software on demand, an outsourced or managed service and a hosted software service. The remaining respondents understand cloud computing to be a mixture of the above.
Despite cloud computing being in the media spotlight, only a minority of respondents (5%) say that they use it “a lot” and less than a quarter of those surveyed (19%) reveal that they only use cloud computing sparingly. Almost half of respondents (47%) admit that their company doesn’t use cloud computing with the remaining 29% conceding that they “don’t know” whether their organisation uses it or not.
Julian Buck, General Manager of Version One, says, “Although this is only a small survey of IT professionals, the results are nonetheless very alarming, especially as IT professionals are the very people that need to understand cloud computing so that they can explain its benefits to management.”
Buck continues, “It is clear from the survey results that there are a number of contrasting views as to what cloud computing really is, which is hardly surprising in light of the many different cloud computing definitions in the public arena. For instance, Wikipedia defines it as ‘Internet-based computing’ while Gartner refers to it ‘as a service’ using Internet technologies. IT expert, John Willis, writing in his cloud blog says that ‘virtualisation is the secret sauce of a cloud’ and provides different levels of cloud computing. With so many definitions circulating, clarity is urgently needed.”
Only 2% of respondents say that their company is “definitely” going to invest in cloud computing within the next twelve months whilst 30% state that their organisations “may” invest in this technology. 45% admit that they “don’t know” whether their organisations will be investing in it or not with the remaining 23% stating that they currently have no investment plans. For those who definitely or maybe have plans to invest in cloud computing, some of the key business drivers cited include reduction in overheads and paper, ease of use, cost savings and the ability to provide collaborative tools for teaching and learning.
Buck adds, “If organisations are going to embrace cloud computing in the future it’s essential that a single, simplified explanation is adopted by everyone. Failure to cut through the confusion could result in organisations rejecting this technology and missing out on the benefits it provides.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
About Version One www.versionone.co.uk
Version One Ltd is the author of electronic document management and imaging software. This software enables the automated electronic storage, retrieval, management, enhancement and delivery of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and statements. This 'paperless office' technology is seamlessly integrated into all major ERP and accounting systems. With a typical ROI of less than six months, Version One's solutions are enabling thousands of organisations to save dramatic amounts of time and money whilst helping to support their green agendas.
Contact:
Liz Ebbrell, Version One
[email protected]
+44 (0)1625 856505 or 07917 634 705
Ben Carey, Version One
[email protected]
+44 (0)1625 856505
Posted by Staff at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2009
New In-Wall Controllers from Borg Displays
May 8, 2009 Denver, CO. Borg Displays, Inc, an innovator in affordable embedded touch controllers, announced today the introduction of the Protege8™ and Protégé15™ touchscreens.
This duo of professional grade in-wall touchscreens offer:
- All the flexibility of Windows XPe or a custom XPe image or Linux-based builds
- All the reliability of an embedded OS and a solid state, fanless, HDD-less design
- All the robustness of fast processors and steel in-wall backbox
- And the elegance of an Apple-like acrylic bezel with soft-touch capacitive buttons.
Borg partners with several embedded teams for custom XPe builds as well as offers its own WebMaster™ URL-locked solution on a Linux/Firefox backbone. Borg’s team has over 10 years experience in embedded human interface design, now offering the optimal interface for professional installers, distributors and OEMs. Borg is also a licensee of patents for these designs.
Borg’s suite of Protégé touchscreens use a small fraction of the energy of a PC while offering convenient, always-on in-wall touch access to control applications like from HAI and others, DVRs, energy
management solutions like FatSpaniel or solar inverters, and a plethora of other web-based devices like Escient media servers or just Microsoft Winbased browsing the web, media player, IM or other
options. The suite of in-wall touchscreens also are environmentally RoHS compliant.
Borg Displays develops embedded solutions for a variety of professional integration industries. Protégé is a suite of touchscreens interfaces specifically designed to run quiet, cool and fast, engaging users with networked content, control and entertainment or energy management on centrally located always-on sentinels.
www.borgdisplays.com
Posted by Staff at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)
Case Study - Cutting Admin and Operational Costs by up to 86%
Fisher & Company case study by 2X on benefits achieved in switching from Citrix to 2X. Download case study
Posted by Staff at 10:05 PM | Comments (0)
Case Study - 2 Year ROI with HP Thin Client Solutions
New case study released regarding HP thin clients.
Download case study.. Thanks to friends at thindesk.com for passing it onto us,
Posted by Staff at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)
LG Electronics and Ncomputing Join Forces
SEOUL, South Korea, and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 18, 2009 – Global electronics innovator LG Electronics and NComputing, the world leader in virtual desktops, today announced a strategic partnership to produce a new category of LCD monitors that integrates NComputing’s virtual desktop technology.
Analysis:This does several things:
-- Enables LG to get into the computing business without having to build low-margin PCs
-- Gives LG an edge as a cloud computing takes off and users access computing resources from a range of devices (e.g., smartphones)
-- Gives NComputing a powerful, global partner to sell its virtual desktop technology to businesses worldwide (LG shipped over 15 million monitors last year)
-- Marks the first OEM deal in NComputing's bid to be the technology powering cloud computing
Content:
LG Electronics, which shipped more than 15 million monitors last year, will bring its high-volume scale and global distribution network to the alliance, while NComputing will contribute its award-winning hardware and vSpace™ virtualization software. The sub-$200 computing solution will further drive the acceleration towards desktop virtualization and “cloud computing” in which computing is centralized and done over the Web.
“The NComputing-LG partnership will significantly cut the high cost of computing for businesses, schools and government,” said Stephen Dukker, chairman and CEO of NComputing. “We are delighted to work with one of the largest and most respected electronics companies in the world to bring our computing solutions to everyone.”
Customers are increasingly turning to desktop virtualization, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Web-hosted applications to lower their IT costs. NComputing estimates that customers for LG SmartVine N-series monitors with embedded NComputing desktop virtualization technology can lower their computer hardware costs by 60 percent, maintenance costs by 70 percent, and electricity costs by 90 percent. The LG monitors work with both Windows and Linux computers.
“Our customers are taking into account not just the purchase price of computing, but also long-term costs connected to IT support, maintenance and electricity,” said Ron Snaidauf, vice president of commercial products, LG Electronics USA Business Solutions. “Combining NComputing technology with our market-leading monitors creates the optimal solution for today’s cost-conscious businesses.”
In the United States, the LG SmartVine N-series line will include 17 and 19-inch* class monitors (models N1742L-BF and N1941W-PF) covering both standard and widescreen resolutions. A 16-inch* class model will also be available in other countries. All LG SmartVine N-series monitors can also be used as traditional monitors that connect through VGA for ultimate flexibility. These monitors will be marketed worldwide by LG beginning this month.
NComputing is the fastest growing provider of virtual desktops in the world and its technology is based on a simple fact: today’s computers are so powerful that the vast majority of applications use only a small fraction of the computer’s capacity. NComputing technology enables a single PC or server to be virtualized so that many users can tap the unused capacity and share it as if each person had their own computer.
LG Electronics is embedding NComputing virtualization circuitry inside the new SmartVine N-series monitors. Users connect their keyboards and mice directly to the monitor, which then connects to the host PC via a standard cable. An NComputing X550 PCI Card Kit with vSpace software enables the host PC to connect to 5 additional monitors. With two kits, a total of 11 users can share one PC.
“Demand for low cost high value computing is expanding quickly, especially in light of recessionary pressures on IT budgets. The LG-NComputing partnership will help accelerate virtual desktop computing as a low cost high value offering because it dramatically improves the economics and simplicity of end-user computing,” said leading computer technologist Rob Enderle, Principal, Enderle Group. “In the coming years, as cloud computing becomes more mainstream, workers may simply link network enabled devices like this into the cloud without the need, or desire, for any local computing resources.”
Since introducing the award-winning virtual desktop technology two years ago, NComputing has emerged as the market leader with over 40,000 customers and millions of people using their virtual desktops and vSpace software in over 140 countries. NComputing won the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation award, the Gartner Cool Vendor Award, the Frost and Sullivan Green Computing award, as well as numerous awards from CES, Deloitte, CeBit, and ExpoComm.
For more information on the LG Network Monitors, go to www.ncomputing.com/LGNetworkMonitor or www.LGcommercial.com
About NComputing, Inc.
NComputing, Inc. is the fastest growing desktop virtualization company in the world. The company's award-winning, patented technology lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both energy consumption and e-waste. It is the perfect solution for leveraging the power and potential of PCs and cloud computing. For more information, visit www.ncomputing.com.
LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG is comprised of five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both A Global Partner of Formula 1™ and A Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event.
LG Electronics Business Solutions
The LG Electronics Business Solutions Company is a leading business-to-business (B2B) infotainment company, developing a broad range of top-class digital devices and solutions including LCD monitors, commercial displays, automotive infotainment and security systems. LG anticipates future business trends and provides unique devices and services that offer smart and reliable solutions to meet the needs of business partners and customers. With 2008 global sales of $4.3 billion, LG Electronics Business Solutions is poised for continuing rapid growth.
LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the $13 billion North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics and mobile communications. The LG Electronics Business Solutions division of LG Electronics USA, serves customers in the digital signage, systems integration, lodging and hospitality, healthcare, education, government and industrial markets. Based in Lincolnshire, Ill., with its dedicated engineering and customer support team, LG Electronics USA Business Solutions delivers B2B technology solutions tailored to the particular needs of business environments. For more information, please visit www.LGcommercial.com.
Media Contacts:
Renee Deger
GlobalFluency
(650) 433-4153
[email protected]
John Taylor
LG Electronics
847-941-8181
[email protected]
David Rand
NComputing, Inc.
(650) 517-5806
* N1742L-BF 17-inch class/17-inch diagonal
* N1941W-PF 19-inch class/ 18.5-inch diagonal
*16-inch class model/15.6 inch diagonal
Posted by Staff at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2009
Thin Desktop® 2.3.2 Available for General Release
(St. Paul, MN) ThinLaunch Software, LLC (www.thinlaunch.com) announces the immediate availability of Thin Desktop 2.3.2, Thin Desktop 2.3.2 enhances the award winning Thin Desktop application announced in August, 2008. Thin Desktop 2.3.2 simplifies deployment and adoption of Virtual Desktop Strategies by overcoming common barriers associated with the implementation of these strategies.
Thin Desktop enhances the overall value of virtualization by simplifying the deployment and implementation of virtual desktops at the user device. Thin Desktop replaces the local user interface, then locks down and monitors the user / client device. This allows the administrator to gain complete control over the client end point and the user experience. When compared to group policy methods, “registry hacks” and other similar approaches, Thin Desktop is far easier to implement, deploy and maintain. Unlike the implementation of a traditional Thin Client model, Thin Desktop requires no changes to the enterprise infrastructure and has no server footprint or management server.
When a PC or Thin Client is locked down using Thin Desktop, the typical shell / user interface is hidden from the user and replaced by the designated connection or application. At the same time, underlying capabilities allowed by the administrator can remain intact. No changes to the enterprise infrastructure are required and no additional tools or management functionality is needed.
The release of version 2.3.2 enhances deployment of Thin Desktop using industry standard methods, tools and architectures. An administrator can now deploy and implement Thin Desktop on any PC or Thin Client via standard unattended silent install capability and existing software distribution and imaging methods.
“Thin Desktop 2.3.2 is the result of feedback form a wide variety of customers with very diverse use cases and requirements. A common thread is the desire to adopt virtual desktop technologies while preserving investments in current hardware, infrastructure and skill sets - with a clear path for future hardware and virtualization options.”, said ThinLaunch Software General Manager, Mike Cardinal. “Customer environments with both PC and Thin Client devices will coexist for the foreseeable future. Most users don’t care about the box connected to the monitor, keyboard and mouse – and administrators don’t want them to care.”
For additional information and an Evaluation Download of Thin Desktop, visit the website at www.thinlaunch.com
About ThinLaunch Software, LLC
ThinLaunch Software, LLC has developed Thin Desktop to enhance the value of client device assets. Established in May of 2007, ThinLaunch software is privately held and based in Eagan, MN, a suburb of St. Paul, MN.
ThinLaunch Software and Thin Desktop are registered trademark of ThinLaunch Software, LLC. Additional trademarks and Patents Pending. Please visit the website at: www.thinlaunch.com
Posted by staff at 02:35 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2009
Intel Enables Thin-But-Not-Pricey Laptops
 Last week it was the Z530 with the US15W controller coming out in the Fit PC2 that excited us. Using just 6W of power and capable of operating at 80 celsius (and small enough to velcro to back of an LCD. Now Intel is coming out with CULV laptops? Couple with Google & Android it is beginning to look like a new cycle has started. Makes me want to dust off my old EO Communicator :-) |
Source link on Cloud Computing
Really thin laptops are pricey and little netbooks are dumb. That leaves a space in the middle that Intel - in a money-generating segmentation exercise - means to fill with low-cost, skinny, full-featured hybrids" that are a cross between the two species.
Intel is predicting that the hybrid widgets will account for 20% of the consumer PC market by Q4.
The move has been interpreted as a defensive measure against the all-too-popular Atom - though Intel denies it. And then the Atom-less AMD is trying to peddle "value ultra-thin" notebooks and ARM has ambitions for its really cheap 3G-capable "smartbooks."
The Intel-conceived hybrids, running maybe $500-$1,300 and weighing two-five pounds, will be powered by a 1.3GHz CULV chip, a so-called consumer ultra-low voltage 45nm old-school Pentium processor - formerly called the SU2700 - that would stop Atom from eating into mainstream notebook sales and the others from making too many advances.
Like Atom-based netbooks, Intel expects the devices to be a runaway success. There could be 50 hybrid models out this year from all of the usual suspects.
They would have bigger screens than the netbooks' seven- to 10-inches, full-size keyboards, the power to do more complex things and the graphics to see it.
Battery life would be comparable to a standard laptop and they'd be no more than an inch high.
Like other Pentiums, the CULV has an 800MHz front-side bus, 2GB of L2 cache and burns 10W or less at peak.
Meanwhile, to confuse the issue, Intel has been showing off its next-generation Pine Trail Atom chip, a two-chip platform as opposed to the current three-chip because graphics have been moved onto the processor. That means a still smaller footprint.
Intel says it will also have improved performance, lower thermals, better graphics and longer battery life.
There are now more than 75 Atom designs on the market.
Intel got some sort of digital divide-addressing scheme going on in India called Project Blue that combines Atom-based nettops with WIMAX connectivity.
Posted by Staff at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)
Kinpo Thin Client: 7-inch Android Tablet with touch screen
 Demo of new 7-inch Android tablet with touch screen. At Computex 2009 in Taipei. The android platform is going to be very interesting for a variety of devices.Link to video |
Another awesome Android demonstration at Computex 2009 in Tapei was of the Kinpo Thin Client, a 7-inch WVGA Tablet running Android, and rather well! It has 800×480 resolution and runs on a Freescale proessor.
Posted by Staff at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2009
UN buys into Ncomputing's Linux thin-client PCs
A UNITED NATIONS initiative has signed up thin-client vendor Ncomputing to deliver 1,000 Linux based desktops to pilot programmes at schools in underdeveloped countries.
Ncomputing will not only provide its One-Watt thin-client devices but will also provide logistical and operational support for deployment in primary and secondary schools through 2012. A pilot project has already been completed in Burkina Faso, with more projects scheduled for Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania in 2009.
The firm's technology connects from six to 30 thin-client desktops to a fully configured PC through PCI cards, providing each user with a 'virtual desktop' work space in the PC that drives a small networked device to run a video monitor, mouse and keyboard. Each thin-client desktop costs far less than a PC and uses but a small fraction of the energy of a PC.
"The NComputing virtual desktops give us an important opportunity to significantly expand computing access and simplify deployment," said UN project organiser Dr. Paul Jhin. "This maximizes the use of donated and refurbished computers and simplifies deployment and power requirements, which are key issues in many parts of the developing world."
Ncomputing claims to have shipped over a million 'virtual desktops' to more than 140 countries during the last 24 months, and says that more than 20,000 schools and millions of students are using its technology.
The company also says that its thin-client PC sharing technology has qualified for energy conservation rebates and rate discounts from electric utilities in a dozen US states and two Canadian provinces.
Posted by Staff at 05:14 PM | Comments (0)