The standard, published by Citrix in Q1 2008, ensures that any compliant access device connected to Citrix XenDesktop behaves exactly like a normal PC. The latest firmware upgrade allows all Linux-based IGEL thin clients to be switched, with just one mouse click, from a traditional IGEL Universal Desktop to a tightly defined virtual PC using ICA to access Citrix XenDesktop.
The approach means that organisations wanting to implement other digital services in addition to ICA, such as web, VoIP or SAP, can always do so in the future. The switch to Citrix XenDesktop mode can be implemented remotely using the bundled Remote Management Suite software.
The range includes traditional desktop designs, PC upgrade cards, 19inch LCD integrated units and quad screen units. This variety allows organisations to deploy the Citrix XenDesktop virtualisation solution to almost any part of the business, including office workers, space constrained point-of-sale areas and multi-screen environments such as dealing rooms.
“This open design approach means that we have quickly been able to update our existing IGEL Linux product range to be capable of being deployed as a Citrix XenDesktop Appliance or a traditional IGEL Universal Desktop at the click of a mouse. We will be introducing similar functionality to our Windows-based thin clients over the coming months,” said Stephen Yeo, worldwide strategic marketing director for IGEL Technology.
The flexibility allows organisations to pick and choose the best digital services to deliver a true PC experience, including web browser, Java, SAP GUI, PDF, terminal emulation and VoIP. This also provides desktop resilience if the virtual PC connection should be lost, for example, users can access email via the local web client or SAP via the native SAP GUI.
The final component is its Remote Management Suite. This software is bundled free with every IGEL Universal Desktop and allows the terminal to automatically connect to its infrastructure and be remotely managed over a WAN with no scripting and minimal network impact.