April 18, 2012

Why Go Windows on a Thin Client in a VDI Environment


Using a Windows Embedded Operating System on a Thin Client in a VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) environment has many advantages over other embedded operating systems or Zero Clients, and in this piece we would like to go through a number of those benefits.

  • Peripheral Support – Almost all peripherals have Windows Drivers which can be embedded in a Windows Embedded OS Thin Client. This is particularly key feature in remote sites or WAN environments where smart devices like scanners, smart card readers, biometrics, web cams, etc don’t always work or have trouble staying connected. Most serial attached devices require device drivers being embedded.
  • Installing device drivers can take just minutes with Windows Embedded as opposed to days/weeks with operating systems such as Linux or CE.net. Assuming drivers are available for those operating systems.
  • New VDI features are available faster on Windows over systems such as Linux and CE.net.
  • If you are connecting to a Windows Terminal Server or Hyper-V, a ‘Windows to Windows’ connection is always going to be more stable and better supported.
  • If you want to use Aero features a Windows 7 Embedded OS is a must, and the same goes for RemoteFX.
  • Wireless works a lot better on a Windows OS. Not only does it hand off the connection from one access point to another in a mobile environment, but also supports all of the Cisco Protocols like LEAP, PEAP, WPA2, etc.
  • A Windows Embedded Operating Systems give you the flexibility to support all future demands over Linux or CE.net for example, but without all the overhead and security/virus exposure of a traditional Full Windows Pro OS.
  • VPN Clients can readily be embedded in a Windows Embedded OS, which can be very important for remote connectivity, especially mobile or at home workers.
  • Finally with the 10ZiG locked down user feature, the end user is only going to be able to see and interact with whatever the system admin has defined. Most admins set the unit into a kiosk mode where upon boot up, the end user can only get to the VMware View or Citrix Xen sign on screen for instance.

If you require any further information on Thin Clients with Windows Embedded from 10ZiG Technology, please don't hesitate to contact us.

USA - 866-865-5250 or email: sales@10zig.com

EMEA - 01509 276252 or email: sales@10zig.eu

Coming soon: Benefits of a Linux OS in a VDI Environment & What are Zero Clients and Why Choose Zero Clients for VDI.