Citrix, a Devon IT business partner, hosted its XenDesktop Challenge on CitrixTV (http://www.citrix.com/tv/). Thin client vendors submitted videos depicting their thin clients running XenDesktop in various capacities. The winners were decided by Citrix executives Doug Brown, Sumit Dhawan, and Chris Fleck, plus the community votes of ratings and view count. Devon IT submitted two videos, winning in three out of the eight categories.

“Our powerful, Citrix Ready TC5 thin client has proven to be a leading solution for customers worldwide, and combined with XenDesktop users benefit from outstanding performance,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “We are ecstatic to offer the TC5 with XenDesktop, and proud that Citrix executives and IT customers recognized this solution’s synergy and voted in the video challenge.” 

Devon IT’s winning videos can be seen on Thin Client TV (http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-tv). The “Benefits of XenDesktop and the TC5 Thin Client” video won for Best Overall Video (User Community Vote) and Best Video (Expert Panel Vote), and the “Coolness of Provisioning Server” video won for Best Support of a Locally Streamed Desktop.

For more information about Devon IT, thin client computing, or virtualization, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com or call 610-757-4220 or 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

IT professionals from around the world attend this conference to hear about the new product announcements and technologies that will deliver the leading-edge capabilities that users have come to expect. More than 50 sessions will be offered on topics such as cloud computing, mission-critical capability and scalability, VMware ESXi and more.

“We are excited to participate in this IBM event, as we have seen a huge interest in the alternative desktop space in India,” notes Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. “This exclusive event showcases some of the advanced technologies surrounding the server-based computing industry, and we look forward to demoing our Intel^TM based thin client, the T5 as well as our other models of thin clients.

For more details on this event visit http://www-304.ibm.com/jct03001c/services/learning/ites.wss?pageType=page&c=Q156055R32198Z27. For more information about Devon IT’s server-hosted products or solutions, call Devon IT India at 91-80-4140 0088/77 or email indiasales@devonit.com.

Virtualized desktops are hosted on a remote central server instead of on the hard drive of a local personal computer. Desktop virtualization software separates an individual’s PC applications, files, data, etc. from their desktop. Benefits of this computing model include lowering the total cost of ownership, extending hardware life cycles, increasing security, lowering energy output, and centralizing desktop management.

“Many schools, healthcare facilities and government agencies are switching from PCs to server-hosted desktops, citing cost-savings as a main reason,” noted Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. “Virtual desktops can help IT personnel realize significant security, total cost of ownership, increased productivity and flexibility benefits. We are excited to discuss the top trends in virtualization with public sector IT experts across the country.”

Devon IT’s line of thin clients, including the TC2, TC5, TC10, and SafeBook® laptop, run virtualization software from the industry’s leaders, namely VMware, Citrix, and RedHat. End users receive desktop experiences that rival traditional desktop PCs at a fraction of the cost.

For more information about Devon IT, thin client computing, or virtualization, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com or call 610-757-4220 or 888-524-9382.

The Technology Solutions Tour enables resellers, hardware manufacturers, software publishers and Tech Data to engage one another, build stronger partnerships and develop strategies to profitably capitalize on the industry’s latest technology trends. Devon IT will demo its TC5 and TC2 thin clients, as well as its SafeBook LVO® mobile thin client model, for resellers.

“Tech Data is one of the industry’s top distributors, and we are proud to work with them to get our thin clients in the hands of users across the country,” said Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “The TC5, operating with Intel’s powerful, newly-designed processor, sets the thin client computing industry standard with high-performance Internet and application capabilities that rival the user experiences delivered by traditional desktop PCs. We look forward to sharing this technology with our business partners at this tour event.”

For more information about the Technology Solutions Tour visit http://techdata.com/content/events/tst/default.aspx. For more information about Devon IT, thin client computing, or virtualization, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com or call 610-757-4220 or 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

The TC4 accommodates PCI expansion cards as well as parallel and serial legacy ports widely used in the retail and financial industries. This model features either Windows Embedded Standard (XPe) or Devon IT’s embedded Operating System (DeTOS). It also supports RDP, ICA, Web-based applications, and virtual desktop environments from Citrix, VMware, and RedHat.

“We developed the TC4 at the request of many customers who still utilize legacy ports, namely in the retail and financial services verticals,” says Stephane Verdy, chief technology officer for Devon IT. “The TC4 is ideal for point-of-sale environments and individual bank branches, and we look forward to offering this technology to our customers.”

Product demonstrations and webinars can be scheduled by contacting Caitlin Bell at cbell@devonit.com or call 610-757-4220.

Virtualized desktops are hosted on a remote central server instead of on the hard drive of local personal computer. Desktop virtualization software separates an individual’s PC applications, files, data, etc. from their desktop. Benefits of this computing model include lowering the total cost of ownership, extending hardware life cycles, increasing security, lowering energy output, and centralizing desktop management.

“We have held several IBM road shows this year in different regions and experienced a significant interest from customers, signaling the momentum of the virtualized desktop,” notes Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “We hope to continue this road show across the U.S. through the end of the year, and encourage customers who are looking to save money on desktop deployment costs, lower their energy bills, centrally manage their desktops to attend these educational seminars.”

IT executives in all-sized industries are invited to attend the seminars. Executives from Devon IT and IBM will host a series of discussions about the benefits of desktop virtualization and the cost-saving benefits. Space is limited and interested customers are encouraged to register for the events here www.devonit.com/about-devon-it/events-calendar/upcoming-events.

For more information about the event, Devon IT thin clients or server-based computing, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, email info@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

The University System of Ohio Virtualization Program, announced in January 2009, is a three-year purchasing aggregation initiative with the potential of saving Ohio colleges and universities more than $130 million.  The agreement gives the Ohio Academic Resources Network [OARnet] – the University System of Ohio’s technology operations arm – the unlimited ability to license industry leader VMware’s full suite of state-of-the art virtualization software and technological support services.  Read the full University System of Ohio announcement at: http://uso.edu/newsUpdates/media/releases/2009/01/OBRMediaRel_09Jan09.php.

The O-VDI discounted pricing also applies to other state agencies and school districts.  By combining Devon IT’s thin clients with VMware software such as VMware View^TM,  the University System of Ohio can be equipped with cost-effective desktop solutions that help enable the management, security, flexibility and deployment benefits of virtualized desktop environment.

“Our O-VDI program combine Devon IT’s thin clients with VMware software  to equip the University System of Ohio with cost-effective desktop solutions that enable the management, security, flexibility and deployment benefits of virtualized desktop environments,” said Joe Makoid, president, Devon IT. “Especially in these challenging economic times, IT administrators need to be certain that their solutions offer the highest levels of compatibility and flexibility.  We are pleased to make Devon IT’s thin clients available at the lowest possible price in order to enhance the benefits of the University System of Ohio Virtualization Program.”

“Education technology professionals constantly face usability, manageability and budgetary challenges,” says Michael King, IBM, Vice President, Global Education. “Devon IT’s virtual desktop solution uses a centralized IT approach to lower costs and improve manageability. Devon’s thin client solutions combined with VMware’s virtualized desktop will help the University System of Ohio reduce operating costs while enabling schools to affordably provide desktop technology to the campus community, as well as streamline business operations.”

“Offering discounted Devon IT thin clients with VMware View^TM, the industry-leading desktop virtualization  solution, helps the Ohio University System not only meet the objectives of its virtualization program, but it also heightens its commitment to green IT,” said Jerry Chen, senior director of desktop virtualization, VMware. “The combination of Devon IT’ s thin clients and VMware View helps equip these schools with a flexible, cost-effective desktop solution that also uses less energy.”

All Devon IT’s products, including desktop, mobile and specialized thin client solutions that support any end-user requirement, are included in the O-VDI program. All products carry an IBM part number and are orderable through IBM and authorized Devon IT resellers.

The entire Devon IT product line is also VMware Ready^TM Certified. This designation indicates that Devon IT’s thin clients have met the testing criteria to be VMware Ready Certified for VMware View^TM and are now listed on the VMware View Compatibility Guide. The VMware Thin Client Certification Program enables thin client vendors who are VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program members to provide mutual customers with a jointly supported virtual desktop solution.  

Devon IT thin clients can be found within the online VMware Hardware Compatibility List at http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search. Products include:

TC2

The ultra-small and inexpensive TC2 is an ideal desktop replacement for businesses looking to downsize their infrastructure and reduce management and power costs. The small form factor unit consumes only eight watts and is completely silent. Despite its size, it is fully-functioned and allows users to connect to a variety of servers and virtual desktops.

TC5

The TC5 is a next-generation thin client from Devon IT for users who need high performance from a small footprint client. The TC5 gives users the capability to use multiple displays with one stateless unit. This ultra-advanced desktop appliance supports dual DVI video, internal wireless (Optional) and comes with either the DeTOS Operating System or Windows® XP Embedded.

SafeBook® LVO

The SafeBook® LVO is the next-generation mobile thin client notebook. Built on the Lenovo ThinkPad platform the SafeBook® LVO is available with Windows® XP embedded software and is compatible with Lenovo ThinkPad docking stations and accessories. The SafeBook® LVO is a mobile thin client laptop with no hard drive, so all sensitive data is protected against loss or theft. With its low purchase price, low operating and maintenance costs, and reinforced security functions, the SafeBook® LVO offers the latest thin client technology in a lightweight, mobile notebook.

For more information about Devon IT’s O-VDI program, or to arrange for a demonstration, email cbell@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or 888-524-9382. Information on all Devon IT products is also available at www.devonit.com.

The agreement will, for the first time, give VARs throughout Europe access to Devon IT’s range of innovative thin client terminals and software.  This will enable resellers to address the growing demand for easy-to-manage and cost-effective desktop devices that are now emerging as enterprises look to ensure that their infrastructures are as stable and secure as possible, and leverage the business benefits of virtualisation also to the desktop.

Commenting on the agreement, Sean Kendrick, Director Marketing and SMB at Azlan Europe says “The number of businesses deploying virtualization and wireless technologies is increasing rapidly, driven by a need for simpler, more manageable and cost-efficient access to systems and networks.  Many enterprises are considering alternatives to traditional desktop PCs and notebooks and will turn to solutions like thin client. This agreement makes it possible for more resellers to capitalise upon demand for Devon’s technology.

Previously Devon’s products were only available in Europe through IBM OEM agreements. Opening up these products to Azlan’s extensive reach of European resellers makes Devon’s thin client solutions accessible to a mass of potential SMB customer’s. Devon IT is now building up its own network of accredited resellers throughout Europe by leveraging Azlan’s and IBM’s success in identifying, recruiting and enabling partners.

Joe Makoid, President of Devon IT, says that resellers can expect strong and sustained investment from the company and its partners. “We are very excited about the potential for our solutions in the European market. With its extensive knowledge of the systems market and ability to understand and reach out to a broad European reseller partner base, Azlan is the ideal distribution partner for Devon IT. We will be working closely with Azlan to provide and resources that resellers will need to develop business in this growing segment of the market.”

Kendrick believes that value creating distribution has a key role to play in developing eco systems and initiatives which accelerate the adoption of business enabling technologies within the SMB and mid market space. “One way of helping resellers access growth opportunities and differentiate themselves is to offer a complete single or multi vendor solution instead of just a product – this supports partners to differentiate and compete for the business on value, not just price”. Asked to provide an example he comments, “Combine Devon’s thin clients with IBM hardware & software and VMware virtualisation, all assembled at Azlan’s “pre-configuration centre and suddenly solution selling becomes much easier and more profitable for resellers.”

Solution centric partners can benefit from Azlan’s pragmatic approach to developing programs and specialist services designed to support the reseller’s ability to identify and fulfil customer demand. Leveraging this experience, Devon IT will be launching an Authorized Business Partner Program through Azlan, that will furnish partners with detailed information, training, sales & marketing support and preferential discounts on Devon IT solutions. Authorised resellers will also benefit from demonstration units and special promotions.

Makoid says that the company will be looking to recruit reseller partners that share in the company’s ambition. “Through Azlan we intend to build strategic, long-term relationships with reseller partners. We are seeing substantial growth in demand for our solutions and our customer base is growing rapidly. In partnership with Azlan we will be looking to accelerate that growth and resellers can be absolutely certain of our determination and commitment to achieving our goals.” 

Azlan continues to invest significantly in developing markets for several key growth technologies, virtualisation related solutions being firmly in the spot light. 

About Azlan

Azlan, the Enterprise Division of Tech Data Corporation, is a leading value-added distributor of networking, communications, midrange enterprise server, storage and software solutions in Europe. We enable fast, cost-effective pan-European distribution of products and solutions for market leaders such as Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), IBM (NYSE: IBM), HP (NYSE: HP), VMware (NYSE: VMW) and Oracle (NasdaqGS: ORCL).  Azlan provides a variety of other value creating services including channel development, marketing and sales support, training and certification, and finance programs designed to assist vendor and reseller partners in developing their SME and mid market  opportunities. www.azlan.com

Azlan continues to build on its 25 year history of excellence, now as part of Tech Data, which acquired Azlan in March 2003. Tech Data generated $24.1 billion in net sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. Founded in 1974, Tech Data (NASDAQ:TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 100,000 customers in over 100 countries. www.techdata.com

“Our goal is to relay essential product information and market opportunities to business partners. The success of our reseller program is anchored in our communication of new product launches and updates as well as information about companies and organizations that might be interested in them,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “Topics for this webinar will include hardware enhancements as well as a tutorial about our recent software release, VDI Blaster, which repurposes aging PCs into thin clients. I encourage resellers and integrators – whether business partners or not – to join a webinar.”

Devon IT will host two webinars on Thursday, June 4, at 9:00 a.m. EST and 2 p.m. EST. The seminar will take approximately 45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes allocated for questions. Register at the link below:

• 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.- Register Now
• 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.- Register Now

For more information and to better understand how thin clients reduce overall computing costs, please visit www.devonit.com, call 888-524-9382 or email info@devonit.com.

The webinar series is designed for IT personnel interested in learning more about alternative desktop computing models. Topics will include the basics of how a thin client functions and works within an organization’s network; how to choose the right software from Citrix, VMware, and more; the differences between PC-based environments and thin client environments; and the cost, security, and manageability benefits of thin client computing.  There will also be a question and answer session.

“If you are uncertain or confused about how thin clients work and differ from PCs, this webinar series is ideal for you,” says Stephane Verdy, CTO of Devon IT and the series’ host. “Attendees at our past webinars have benefited from rich content and excellent dialogue with thin client experts. We expect this series to be well-attended and hope to hold more webinars that dive more into alternative desktop computing technology.”

Devon IT will host two webinars on Thursday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The seminars will take approximately 45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes allocated for questions. You can register at the link below:

• 10:00-11:00 a.m.- Register Now
• 2:00-3:00 p.m.- Register Now

For more information about Devon IT’s server-based computing model, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.