New Windows 7-based thin client redefines virtual desktop computing through RDP 7.1 with RemoteFX

King of Prussia, PA — May 16 , 2011 — Devon IT, Inc., a leading provider of thin client hardware and software solutions, today announced it will demonstrate its new Window Embedded Standard (WES) 7-based thin client, the TC5Xc, at the Microsoft® Tech-Ed North America 2011 conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from May 16-19. Devon IT will exhibit in the RemoteFX Pavilion booth 12.

TC5Xc thin clients running WES7 with RemoteFX will deliver significant user experience and security benefits. WES7 leverages GPU virtualization and advanced codecs to deliver the full modern Windows 7 desktop experience, including multimedia and multiple displays, to the TC5x. RemoteFX allows users to take advantage of rich media features, such as 3D user interface, full-motion video, animations, and portable graphics stacks like Microsoft Silverlight and Flash.
WES 7 also features an enhanced, highly secure environment with seamless connectivity between the thin client and the network to protect critical data.

“The simple fact is that today’s thin clients paired with high-powered graphics software like WES7 with RemoteFX can deliver a true Windows experience and all the rich media PC users access today,” says Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. “Microsoft is a desktop giant, and we expect RemoteFX to set the tone for Windows OS delivery on thin clients. Devon IT has been on the forefront of thin client and virtual desktop solution development for years, and we are committed to continually changing the face of desktop computing.”

RemoteFX will be part of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. More information about DevonIT’s RemoteRX solutions are available at http://www.devonit.com/software/microsoft-remotefx/overview.

For more information about Devon IT’s products and virtual desktop solutions, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, contact info@devonit.com, 610-757-4220, or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com. Read Devon IT’s “Thin Tank” Blog at http://www.devonit.com/category/blog.

It is a compelling read and articulates that (many) factors need to be considered when deciding on a VDI strategy.  I highly recommend reading this blog and whitepaper but what it all comes down to at the end (spoiler alert) is: What is the goal of the organization and what is the desktop strategy that supports that goal.

In fact the very first comment post on the blog says as much:  ”does anyone ever have their senior management team/teams tell them their vision/strategies for the desktop or does it always boil down to the admins?”

How many companies sit down with their IT teams and actively discuss and review.  Right now, there are too many options for many companies to effectively consider.

Think about it, some of the considerations include:

• Server size and capacity, scalability and room to grow, how many cores etc.,
• Operating system, (still relatively straightforward with Windows the de-facto desktop standard.),
• Thin Client, how big, how fast, what thin client OS, windows or Linux based,
• Storage, including SAN, direct, NAS, etc.,
• Management software,
• Citrix, Microsoft , or VMware, for virtualization software.

Many of these are not easily alleviated today by VDI vendors. There are the normal software discussions, but also there are hardware issues as hardware vendors are structured to sell servers, storage and desktops.  In addition within a medium or large enterprise there are different operating units, with different balance sheets and different IT budgets.  Finally, many vendors structure their offerings around sales compensation, margins and overall corporate P&L.  It does not make the answers, or even the questions easy to come by.

My prediction is that a hardware or software company is going to figure this out and they will produce a system that is relatively easy to size and configure and they will be able to deliver a “turn key” virtual desktop solution to help alleviate much of the difficulty in planning for VDI. This will happen soon and when it does we are off to the races!

Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT

jmakoid@devonit.com

Now the corporate desktop PC is viewed as your grandfather’s computer.  We now live in a broadband world and corporate networks have gotten much better and more efficient.  The full promise of, “Cloud”, which is nothing but Internet backed server based computing, is all of a sudden all the rage.  And rightly so.  Almost everyone uses the “Cloud” every day.

As for the utility of VDI, I personally use a virtual desktop on a thin client every day.  I authenticate and I have my desktop in seconds. It’s the ultimate mobility in my building too, since we have thin clients everywhere so I (and everyone else here) can get my desktop anywhere, without carrying a PC.  My desktop even looks cool as its small, light and fast and it can display high resolution dual screen.   Most importantly, there’s no data stored on it.

VDI is getting better faster everyday with the big software companies like Microsoft, VMware, and Citrix investing in and continually releasing advancements to their access protocols.  This, combined with the hardware powerhouses like Dell who are releasing newer and better products rapidly makes this the critical inflection point for companies looking to move to VDI.

Finally, and to me this is the most intriguing and important development coming, cloud service companies are now beginning to offer hosted desktop services for as little as $60 a month.

So is VDI better than a desktop PC?  What do you think?  Let me know.

Joe Makoid

President, Devon IT

jmakoid@devonit.com

King of Prussia, PA – February 22, 2011 – Devon IT, Inc., a leading thin client hardware and software provider, today announced that its new Microsoft RemoteFX-optimized TC5Xc thin client running Windows Embedded Standard 7 will be released in the second quarter of this year. The TC5Xc will also be available through Dell at Dell.com.

“With Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1), Microsoft now offers new capabilities for Remote Desktop Services and RemoteFX,” explained Manlio Vecchiet, Director of Windows Server Product Management, at Microsoft Corp.   “These capabilities are   designed to improve the user experience  of Windows 7 virtual machines hosted on Server 2008 R2 SP1 systems.  Devon’s newly released products supporting RemoteFX will enable customers to realize great remote multimedia performance while gaining the benefits of a hosted desktop.”

RemoteFX takes advantage of GPU virtualization and advanced codecs  and delivers the full modern Windows 7 desktop experience, including multimedia and multiple displays, to thin clients,. The TC5Xc thin client will feature Windows Embedded Standard 7 delivering a highly secure environment to protect important data with the latest features for safe, seamless connectivity between the thin client and the network.

RemoteFX will be part of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.

“Devon IT is ecstatic to work with IT giants like Microsoft and Dell to deliver powerful solutions to remote users’ desktops,” says Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. “The face of computing is changing in the midst of major IT organizations developing additional methods of delivering the desktop to users. We expect RemoteFX to continue the advancement of high-quality, PC-like desktop experiences to users of all intensity levels.”

Devon IT works closely with Dell’s Flexible Computing teams to deliver validated solutions that augment Dell’s traditional desktop offerings and enable IT departments to navigate their increasingly complex environment.

“IT administrators continue to strengthen their managed desktop arsenals by going beyond thin client deployments. They are leveraging hosted and virtualized desktops, PCs that access those desktops, flexible PCs that can act as thin clients, and thin client appliances that complement PC strategies,” says Makoid. “Devon IT has been on the forefront of developing and aiding these technologies for years. Working with Microsoft and Dell to once again provide thin client technologies for the future is a product of our continued commitment to make computing easier, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly.”

More information about DevonIT’s RemoteRX solutions are available at http://www.devonit.com/software/microsoft-remotefx/overview

For more information about Devon IT’s products orderable from Dell.com, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, contact info@devonit.com, 610-757-4220, or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.  Read Devon IT’s “Thin Tank” Blog at http://www.devonit.com/category/blog

Some of VDI’s major benefits include: Centralized desktop management, Rapid client deployment, Improved security, Lower support costs, The ability to purchase lower-cost desktops or “dumb” terminals, Extended useful lifespan for desktop hardware.

As the IT community begins to realize all of these benefits, VDI vendors continue to battle for market dominance. And alliances are being formed to help certain companies get an edge over others.

Microsoft recognized the need to enhance its ubiquitous Remote Deskstop Protocol (RDP) and in 2010 announced RemoteFX.  This quantum leap in Microsoft remoting protocols leverages the power of virtualized graphics resources and advanced codecs to recreate the fidelity of hardware-assisted graphics acceleration, including support for 3D content and Windows Aero, on a remote user’s device. This allows for a local-like, remote experience from Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services.  In addition to those experiences, they also announced RemoteFX will have generic USB redirection.  This will allow you to redirect virtually any USB device transparently over RDP, this provides several benefits:

• Support for more devices than previously
• Support for USB devices with thin clients
• No client drivers necessary
• Applications are transparent to redirected devices

Keeping in mind the availability of advanced VDI and remote display approaches from companies such as Citrix, VMware and others, Microsoft RemoteFX raises the bar but also adds to the need for a thorough and clear desktop strategy, especially for organizations looking to move to Server 2008 SP1.

Read more about Devon IT’s RemoteFX solutions at http://www.devonit.com/software/microsoft-remotefx/overview

You can also read the Dell Blog about Dell Desktop Solutions with RemoteFX

The low cost Devon FX1 is among the first devices specifically designed for Microsoft RemoteFX, a key virtualization capability in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 . The RemoteFX ARM-based client will allow users to take advantage of rich media features such as 3D user interface, full-motion video, animations, and portable graphics stacks like Microsoft Silverlight and Flash, and a diverse array of client-side devices.

“The ARM architecture has the best MIPS to dollars ratio in the industry; the smallest CPU die size; all the necessary computing capability coupled with low power consumption,” explained Greg Guerra,Vice President, Product Management, Devon IT.  “The ARM’s small die size combined with its performance makes it a perfect fit for today’s thin client computing needs and, just as importantly, it is inexpensive and low in power consumption.”

Hardware accelerated RemoteFX decoding provides excellent performance while allowing to keep power consumption to an extremely low level. Devon IT’s new thin client implements  RemoteFX decoding in hardware as well as software giving users a unique and flexible option in one low-cost device.

“As organizations continue to deploy a centralized computing architecture with virtualized or session-based desktops, IT professionals have to deliver a premium user experience to connected workers while offering users flexibility with an increasing variety of endpoint devices,” said Manlio Vecchiet, Director of Product Management  at Microsoft Corp.  “Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services with Microsoft RemoteFX  will allow remote workers to access any type of application or screen content, including rich media and 3D applications, and enjoy a local-like user experience over the LAN. Devon IT’s new FX1 thin client device will help deliver an innovative RemoteFX solution to enterprises looking to maximize their IT investment.”

“Devon IT has been a recognized innovator in developing cutting-edge alternative desktop technologies for the last five years,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “Our ARM-based FX1 running RemoteFX will offer users from a full, rich media experience while maintaining the power consumption,  TCO and security benefits of a VDI environment across multiple client solutions.  The combination of these benefits is yet another reason that we see thin clients paired with cloud computing and virtual desktops becoming a viable option  for business large and small.”

Historically the end-user experience has been a factor limiting the usability in some remote desktops. Microsoft RemoteFX gives an enhanced user experience regardless of the type of application (3D, web based video streaming, etc). Since RemoteFX relies on server-side rendering, it enables Devon IT to build simplified thin clients such as the TC Zero that do not need to be upgraded as new multimedia players or codecs are created. This allows customers to deploy low cost, highly secure, highly reliable and centrally manageable thin clients even to their most demanding users.

In addition to RemoteFX, Devon IT will also show RDP 7, which was introduced with Windows Server 2008 R2, running on its thin client DeTOS operating system RDP 7 capabilities deliver next-generation media experiences, including multi-monitor support, support for Windows Media^® Player redirection and bi-directional audio on a Devon thin client.  The  Devon IT FX1 will be available in 2Q 2011.

Devon IT to develop low-cost Thin Client specifically designed to take advantage of RemoteFX rich media

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.–Devon IT, Inc., a provider of thin client hardware and software solutions, today announced plans to develop and sell a new, low-cost zero client desktop device specifically designed to support Microsoft RemoteFX.

The Devon IT RemoteFX Zero Client – code named the TC Zero – will be among the first devices specifically designed for Microsoft’s RemoteFX software. The RemoteFX zero client will allow users to take advantage of rich media features such as 3D user interface, video, animations, and portable graphics stacks like Microsoft Silverlight and Flash, and a diverse array of client-side devices.

Hardware accelerated RemoteFX decoding provides excellent performance while allowing to keep power consumption to an extremely low level. Devon IT is working to design a new thin client that implements this RemoteFX decoding in hardware. Devon IT plans to release the Remote FZ TC Zero within 6 months after SP1 ships and Devon IT also plans an aggressive low price point to make the cost of acquisition and ultimately the total cost of ownership as low as possible.

“Customers will be excited about Devon IT’s plans to develop and sell a low-cost client desktop device designed to support Microsoft RemoteFX,” said Dai Vu, director of Virtualization Solutions Marketing at Microsoft Corp. “The collaboration between Microsoft and Devon IT will help deliver innovative RemoteFX solutions to enterprises looking to maximize their IT investment.”

“RemoteFX has no doubt raised the bar for delivering high-quality, PC-like desktop experiences to users of all intensity levels,” says Stephane Verdy, CTO for Devon IT. “We have worked with innovators like the Microsoft RemoteFX team for years, and we are ecstatic that we can once again provide customers with an advanced thin client solution.”

“Devon IT has been a recognized innovator in developing cutting-edge alternative desktop technologies for the last five years,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “When an iconic company like Microsoft, which has built the modern desktop computer industry into what it is today , announces technology like Microsoft RemoteFX it is a market setting and industry changing event. RemoteFX-based products and technologies from Devon IT will fundamentally help our customers increase their desktop computing productivity and reduce their costs.”

Historically the end-user experience has been a factor limiting the usability in some remote desktops. Microsoft RemoteFX gives an enhanced user experience regardless of the type of application (3D, web based video streaming, etc). Since RemoteFX relies on server-side rendering, it enables Devon IT to build simplified thin clients that do not need to be upgraded as new multimedia players or codecs are created. This allows customers to deploy low cost, highly secure, highly reliable and centrally manageable thin clients even to their most demanding users.

You can read the Microsoft announcement here.

The Microsoft Partner Page for RemoteFX is available here.

And a blog from Microsoft about RemoteFX by Max Hermann can be found here.

Devon IT is developing a Microsoft RemoteFX software client that will be integrated into its Devon Terminal System (DeTOS) and VDI Blaster products. The RemoteFX client will allow users to take advantage of rich media features such as 3D user interface, video, animations, and portable graphics stacks like Microsoft Silverlight and Flash, and a diverse array of client-side devices. This means that customers who purchase a Devon IT thin client such as the TC5 today will be able to upgrade DeTOS and take advantage of Microsoft RemoteFX when it becomes available.

“Devon IT has been a recognized innovator in developing cutting-edge alternative desktop technologies for the last five years,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “When an iconic company like Microsoft , which has built the modern desktop computer industry into what it is today , announces technology like Microsoft Remote FX it is a market setting and industry changing event. It is exciting for us to announce our full support of Microsoft Remote FX. The VDI Blaster, the Devon TC5, the E5400X SafeBook and the new Devon RemoteFX Zero client will provide our customers and business partners with powerful , graphically rich and energy efficient solutions for their desktop deployments. The RemoteFX-based products and technologies from Devon IT will fundamentally help our customers increase their desktop computing productivity and reduce their costs.”

Historically the end-user experience has been a factor limiting the usability in some remote desktops. Microsoft RemoteFX gives an enhanced user experience regardless of the type of application (3D, web based video streaming, etc). Since RemoteFX relies on server-side rendering, it enables Devon IT to build simplified thin clients that do not need to be upgraded as new multimedia players or codecs are created. This allows customers to deploy low cost, highly secure, highly reliable and centrally manageable thin clients even to their most demanding users.

“As organizations plan to deploy a centralized computing architecture with virtualized or session-based desktops, IT professionals want to deliver a premium user experience to connected workers,” said Mike Schutz, director of product management at Microsoft Corp. “The Microsoft RemoteFX feature in Windows Server will allow remote workers to access any type of application or screen content, including rich media and 3D applications. Companies such as Devon IT are offering a path to the future by investing in solutions today that will increase the flexibility and performance of a centralized desktop environment.”

Read Microsoft’s announcement, “Microsoft Accelerates Desktop Virtualization“.

“Employees crave options in where and how they work. And yet, IT still needs to enforce security and compliance of devices. The business is being pulled in two directions,” said Brad Anderson, corporate vice president of the Management and Services Division at Microsoft. “Microsoft’s desktop virtualization strategy is unique in addressing this balance. It builds on existing investments and comprehensive management to mitigate risks and control costs, while still equipping end users to be more productive from anywhere.”

Customers are also looking at desktop virtualization as a means to reduce costs and accelerate delivery of new applications. A new Microsoft total cost of ownership study on the use of application virtualization technology showed that customers using a Microsoft virtualization technology called Microsoft App-V achieved a 27 percent labor savings, and equivalent cost savings of $82 per PC per year, in application life-cycle management compared with those not using application virtualization. The study also demonstrated how Microsoft App-V helps IT professionals deliver applications more quickly and efficiently.

“We have a strong philosophy that IT is an enabler for the business, and we are always looking for the best IT solutions to meet the needs of our employees and customers,” said Chaz Spahn, senior systems engineer for Expedia Inc. “We’re working with Microsoft on our desktop virtualization projects. We’re using App-V in production and looking to virtualize about 90 percent of our applications. In addition, we have two use cases where we are exploring hosted desktops and foresee about 30 percent of our users could move to this platform. Microsoft was our choice since they have the right solutions to increase our speed of application and desktop provisioning, improve security and compliance, and provide integrated management across our physical and virtual environments.”

Microsoft outlined improvements that make it easier to access desktop virtualization. More information on today’s announcement and Microsoft’s virtualization strategy is available here.

New VDI promotions available for qualified customers to choose from today. Microsoft and Citrix Systems are offering the “Rescue for VMware VDI” promotion, which allows VMware View customers to trade in up to 500 licenses at no additional cost, and the “VDI Kick Start” promotion, which offers new customers a more than 50 percent discount off the estimated retail price. Eligibility and other details on the two promotions can be found at http://www.citrixandmicrosoft.com.

Improved licensing model for virtual Windows desktop. Beginning July 1, 2010, Windows Client Software Assurance customers will no longer have to buy a separate license to access their Windows operating system in a VDI environment, as virtual desktop access rights now will be a Software Assurance benefit.

New roaming use rights improve flexibility. Beginning July 1, 2010, Windows Client Software Assurance and new Virtual Desktop Access license customers will have the right to access their virtual Windows desktop and their Microsoft Office applications hosted on VDI technology on secondary, non-corporate network devices, such as home PCs and kiosks.

Windows XP Mode no longer requires hardware virtualization technology. This change simplifies the experience by making virtualization more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications.

Two new features coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 service pack 1. Microsoft Dynamic Memory will allow customers to adjust memory of a guest virtual machine on demand to maximize server hardware use. Microsoft RemoteFX will enable users of virtual desktops and applications to receive a rich 3-D, multimedia experience while accessing information remotely.

New technology agreement with Citrix Systems. The companies will work together to enable the high-definition HDX technology in Citrix XenDesktop to enhance and extend the capabilities of the Microsoft RemoteFX platform.

“By joining forces in desktop virtualization, Citrix and Microsoft can provide customers of all sizes with groundbreaking solutions that are profoundly simpler, richer and more cost-effective,” said Gordon Payne, senior vice president and general manager, Desktop Division, at Citrix Systems. “Today’s announcements mark a historic milestone in our 20-year relationship that will dramatically simplify desktop computing for years to come.”

In today’s webcast, Microsoft and Citrix executives, analysts, and customers will discuss today’s news and Microsoft’s desktop-to-datacenter virtualization strategy. Today’s webcast also marks the beginning of a 100-city, worldwide series of events to educate customers on the comprehensive portfolio of desktop and datacenter virtualization solutions provided by Microsoft and its partners, including Citrix. To join the dialogue, Twitter users can tweet their comments and questions to #MSVirt.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/mar10/03-18DesktopVirtPR.mspx