What is a Thin Client?
A Thin Client is a mini Personal Desktop Computer with the following Exceptions:
· Thin Clients have no moving parts (Fewer failure Points) No Hard Drives, Processor Fans, Power Supply Fans, etc.
· Thin Clients use 'Solid-State' Flash Storage instead of a Hard Drives. (The type of Flash Storage you would see on an iPod or USB Thumb Drive.)
· Thin Clients consume a fraction of the power than a regular PC.
· Thin Clients put out a fraction of the Heat compared to a regular PC.
· Thin Clients are typically immune to Virus or Malware Threats. If infected, a simple re-boot eliminates the threat and restores it to a clean state.
· Thin Clients use 'Embedded Operating Systems'. Rather than desktop versions of Microsoft XP Professional, Vista, or Linux, a Thin Client uses Embedded Microsoft XP (XPe), Embedded Linux, or Microsoft CE.
Thin Clients can replace Desktop Computers in some environments, but Thin Clients are not Desktop Computer replacements. Thin Clients are used when the application processing is performed by Networked Servers (i.e. Web-Servers, Terminal Servers, Virtualization Servers, Host/Mainframe Systems, etc..)
To fully realize the benefits from a Thin Client computing environment, centralized 'Server-Centric' hardware and data-center applications and databases are needed.
HOW CAN A BUSINESS BENEFIT FROM
· A Simplified IT Infrastructure. By using Thin Clients to connect to Citrix Terminal Services, Microsoft Terminal Services, Virtualized 'VDI' Desktops, Browser-Based Applications, or Host or Mainframe connectivity, the IT infrastructure is centralized and simplified.
· Centralized Secure Data. Secured in server rooms and data centers, data cannot be copied or stolen and is easier to back-up.
· Reduced IT Maintenance Costs and Centralized Application Maintenance. IT Staff manages applications, patches, and Help Desk Support from central locations using IT Management Tools like Symantec's Altiris Deployment Solution.
· Longer Return on Investment (ROI). Because the moving part failure points are eliminated, Thin Clients will last longer than PCs. The main capacity and hardware/software upgrades are more focused on the servers, rather than the high number of PC clients.
· Reduced Electricity Utility Bills. Because of the lower power consumption and minimal heat output, large organiations realize significant reductions in power consumption needed to run the IT infrastructure and Air Conditioning Systems)
WHAT KIND OF BUSINESSES
· Call-Centers with Browser-Based applications
· Bank Tellers accessing centralized bank systems
· Retail Showroom terminals accessing centralized inventory information
· Point-of-Sale Terminals
· Hospitals using Citrix Terminal Services or Windows Terminal Services
· Terminals for Cruise Ships accessing Centralized Systems
· Internet Terminals for Trade Shows and Conventions
·
· School Computer Labs
· Insurance companies with centralized systems and spread-out geographic offices
· Manufacturing and
· Customer Support Representatives using Browser-based applications
·
· VMWare VDI Desktop Connectivity
1.5 GHz ProEdge Thin Client Now Available from I-O Corporation
Salt Lake City, Utah - January 31, 2008 - I-O Corporation has now introduced their fastest Thin Client. Based on a VIA 1.5 GHz Processor, the ProEdge X15(XPe) and C15(CE) are now available.
The ProEdge Thin Clients are I-O's 3rd generation Thin Client. Developed specifically to be small, simple to manage, and secure. I-O's ProEdge Thin Clients can be a key component in any virtualization strategy whether that stategy is based on VMWare, Citrix, or Microsoft Virtualization.
All ProEdge Models are solid state solutions and contain no moving parts (fans or hard drives). I-O offers free 30-day trial units for customers to try the technology within their IT infrastructure.
Take the I-O Corporation Challenge - 'Get Thin in 30 Days'
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - May 14, 2007 - Utah-based I-O Corporation launched a new line of simple, secure thin clients that are small enough to mount on the back of standard LCD monitors. The new I-O Windows® XP Embedded and Windows® CE based Pro|Edge™ thin clients are available for a 30-day trial offer as part of the launch. I-O Corporation is simultaneously introducing e-commerce to its site to accommodate IT managers interested in the new product.
"Now's a great time to 'slim down' and try the compact, secure technology of the I-O Pro|Edge™ thin client", said Gordon Flitton, I-O's vice president of sales and marketing. "Thin clients have been available since the 90's, but we're seeing another surge of interest in them because they're smaller than when first introduced and they continue to be simple, economical and more secure than PCs."
Pro|Edge™ thin clients offer customers the flexibility and power of running applications on Windows terminal servers, Citrix Presentation Servers, browsers, and other host systems. I-O's thin client solution provides users with a look and feel of a PC while utilizing traditional software via a server.
"Our Pro|Edge™ thin client is about the size of a three-CD set, offering users the advantage of a small footprint", added Flitton. "Yet it's powerful, with up to one GHz of processing power and a choice of Linux, CE, and XPe operating systems. Still, it uses much less power than a PC, saving organizations money."
Because applications and data are stored at a central location on the server, Pro|Edge™ thin clients offer greater security. The read-only nature of embedded operating systems provides security by preventing virus and unwanted application installations. In addition, using I-O's Endpoint Security Software, IT managers can remotely disable access to any USB mass storage devices attached to XPe Pro|Edge™ models.
And for simplicity, I-O Corporation has partnered with Altiris, a developer of client management tools. Pro|Edge™ was engineered with the Altiris Deployment Solution in mind. AppLabs, a third party testing facility, recently verified the compatibility and functionality of the Pro|Edge™ and Altiris solution. Thus, I-O is the first thin client manufacturer to display the "Altiris-Verified" logo. For those not using Altiris Deployment Solution, I-O provides its own I-O Configuration Utility.
For 30 years, I-O Corporation has developed innovative display stations designed with IT managers and end-users in mind. I-O product designs include economically priced thin clients, managed security servers, endpoint security software, host print software, print servers, display stations and data stream conversion devices. With over 750,000 enterprise solutions installed in more than 30 countries, I-O Corporation's reputation for product reliability and customer support is recognized world-wide. For more information visit www.iocorp.com.
Is the Time Right for Thin Clients?
Salt Lake City, April 20, 2007 - By David Halladay - IT administrators and IT executives are very proud of their technical infrastructure and IT environments – as they should be. Recently, a proud CIO was showing off his company’s web-based CRM and Order Fulfillment system which fielded over 200,000 calls per month. As we walked into the call center I was immediately aware of the 82° temperature plus the noise being generated by 200+ PCs, the cubical fans to keep the call center staff cool, and the HVAC system running at full capacity to keep the temperature at a manageable level - all this to run their browser-based system. This company should have considered thin clients. Putting the initial thin client purchase costs aside, the power savings alone for this company would have paid for the thin client investment over and over again. Yet we fail to mention the ease of administration, the increased security to their network, and the space savings that comes with thin client implementations.
As with any technical strategy, a thin client strategy should be well thought out. The thin client capabilities need to be clearly understood before they are implemented. Thin clients have their place and are not the save-all solution. Many companies have jumped onto the thin client bandwagon just to jump off again after a few years of frustration. These companies found themselves trying to use thin clients like PC’s. The purpose of this article is to outline the basic features to consider when looking into a thin client solution.
Which Thin Client to Choose?
Thin clients have come along ways since their first inception. They have progressed from having home-grown operating systems that only provided terminal emulations to powerful tools that rival desktop PCs. Today’s thin clients range from basic units that simply connect to a Windows Terminal Server or Citrix Presentation Server, to customizable desktops very similar to PC’s. Their advantage still provides organizations with the security of a locked down unit and the low cost of ownership.
There is now a wide selection of choice when investing in thin clients. The first consideration should be the processor. Typically, thin client users have a choice of the economy of Linux, the standard of Windows CE and the power of Windows XP Embedded. In making this choice, there are some important factors to consider with each operating system. Linux is only inexpensive if there are no additional functional requirements other than what comes with the unit. Linux works especially well when the only requirement is to connect to a Windows or Citrix server and when applications are running totally on the server. Organizations who need to change their base configuration changes may need additional support when using Linux.
Windows CE based thin clients are an excellent choice because the operating system offers Windows and Citrix terminal services, terminal emulation suites, basic Internet Explorer, e-mail functionality, and viewers for Microsoft documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), images and PDF files. This solution is ideal for organizations that have both IBM host requirements coupled with Windows-based applications.
For those who want the ability to change the configuration and add applications to their thin clients, Windows XP Embedded is the choice. In addition, the applications offered with XPe are full-featured applications such as Internet Explorer. Though this operating system has the ability to be locked down, it also can be customized to the specific needs of the user. Once customized, it has the option to for lock down so that new programs cannot be added.
Another consideration is hardware. Linux systems start with minimal flash (32 MB), RAM (128) and processing power (400 MHz). However, the open nature of Linux allows a customer to substantially customize their system. Configurations typically will use 128 Mb of Flash, 128 MB of RAM and run well with processor speeds of 500 MHz and up. Windows CE hardware requirements are also relatively small – 32 MB flash, 64 MB RAM and at least a 400 MHz processor. Due to the dropping costs of flash and RAM, typical configurations include 64 MB flash, 128 MB RAM and at least a 500 MHz processor. XPe hardware requirements are dictated by what the user wants included in their thin client. Though XPe can run with a minimum of 256 MB Flash and 256 RAM, typically a base configuration requires 512 MB Flash and 256 MB RAM. Minimum processor speed should be 800 MHz. Newer 1 GB or faster units are available, but due to heat issues, many require a fan to cool the processor. Many options are available for XPe units including internal wireless cards and dual monitor support.
It is also important to consider new server technologies such as virtualization where the server is made more efficient and functional. Where many organizations implemented stand alone PCs allowing users applications to run independent of each other, these new virtualization technologies provide the same benefits, yet pull the processing into one unit. The result is a reduction in IT staff efforts to monitor and maintain the many stand alone PCs.
The security aspect of thin clients is a point that should not be overlooked. Locked down operating systems are not subject to viruses, unwanted software installations, etc. This eliminates or reduces the amount of support time required from the IT staff to restore virus damaged operating systems and files.
SMALL. SIMPLE. SECURE.
In summary, administrators can avoid the painful jump off the thin client bandwagon in the future by clearly understanding the capabilities of the thin client processors, operating systems, and hardware. With the proper analysis and expectations, an administrator’s ride on the thin client bandwagon will be fun because it will provide the expected small TCO and footprint, the simple infrastructure to administer, and the secure computing environment.
I-O Corporation Announces "Altiris Verified" Thin Clients
(Las Vegas, NV) I-O Corporation announced today, that its new Windows® XP Embedded and Windows® CE based Pro|Edge™ thin clients have been tested and are "Altiris Verified". I-O Corporation, a sponsor of the Altiris® User Group Show, ManageFusion 07, will show the new product at the conference scheduled, April 11-13 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. An estimated 1,000 users and managers of Altiris® software will attend.
For 30 years, I-O Corporation has developed innovative display stations designed with IT managers and end-users in mind. Pro|Edge™, I-O's newest line of thin clients, offers a solution that is small, simple and secure. I-O has partnered with Altiris® to provide the highest level of thin client management available today.
For information and interviews contact I-O's VP of Marketing and Sales, Gordon Flitton at 801-973-6767 Ext.171 or via e-mail at gordon.flitton@iocorp.com
I-O Corporation, a Utah-based company is located at 1490 North 2200 West, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. For general information call 801-973-6767 or visit www.iocorp.com
I-O Keynai Security Article
I-O Corporation is frequently asked to submit articles for MC Press.Recently, Gordon Flitton, VP of Sales and Marketing was asked to write an article that dealt with using an outside consultant to conduct security assessments.As part of the Keynai Security Solution, I-O offers high-level security assessment and training.Please take a moment an read this informative article.
View Articleadaptio Receives High Reviews from IBM Users
Customers are quick to report that adaptio is not only powerful, but is easy to install, simple to expand, and supports high volume printing at rated speeds. I-O's adaptio is a Windows-based software solution designed to print IBM host print jobs over an Ethernet network via TCP/IP. Running as a Windows service, adaptio seamlessly converts IBM's AFP/IPDS and SCS data streams to PCL.
A well-known national company with multiple locations, tested adaptio to verify its IPDS accuracy and insure there would be no degradation when multiple printers were attached. With I-O's award winning printer emulations, the test proved that IPDS documents previously printed on IPDS system printers were printed accurately. As a speed test, adaptio was evaluated during peak times when heavy printing was required at multiple printer sites. This important test demonstrated that adaptio maintained rated printer speeds during high print production.
The decision was made to standardize on adaptio's IPDS software solution. Soon after the decision was made, a new location requiring IPDS printing came online. Because of adaptio's expandability, host printer sessions were quickly added supporting the new site. Network printers were converted to IPDS printers within minutes. Supporting up to 128 Ethernet attached laser printers per server, adaptio provided the flexibility required by the customer. With the success of I-O's printing solution, the customer continues to add adaptio IPDS sessions as they move away from expensive Host IPDS printers.
Customers such as this, continue to provide testimonials that center on adaptio's speed, expandability, accuracy and ease of use. For a free full-functioning demonstration of adaptio, simply download adaptio at http://iocorp.com/web%20pages/ioadaptiog.htm
New Keynai Security Offering
I-O Corporation is pleased to announce new products and services that target the growth market of network security. Branded as Keynai, the offering includes security appliances, software, and services.
SECURITY APPLIANCES
Keynai offers a Managed Security Server that updates a network against harmful Internet threats, hundreds of times per week. With one device, Keynai eliminates viruses, worms, trojans, phishing, spyware, spam, hacking, and undesirable content. In addition, the same device offers up-to-the-minute auto security updates, managed VPN access, DMZ segmentation, and firewall protection. This economical solution is ideal for small, medium, and large businesses.
SECURITY SOFTWARE
Keynai Endpoint Security Suite is a software solution that enhances an existing security infrastructure and protects organizations against security invasions that originate at network endpoints. Endpoints include remote desktops, notebooks, tablet PC?s etc. Attacks can occur at endpoints that are connected to a network by way of a Wi-Fi/Internet connection located at an airport, a hotel, or a home office. Keynai Endpoint Security offers network administrators a powerful suite of centrally managed solutions designed to protect against multiple endpoint security threats. The Endpoint Security Suite can also enforce workstation security policies on a local network.
SECURITY ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING
Keynai's Security Assessment and Training team is comprised of highly professional individuals who draw upon a wealth of knowledge obtained from years of experience offering world-class network security assessments. In addition to assessing the security condition of a company, Keynai offers security training. This training provides General Security Awareness that focuses on all employees and how they can improve corporate security. Policy Training helps companies develop company policies to protect them against security threats. Finally, Keynai offers IT Staff Security Training that focuses on how to conduct a security audit and where to focus resources and time. Keynai can also customize specific security training classes.
To better understand this important offering and to receive additional information, please call 801-973-6767 or visit www.keynai.com.
I-O Corporation Announces adaptio with Enhanced SCS
Only 2 months after releasing adaptio Host Print Software for Windows?, I-O Corporation has added a new product to their adaptio software line. adaptio with Enhanced SCS transforms IBM's plain text SCS data stream into a graphical presentation. This new product not only offers all the features of standard adaptio but also offers forms fill-in using SCS data streams. Pre-formatted documents such as electronic forms, invoices, statements and checks are stored as templates. Enhanced SCS monitors the incoming SCS data stream, selects the correct template and then populates the form with variable data. Matt Brady, I-O's President and CEO stated, "SCS output can finally be modernized to match modernize applications"
It is important to note that, as a cost saving solution, adaptio with Enhanced SCS eliminates the expense of pre-printed forms, PSF, IPDS and customer programming.
adaptio with Enhanced SCS is part of I-O's Forms on Demand business. As a Forms on Demand service, I-O's Global Forms Design Center provides electronic forms design and duplication. If customers want to design their own forms, they can purchase I-O's FormPort Designer.
For more information, please call 801-973-6767.
I-O Corporation Announces Best Product Ever
On February 3rd, 2006, I-O Corporation announced adaptio, a powerful Windows-based software solution that transforms up to 128 PCL printers into IBM host style printers. Running as a Windows service, adaptio seamlessly converts IBM's AFP/IPDS and SCS data streams to PCL via an Ethernet network.
For decades, I-O Corporation has developed award-winning emulations for the IBM host printing market. Whether printing from an IBM System i5, iSeries, AS/400, zSeries or S/390, adaptio prints host documents accurately and at speeds of up to 250 pages per minute.
To evaluate adaptio, I-O Corporation has made it easy. Simply download a free, full featured, single printer session copy from the I-O Website.
I-O Corporation is a 28-year old company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has a domestic and international dealer channel of 200 strong and has upwards of 20,000 customers using its solutions. For more information, please call 801-973-6767.
Forms On Demand Case Study
Salt Lake City, UT (October 18, 2005)
With the recent release of the I-O 3235F, HP printers can now generate graphically rich SCS documents, eliminating the cost of pre-printed forms. As an inexpensive alternative to IPDS, the I-O 3235F with FormPort stores invoices, statements, checks, etc. as templates. The host print job triggers the desired template and the SCS variable data is merged onto the document.
In a cost saving effort, a manufacturing company recently made the switch from pre-printed checks to checks generated on HP MICR-toner enhanced printers. I-O?s 3235F with FormPort was installed in the HP printers allowing a check template to be stored and printed with variable SCS data. The solution has saved the company thousands of dollars by eliminating pre-printed checks. The manufacturer?s next project is to convert their pre-printed invoices to invoices generated at the printer via FormPort.
I-O Corporation is a 28-year old company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has a domestic and international dealer channel of 200 strong and has upwards of 20,000 customers using it's solutions. For more information, please call 801-973-6767.
Announcing Forms on Demand by I-O Corporation
Salt Lake City, UT (August 19, 2005)
I-O Corporation has announced it's new branded business called Forms on Demand. This exciting multi-faceted offering includes both products and services.
PRODUCTS
The first product to be released is the I-O 3235F IPDS/SCS/FormPort print server. Designed for HP printers, the 3235F converts IPDS and SCS print jobs to PCL. In addition, pre-formatted forms are stored as templates on the 3235F?s flash. FormPort monitors the incoming SCS data stream, selects the correct graphical form template, and populates the form with variable data.
SERVICES
I-O has introduced a Global Forms Design Center. This new service will economically design new or existing forms and convert them to an electronic format. Whether designing SCS forms for FormPort or IPDS forms for IBM?s InfoPrint, I-O can help.
For specific details visit: http://www.iocorp.com/web%20pages/ioFOD.htm
I-O Corporation is a 28-year old company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has a domestic and international dealer channel of 200 strong and has upwards of 20,000 customers using it's solutions. For more information, please call 801-973-6767.
I-O New Home Page
Salt Lake City, UT (July 20, 2005)
I-O?s home page has a fresh new look. More importantly, I-O?s entire product offering can be viewed in a single diagram. By simply mousing over a product category, a brief description appears, and then by clicking additional information can be found.
Customers will benefit from this new format in that they can easily determine the best I-O Solution for their needs. Dealers will also benefit. They will be able to encourage customers to visit the site so they may better understand the product offerings from I-O Corporation.
I-O Knowledgebase
Salt Lake City, UT (July 20, 2005)
I-O Corporation has formerly announced their Technical Support Knowledgebase. Both Dealers and Customers will benefit from this extensive knowledge and be able to more effectively resolve their technical issues.
I-O has also developed a comprehensive knowledge base that is accessed from I-O?s new home page. Answers to typical technical issues are only a click away. Give it a try. For quick technical help, click on 'Support' and then 'Knowledgbase'.
I-O Corporation is internationaly known for the attention we give customers and dealers in pre-sales and post- sales support.
I-O and Kyocera Join Forces in New Host Printing Relationship
Salt Lake City, UT (May 23, 2005)
I-O Corporation and Kyocera have announced a new partnership that provides the technology for Kyocera printers to print in an IBM host environment. The new I-O 5735km and 5755km Printer Gateway are high speed Ethernet-in, Ethernet-out print servers that convert native AFP/IPDS and SCS host print jobs to PCL allowing them to print from a Kyocera printer.
Kyocera's finishing features are supported by the 5735km and 5755km. Features such as stapling, hole punching etc. can be utilized in an IBM host environment.
The I-O 5735km supports one printer, where as the I-O 5755km supports three printers.
I-O Article Appears in MC Showcase
Salt Lake City, UT (May 19, 2005)
An interesting and informative article was published in MC Showcase that addresses the importance of using an external print server when converting AFP/IPDS or SCS print jobs. It was written by Dave Halladay, project manager at I-O Corporation. Mr. Halladay relates a real life situation where a customer tries to install multiple non-IBM printers to an AS/400 using Host Print Transform. The system is dramatically slowed down until external print servers are installed.
To read the article, please click on the following link.
I-O Adds a New Printer Gaterway Server to Their Product Line
Salt Lake City, UT (May 16, 2005)
I-O Corporation has added a new single session Ethernet-in, Ethernet-out Gateway Print Server to their line of products. The new 5735e is positioned as a high speed AFP/IPDS and SCS print server. This economical solution can be attached anywhere on the LAN and supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet environments. Without the bottleneck of a slow parallel port, the I-O 5735e is capable of supporting printer speeds that exceed 100 pages per minute.