Dell updates configurability and performance of thin clients

Dell released a number of updates to its thin client software and operation tools to make it easier for companies to set up, manage and scale Dell digital workplaces or VDI solutions.

This release includes updates to the highly secure, virus-resistant ThinOS 8.5 software, Wyse Management Suite 1.1 for thin client management, and two new solutions, the Wyse Converter for PCs and Wyse Easy Setup.

Dell Commercial Client Product Group's senior vice president Darrel Ward commented on the updates, "We want the Wyse thin client experience to be the best it can be for our customers.

"Part of making it easier for our customers to deploy and run digital workspaces is to create thoughtful integration between the hardware, software and back-end infrastructure."

"We're setting out to achieve that through continual investment in our software solutions to create a holistic ecosystem our customers can easily integrate into their existing IT environments.

Dell says an optimum thin client experience is akin to a PC experience, and powerful graphics, audio and connectivity options are essential for employees to be their most productive.

With this in mind, Dell will continue to invest in the development of its Wyse ThinOS software with new feature releases designed to make the Dell thin client experience as user-friendly as possible for end-users.

With this latest release, the expanded protocol support features include:

• Citrix RealTime Media Engine and Multiple Audio Device Support: Upgraded HDX RealTime Media Engine and a major audio sub-system enhancement, including secondary ringer support to improve the end-user experience
• Citrix NetScaler Improvements: Experience heightened security with two-factor authentication and SMS Passcode support through Citrix NetScaler
• Microsoft RDP10 Support: Higher image quality and readability using existing hardware encoders and decoders
• VMware Blast Extreme Acceleration: A hardware accelerator for VMware Blast Extreme Protocol ensures high quality video and graphics via onboard GPU acceleration of H.264 video content up to 1920 x 1200 resolution

Security protection is ramped up; ThinOS now supports an additional two-factor authentication solution across both Citrix and VMware brokering environments.

Additionally, with ThinOS 8.5 features the first-boot configuration wizard to guide customers in setting up their ThinOS clients for the first time.

Dell also is updating its recently introduced advanced thin client management solution, Wyse Management Suite.

This management solution enables organisations to configure, monitor, and manage more than one hundred thousand Wyse thin clients, and can be used either on-premises or cloud-managed solution, or a combination of both.

Users can also manage via mobile app to view critical alerts and send notifications while remote.

New features of Wyse Management Suite 1.1 include:

• Wyse Device Manager Import Tool: Wyse Device Manager customers can easily migrate critical data to the Wyse Management Suite as they manage the transition on their own schedule
• Remote Shadow: End-user support and troubleshooting is made easy with functionality that allows administrators to access, track and take control of a thin client session, no matter where the endpoint is physically located
• Advanced Installer: Set up becomes more streamlined by enabling support for MySQL databases and offering the ability to change default ports throughout the entire installation process and beyond
• Integration of Wyse Ecosystem: Simplified configuration and management of converted PCs and all Wyse thin clients across three operating systems

Wyse Converter for PCs is a new software solution from Dell that can convert or repurpose existing PCs running Windows 7 or 10 into thin client-like devices.

Dell says this allows for easy transition to VDI with little upfront investment.

According to Dell, converting traditional PCs into thin client-like devices allows organisations to get more life from existing hardware, with the added benefits of a secure and powerful VDI environment.

The converted endpoint looks and functions like a typical Windows Embedded thin client, providing a virtual desktop experience across several generations of hardware.

The Wyse Converter for PCs locks down a device's operating system and converts it into a secure thin client which can be remotely managed via tight integration with Wyse Management Suite 1.1 (or later).

The device retains Windows Software Assurance and enables customers to use existing productivity applications such as Skype for Business. The solution can be deployed on any PC that is running Windows 7 or 10, whether from Dell or another manufacturer, reflecting current heterogeneous IT environments.

Wyse Easy Setup is a free utility that enables IT administrators to quickly and easily configure Windows-based thin clients to their organization's specific IT policy.

Administrators can replicate a single device configuration across any other compatible thin client operating system and tailor end-user experiences.

Based on a user's individual needs, systems can be set up with configurable access to local applications, or be made to leverage a kiosk mode which only allows IT-designated applications.

User-specific changes like monitor, keyboard, mouse and Wi-Fi settings are also simple and can be managed by individual end-users, freeing up IT's time from routine set-up and maintenance.

Wyse Management Suite 1.1 is now available and is also Wyse Easy Setup is available now as a free download on Dell.com and will be embedded in new hardware introductions later in 2018.

Wyse Converter for PCs will be available in late February 2018 and ThinOS 8.5 will be available in the first quarter of calendar 2018.