Neoware manages Windows images centrally

Neoware Systems last week released software to enable thin client terminals and PCs to boot from a server instead of from a locally stored operating system. This will make it easier for firms to manage desktop clients, while also lowering the cost of server-based computing, the firm said.

With Neoware Image Manager, a network server acts as a virtual hard drive holding the operating system and applications for groups of client systems. It allows administrators to manage Windows images centrally instead of applying patches and updates across an entire network of PCs and terminals, according to Neoware.

Image Manager is based on technology from French firm Qualystem, which Neoware acquired in April this year. It enables administrators to allow some groups of users to customise their desktop configuration, while others are always served up the original image defined by the IT department.

Because clients boot from a server, PCs can be configured without hard disks, forcing users to store files on network shares, where they can be more easily backed up. PCs and thin clients can also be repurposed by simply changing the image they boot from. Image Manager supports images based on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows XP Embedded (XPE).

Neoware said it will bundle Image Manager with its own thin client terminals and a version of Windows XPE, with prices starting at $399 (£230). For PCs and already deployed thin clients it will be available separately, priced from $89 (£50) to $189 (£110) per client, depending on usage.