Wyse thins down terminals for XenDesktop

Thin clients tailored specifically for virtual desktops

Wyse Technology has announced a new class of thin clients specifically designed to serve as the user console for virtual desktop machines. The Viance range are simple appliance-like devices that connect directly to a company's virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) when powered on.

While standard thin client terminals can be used for a remote desktop session, the Viance family are designed specifically to work with Citrix XenDesktop, simplifying the user experience and minimising the administration needed to support them, according to Wyse.

"It's an appliance – just a box you put on the desk and switch on," said David Angwin, director of marketing for Wyse in EMEA. "From the user's point of view, it's a quick start-up and connection to their virtual desktop. It gives you a login direct to the virtual infrastructure," he added.

Due to ship later in Q2 2008, the Viance range initially consists of just two models, a desk-based unit and a mobile device styled like a laptop. These are based on the same hardware as Wyse's existing V-class and X-class terminals, with the laptop featuring a 15.4in display and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

The Viance models include Wyse's TCX extensions, which allow media content to be streamed direct to the device, giving users a multimedia experience comparable to a PC. The same technology links the USB ports on the Viance back to the virtual desktop machine, so users can plug in and use peripherals as normal. Administrators have control over this, however.

"IT managers can control which peripherals workers can use and which they can't, said Angwin. The Viance devices are due to be showcased at the Edinburgh Citrix iForum in June.