1 FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................................................3 2 THE TESTED TERMINALS...................................................................................................................................5
2.1 THE MANUFACTURES .........................................................................................................................................5 2.2 THE DIFFERENT TERMINALS ...............................................................................................................................5 2.3 THE RESULTS IN BRIEF ........................................................................................................................................6
4 TERMINALS OR PC..............................................................................................................................................11 4.1 TERMINALS...................................................................................................................................................11 4.2 PC’S AS A TERMINALS ......................................................................................................................................11
5 THE TEST ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................................13 5.1 OPERATING SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................................13 5.2 CITRIX METAFRAME VERSION ..........................................................................................................................13 5.3 NETWORK.........................................................................................................................................................13
6 WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE? ..................................................................................................................14 7 VENDOR INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................15
My name is Kent Söderlund and I am the business developer at TeleComputing Solutions who is the part of TeleComputing that works against the Enterprise market where customers are running there own Server Based Computing environment. For more information about TeleComputing Solutions, se our website at http://www.telecomputing.se/solutions I made a Thin client evaluation for about 2 years ago with Sundsvalls kommun which was widely spread around the world. It has happened a lot in the market since that so we decided that it was time to do an update now. In our plans we are going to do this tests on a regular basis from now. The report will be updated approx 4 times / year or when a manufacturer has some great news (or any new manufacturer wants to participate) - if YOU think it’s something to have? Please let me know if you think it’s worth the time and that it brings any good information to help you in your work in the Server Based Computing world. When making these tests I have used my own personal knowledge of the Terminal server environment, both from a consultant point of view and most importantly from my knowledge as project leader at some large SBC projects in Sweden. The largest thin client evaluation project that I has been involved in was with Jätmtlands Läns Landsting who replaced there old IBM NS 2200 with 1600 ChipPC EX 5452 terminals. I have been working with Citrix solutions since 1995, as an IT manager, consultant and project leader for both large and small Server Based Computing solutions. TeleComputing, my current employer is the perfect company and allows me to use my extensive experience with terminal solutions. I truly enjoy Server Based Computing (SBC) solutions and it is great to work for a company that it 100% focused on delivering high quality, low cost, and centrally managed IT solutions based on Microsoft and Citrix technology. This test has been a very interesting project for me. Initially we had 5 vendors with about 10 different terminals. But after discussing this test with many of our suppliers and vendors and some articles around the tests in Computer Sweden I found that the interest for this test was extremely high and the support we received was incredible. Many of the vendors in the market wanted us to include their terminal in our tests to see how it would perform. By the end of this test ended up with many more terminals then initially intended (8 vendors with over
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
20 different devices), but the results that emerged were truly global and clearly showed the pros and cons of many top terminals today. I would especially like to thank the distributor AKS (NeoWare, HP, Chip PC, Wyse) and Thintech (VXL-Itona) and the manufacturers Igel Technology, ESeSIX, and NetWork who delivered the terminals and assisted us with pricing. The interest from the market was much larger then we initially thought. There are now over 250 different companies and organizations around Sweden who have ordered this document. Very important – this is our opinion – you maybe has other aspects of your thin client environment – and in that case it is not for sure that the device we rank highest is the best for you. This is also a “snap-shot” in time and it’s quite possible in this competitive market that vendors will improve their products based on the changing needs. Low rank for a specific vendor or model don’t mean “don’t buy recommendation” – each organization can put different weights on different features. If you defined well what you need, if you find it in the product (always check it), if the price is right – then buy it! Read the tests and make your own opinion – an before you start your roll out – borrow some test devices that you find interesting and try them in your environment. If you want help with this – don’t hesitate to make us a call! I hope that this document will give you some help in your decision regarding on which terminal or terminals are right for your organization. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me or give me a call. Kent Söderlund TeleComputing Sweden AB Email: [email protected] Phone: +46 70 2672002 Website: www.telecomputing.se/solutions
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
2 THE TESTED TERMINALS The following is a list of manufactures of the terminals that we tested. TeleComputing would really like to express our gratitude for their work to help make this test possible. The manufacturers:
2.1 The Manufactures All of the manufactures received the pre-study document to inform them of what we were planning on testing. It was left completely up to each manufacturer to send us the terminal that they wanted to participate in these tests, as well as any feature software, accessories and so on. We have also get the manufactures the possibility to comment the report before we where sending it to you!
2.2 The different Terminals One thing is quite clear after performing these tests. All of the terminals have nearly the same performance. Some of the tests that we planned we decided to skip. All the terminals produced relatively the same test result. The most important aspect regarding the performance is dependent on the server itself, where all the processing is done. After examining the terminals we discovered three issues that separated the terminals:
• Features • Management Tools • Price
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
At the end if these document you have a explanation of how we have graduate the result, the complete list of the different results from the evaluation and a specification sheet of the terminals tested.
2.3 The results in brief For updated prices, see http://www.telecomputing.se/solutions
2.3.1 Windows CE devices Manufacturer Model Street price Memory Total points HP T5500 SEK 3.271 64/64MB 4,90 NetWork Sienna CE SEK 3.598 ?/64MB 4,81 NeoWare Capio 610 SEK 2.636 16/32MB 4.29 ChipPC EX 5450 SEK 4.035 32/64MB 9,78 ChipPC EX 5000 SEK 3.292 16/32MB 9,26 Wyse 3125 SE SEK 3.217 16/32MB 5,01 Igel 232 CE 4 SEK 3.445 32/32MB 5,46 VXL-Itona CE SEK 1.791 32/64MB 4,64
2.3.2 Linux devices
Manufacturer Model Street price Memory Total points Thintune L SEK 4.070 128/64MB 8,38 Wyse 5455XL SEK 4.170 256/256MB 5,96 Igel 332 Comp SEK 3.487 32/64MB 6,19 Igel 416 Wine SEK 4.378 16/32MB 6,61 Igel 596 PP SEK 6.816 92/256MB 7,74 VXL-Itona Linux SEK 1.685 32/64MB 4,55
2.3.3 Windows XPe devices Manufacturer Model Street price Memory Total points HP T7500 SEK 5.170 256/256MB 7,15 NeoWare EON 6300T SEK 5.076 256/256MB 7,50 Wyse 941GXL SEK 5.267 256/256MB 8,69 VXL-Itona XPe SEK 4.335 256/256MB 6,73
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
3 OPERATING SYSTEM The terminals tested had one of three different operating systems described briefly below. 3.1.1 Windows CE.Net Most of the terminals have Windows CE 4.2 which was the demand version to the manufacturer when we started the test. CE .NET is by far the most popular embedded OS for thin-clients. Its market share is more than 80% today based on Microsoft numbers. This is the most supported embedded OS in terms of developers and support tools. It’s a big update from Windows CE.Net 4.1 to 4.2 – the thing that the user sees first is that most of the vendors has used the possibility that Microsoft has given them the opportunity to develop a “near Windows like” desktop even on CE.Net clients. The CE.Net has some major advantages against ordinary XP Desktop and XPe desktop because it much more secure and manageable and it’s much more easier to customize. CE is the smallest footprint OS in the embedded market today and it comes with tons of peripheral drivers and built in support. This is not the case in XPe since you don’t have space to put any drivers, or in Linux since there is no wide support. One major disadvantage with CE.Net is that it isn’t possible to upgrade the Citrix client from the Citrix website and install it. You must wait until that the vendor releases it and use the upgrade tools provided by each terminal. Another major disadvantage is a problem with the Citrix ICA client. The Citrix ICA client for Windows CE.Net doesn’t support something that’s named “session sharing”. Without that support it means that the system does a complete login for every application the user starts through PN Agent, Published applications or NFuse with all in that process (i.e. runs login script). This mean in practice that today, from a CE.Net device it’s best to run the complete desktop from the terminal – which isn’t so nice with today’s desktops even in CE.Net that makes a user feel “at home” even in CE.Net devices. Hopefully Citrix will solve this issue in the near future! 3.1.2 Windows XPe This is a thin (embedded) version of Windows XP. Terminals with XPe normally perform better in example multimedia applications but is much more expensive because they requires more memory and faster processors.
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We also find many disadvantages with XPe. The “Hard disk” (actually a flash memory) is too small, for example it wasn’t possible to install most of the printers locally because they didn’t fit in the “hard disk”. Another big disadvantage to consider is that this is a really “open” (in Microsoft’s propriety windows world) so it’s greater risk that the user mix up the terminal settings and it’s also a risk for viruses. Some of the manufacturer has solved that with a “write” protect of the terminal but the disadvantage for that is that as soon the administrator should change something on the terminal the write protection must be “unlocked”. One major advantage of XPe is that it’s possible to install many (small) applications locally, for example plugins to IE, newer versions of RDP and ICA clients and so on (we have also tried to install Microsoft Word – but that didn’t work). 3.1.3 Linux Some of the terminals had different version of Linux. The performance was as we said above, quite the same (expect for multimedia where most of the Linux devices performs better that CE.Net devices) and you administer them in almost the same way. They are equipped with a local browser, but the browser included could give some companies a bit of trouble, it includes a Netscape/Mozilla/Opera browser. Of course, if the organization uses some of these web browsers as their default browser then Windows CE and Windows XPe will produce the same problem. But - today, Internet Explorer is the most widely used web browser. A major disadvantage for Linux is that nothing is standardized – each thin-client has a different derivative. Everything is proprietary and you can make up with problem with peripheral support – all drivers must be done by the terminal vendor – but – of course – if the device has all the thing that you need out of the box – why bother?
3.2 DISADVANTAGES / ADVANTAGES 3.2.1 Windows CE.Net
ADVANTAGES Easy to manage from a central location. • Fast boot time • Very stable • Widely supported • No risk that the user “mix up” the software • Most of the terminals is really easy to reset to factory default and then
add all the settings again from the management server if something is mixed up
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DISADVANTAGES • Impossible to download and install the latest clients from Citrix • Impossible to use Citrix client distribution tools • Difficult to use if the user needs special hardware locally attached • If you want to run different applications on the terminal from i.e. Citrix
WebInterface (formerly NFuse) or published applications so is it very slow because the ICA client in CE doesn’t support “session sharing”
3.2.2 WINDOWS XPe
ADVANTAGES • Allows the possibility to install software and use SOME software
“locally” (if they are not to large). This has to be tested out for every software that you intend to use. For example we tried to get MS Word to work – but It didn’t.
• Easy to upgrade to the latest Citrix clients. • Easy to attach to network printers • Very good Internet Explorer with almost every functionality you have on
a “normal” XP platform.. DISADVANTAGES
• Very high price (more than most PC:s) • Slow boot time. • The “hard disk space” is small and limiting making it impossible to use
advanced printers locally and add most software packages. • Difficult to manage centrally. • Difficult or impossible to reinitialize and restore the local settings from a
central point. • Virus who can attack XP Pro can also interfere with XPe.
3.2.3 LINUX ADVANTAGES
• Fast • Good multimedia capabilities • Very good choice for organizations that use Linux or Unix enviroment • Easier than XPe (but not as easy as CE.Net) to administer
DISADVANTAGES • Local browser is Netscape/Mozilla/Opera, could present a problem for
some organizations.
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
4 TERMINALS OR PC One important aspect of this test was to see if there is any advantages or disadvantages for using old PC’s instead of terminals, or vice versa. We also wanted to make the PC as close to a terminal as possible and make the possibility to manage it centrally. For that we were from the beginning going to make tests with the software Alcatraz from Wyse and ThinPC from NeoWare (formally from NCD). In the end we had less time to accomplish that – we will have to get back to these tests later this year (2004) and also include some other software that other vendors wanted us to test.
4.1 TERMINALS 4.1.1 Advantages
• Easy to manage. • Easy to replace if stolen. • Absolutely silent. • They can be used in dirty environments. • Very low risk for viruses in CE.Net. • Low risk for theft. Have no components that can be sold. • Extremely high MTBF (mean time between failure). • Very low power consumption.
4.1.2 Disadvantages • It’s an investment if you already have PC’s • Some of them are expensive when compared to PC’s. • It’s not possible to change back from a terminal environment. • Some of the manufacturers are small companies and it’s important to
be sure that they are going to be in the market in the future. • No possibility to access information from locally attached diskettes or
CD-ROMS. (Could also be an advantage) This could be done with external equipments on most terminals – but is it a “thin” device any more then?.
• No possibility to attach local devices, for example scanners, CD-Burners etc....
4.2 PC’s as a terminals
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5.1 Operating system Metaframe server and host server for VPC: Windows 2000 RDP test server: Windows 2003 Management servers: Windows 2003 in Microsoft Virtual PC 2004
5.2 Citrix Metaframe version Citrix MetaFrame XPe with SP3/FR3 on Windows 2000
5.3 Network 100Mb Switched Ethernet
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
6 WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE? From our point of view we have came to the following points: We don’t think it matters if it takes 27 or 42 seconds to switch the terminal on, if it takes 47 or 63 seconds to look at a PPT presentation, and so on! We should choose terminals from the following criteria – and in this order! 1. Make sure that you got the best management tools for your needs! 2. Choose the operating system that best fits your needs! 3. Make a decision if you need a local browser or not! 4. Make a decision if you need a local terminal emulation or not! 5. Make a decision if you need a smart card solution or not! 6. Make sure you got a reseller that you think has the right knowledge! 7. Look at the price!! We at Telecomputing sincerely hope that you have found this independent study of terminals helpful and rewarding. We would also like to mention that we are the first, and only company in Sweden that is focused on ASP (Application Service Providing) and SBC (Server Based Computing). If you require any assistance of any kind or would simply like to discuss your terminal server / Citrix environment with one of our specialized consultants, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you master this new, money saving, and exciting environment. There are still many questions regarding this technology. However, the question is not “Should I implement a SBC solution?” but rather “When should I?” Thank you for your time and we look forward to your feedback and comments.
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Igel from Germany is a terminal manufacturer who has been in the market since 2001. As other German manufacturers they are focusing on Linux terminals. They has also a interesting solution with a “terminal card” that’s is inserted in a PC instead of the hard disc. We got one of these for our test but we haven’t had the time to test it (beware – it don’t work with all PC hardware, we tried with an old HP 100MHz PC but it didn’t work). We had to say it again – compared to the tests we did 2 years ago Linux devices has made a remarkable change! It is now as easy to administer than a Windows device – and Igel is no exception from that.
7.1.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
7.1.1.1 IGEL Technology
IGEL Technology is a leading supplier of a full range of Linux and Windows-based thin clients. Besides its successful series models, IGEL also configures individual software and hardware solutions for customer projects. In developing customer-specific solutions, IGEL draws on its years of experience with terminals and thin clients. With its inhouse-developed IGEL Embedded Flash Linux it offers superior Clever Clienting solutions, adapted to its customers needs. According to the IDC 2003 report, IGEL ranks fifth in Europe among the most successful thin client manufacturers. The product line ranges from TC cards and Netvista Upgrade Kits to Linux and Windows-based thin clients to completetd integrated terminals. The IGEL Thin Client technology was distributed by NETCOM, a devision of the C. Melchers Group, since 1992. Bremen-based IGEL Technology GmbH was established in 2001 out of NETCOM and has offices in Augsburg and Fort
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Lauderdale (USA). IGEL Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bremen-based C. Melchers GmbH & Co., a nearly 200 year old trading company. The IGEL embedded Flash Linux is a highly flexible compressed, independent and optimised embedded flash operating system based on our own developed IGEL embedded System Builder Kit since 1989. This is a core solution technology for enterprises in any case. Enhancements can quickly be made in house to support new technology and customization efforts. Tight cooperation between IGEL and Citrix/Microsoft already exists and has resulted in fully meeting customer requirements quickly and easily. The IGEL-2200 and IGEL-2800 Upgrade Kits convert the no longer available but still exiting IBM Netvista terminals to an IGEL Thin Client based on the IGEL embedded flash Linux OS. By implementing these upgrade kits, the IBM NCs are also integrated into the IGEL Remote Manager. IGEL's PC conversion technology provides a simple managed solution to extend the life and reliability of legacy PCs used as thin clients. No hard drive means a quieter office environment. All IGEL terminals provide the smartcard security solutions which provides the ultimate security solution for all devices, include mobile. Users can immediately be authenticated throughout the enterprise by simply inserting their smartcard. The IGEL terminals can be configured remotely and even receive a full software upgrade with no IT support needed at the terminal location. Both user and terminal profiling is supported. The management solution is platform independent, highly secured and fully scalable. IGEL Compact Clever Client® is 'zero maintenance', offers plug 'n play installation and is centrally managed. This model delivers increased performance and flexibility not typically found at the value end of the market. If price and value are your main concerns, this is the solution for you. The Compact is perfect for single-task or controlled environments that need simplicity and reliability with low TCO. IGEL Winestra Clever Client® comes in a variety of configurations but all offer ISA/PCI expansion, legacy ports, smart card options and many add-in card options. Winestra is 'zero maintenance', offers plug 'n play installation and is centrally managed. This is our most versatile thin client, bringing together the power of IGEL Linux and a flexible hardware platform that supports ISA/PCI cards, WiFi, smart cards, USB and more.
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The IGEL Premium Clever Client® is the flagship of our product suite and delivers pure horsepower for the on demand enterprise. IGEL Premium delivers compelling performance and a wide range of customizable options. Power users will be delighted with the performance and reliability of the Premium. If the demand is to deliver graphics-intensive applications or run Java programs locally, the Premium delivers at lightning speeds. The IGEL-Elegance Clever Client® is our smart answer to customer demand for a tightly integrated thin client and monitor. The IGEL Elegance is a marriage of best-of-breed technologies - the IGEL Compact Clever Client® and the award-winning, customizable flat panel LCD monitors from MultiQ in Sweden. IGEL Remote Manager suite is the key to Clever Clienting®. When you have IGEL Linux on every desktop device in your network - thin clients, thin PCs, handheld devices, legacy terminals - IGEL Remote Manager can see them all - virtually - and manage them, anywhere in the enterprise. Based on an SQL database, with a separate Graphical Console, this profile-based remote management suite will manage an unlimited number of IGEL-Linux powered devices. The SQL database can be installed on a Linux or Microsoft NT Server, while the Graphical Console is supported on Windows, Linux, MacOS, AIX and Solaris. In large complex networks, administration is greatly simplified through features such as offline configuration, individual and group profiles, remote manipulation of all client settings, automatic task scheduling and shadowing of all applications and functions, running on the device. Communication between databases, clients and the management console is secured by SSL encryption. Additional security features include certificate-based PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), user/password authentication, and full backup functionality. A huge number of endusers do benefit from our IGEL Clever Clients®: CommerzLeasing, Trost, DaimlerChrysler, Hagebau, United Rentals, Scania, Volkswagen, Brooks PRI Automation, Panalpina, Police Amsterdam, Hospital St. Jürgen-Str., Pearle Opticiens, DHL, Advance Bank, Océ For further information contact: IGEL Technology GmbH Schlachte 39/40 28195 Bremen – Germany Phone: +49 (0) 421 1769 240 Fax: +49 (0) 421 1769 302 [email protected] http://www.igel.com
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Igel Management Software is really a nice software to work with. You can easily manage all settings on the device through a graphical interface. The easiest way to work with it is to make a profile with all the settings that you attach to different devices. You can of course also make all the changes on every single device.
7.1.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. With IGEL Remote Manager this is done through DHCP and you put in the settings in the DHCP scope with information where the device could find the management server. You can even put in the MAC address from the terminal in the right group in IGEL Remote Manager and the terminal will then attach to the right group and auto configure. The IGEL Clever Clients® additionally have build-in scanning capabilities to surch for the IGEL Remote Manager, even accross subnetworks.
7.1.2.2 Screen shots
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• The opening screen of Igel Management software. All information is stored in a Database. • Under “Profiles” you make the profiles and under “Thin Clients” you can group your devices in
different subgroups.
• This is the screen you got if you choose a profile and edit configuration.
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• This is a screen where you administer the different connecstions that you
want on the device.
7.1.2.3 Management software future Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Igel we have got this information:
• Extensive user profile orientation • Device oriented configuration scope • Support for different databases
7.1.3 Devices
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
7.1.3.1 Device future Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For Igel we have got this information:
• PPPTP/PPPOE support with internal and external DSL-modems • VPN support • The first Program Neighborhood support for a Linux based ICA Thin Client
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
NeoWare is a manufacturer who has been in the market for a long time. For a couple of year ago they bought one of the other large vendors who has been long time in the market – NCD – and today the NCD brand is no longer out in the market for thin clients. NeoWare has taken some of the technologies from NCD and implemented it in there devices. The brand NCD does still exist for some software components. NeoWare has also made a work together with IBM to make it possible to “upgrade” old IBM NC terminals to NeoWare devices. NeoWare terminals works really well (as all of the terminals in the tests) but they have one big issue – management software! This is a really old piece of technology and it is in practice not possible to make any changes on the devices without send out a complete image. With the function “ezUpdate it is possible to send out for example new ICA clients and so on. NeoWare has promised updates if the management software in the near future and it is comment below. NeoWare terminals could also be managed with another management software from NCD that’s named “Portal” and its Web based. We had a brief look at that but we don’t see anything that you could do with that that you couldn’t do with ezRemote Manager – aside from that the Portal is web based (which we like)! NeoWare does also have “Convert PC to Thin Client” software that we has had a brief look at but not have the time to test! But compare to Wyse Alcatraz it’s very “basic” software! Hopefully we will have the time to do a comparing test of all the “PC > Terminal” software in the near future.
7.2.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
NeoWare Capio and Eon thin client appliances let you run any Windows, mainframe, midrange, UNIX, Linux, or Internet applications on smart, solid state appliances across a wired or wireless network. Capio and Eon thin client appliances make computing:
Open – by using industry standard Linux and Windows operating systems and by leveraging industry standard management tools like Tivoli, SMS and Altiris Secure – by eliminating local hard drives, floppies, and CDs, and by being virtually immune from standard PC viruses Manageable – by eliminating the need to travel from desk to desk to install software, change operating systems or provide technical support to users Reliable – by eliminating moving parts – including noisy fans – and by eliminating users’ needs to reconfigure their desktops Affordable – with starting prices of only $199 – one fourth the price of a typical business PC Obsolete-free – by running applications on servers – not the desktop – so that performance can be upgraded in the future by upgrading servers, without changing the desktop
7.2.2 Management Software
NeoWare ezRemoteManager (that’s included with the terminals for free) is not nice management software! It is in practice not possible to make any real changes without distribute a complete new image – and that feels really old today. It is possible to send out only minor software components – like a new ICA client.
7.2.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. With NeoWare ezRemote Manager this is done through DHCP and you put in the settings in the DHCP scope with information where the device could find the management server.
7.2.2.2 Screen shots
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• The opening screen of NeoWare ezRemote Manager management software.
7.2.2.3 Management software future Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For NeoWare we have got this information:
• From April 5 it is possible to integrate ezRemoteManager with IBM Tivoli, Altiris and Microsoft SMS. According to NeoWare they are the only vendor who supports that.
7.2.3 Devices
7.2.3.1 Device future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
ChipPC is the winner of this test. They scored the highest rank in the test and that is not only because they have really nice devices, they have the absolutely best management tool of the tested devices – Xcalibur. One important thing with ChipPC is to make sure that you order the right software for your environment when you order your devices because ChipPC is using something called XPI:s to add on software to the devices (see www.chippc.com for a complete listing) and it’s easy to miss software for example terminal evaluation, Citrix Secure gateway support and so on. Chip PC has also the absolutely smallest device and the lowest power consumption, for example, Jämtlands Läns Landsting has figures that they lower there power bills with SEK 370,000 each year compared to there old IBM NC devices. It is always important to look at the complete solution, especially management, and our opinion is that Xcalibur it’s the easiest tool to do all settings from a central location and that is going to save you money. ChipPC has chosen to not develop any terminals with Windows XPe or Linux. They are focusing on Windows CE.Net and does also have the source code from Microsoft so they can change it so it is maximized for there devices.
7.3.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
Phone: +972-4-8580999 Fax: +972-52-580998 Email: mailto:[email protected] URL: www.chippc.com Founded: 2000 Headquarters: Israel / US
Innovative Thin Clients Solutions
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Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Chip PC develops and manufactures world-class Thin Client-based end to end solutions. Chip PC state of art products include the Xcalibur XP – the ultimate thin-clients management software suite for the enterprise environment, the Xtreme PC – a wide product range of micro form factor powerful thin clients and the rich environment offering line of the XPI plug-ins.
The Xcalibur XP thin-clients management software suite provides the ultimate management experience. Its wide variety of features includes: Centralized control and distribution of firmware & XPI plug-ins upgrades, Web-based remote management, Secured standard protocols & databases protocols compliance, Intuitive & comprehensive user interface, dynamically allocated user connections and easy scalability up to hundreds of thousands managed units. Chip PC offers the top-most advanced and secured Server Based Computing Solutions. Among the offered features are the Smart Card user authentication and authorization, VPN secured server connections, Secured certificates download and Citrix Secured Gateway usage. Moreover, the Xtreme PC enables server secured connections that retrieve data in real-time from the server and upon end of session no data trace is left on the local user device. The Chip PC solution features described here keep your organization data safe and secured. The XPIs plug-ins are modular software components installed on the Xtreme PC Thin Clients, enabling wide variety of solution features. Among Chip PC XPIs are the Print Optimizations, Security Solutions (VPN; SSL Certificates), PC/SC PKI Smart Card Applications (Secured Login), Management Utilities (such as Remote Shadowing), and Peripherals Support (such as the ELO Touch Screen); With the XPI concept the Chip PC solutions offer more flexibility, high scalability and better functionality. Customers (partial list): Florida Power and Light company (US), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (US), France Telecom (France), HSBC bank (UK), Montclair University (US), Harris County Police department (US), US Navy (US), Franklin Credit (US), DHL (Israel), Israel Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Israel), Sourasky Medical Center (Israel), Israeli Electricity Company, ING (The Netherlands), TBV (Sweden), JLL – Public Health Sector (Sweden).
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
7.3.2 Management Software Xcalibur Management Software is the absolute easiest to use of all of the tested software. You can easily manage all settings on the device through a graphical, web based, interface. The fact that it is web based is really good because that means that you can install the management software on one IIs server in the network and attach to that server through Internet Explorer from any device in the network and manage your terminals. The only thing that we found that is not nice is that the remote shadow functionality with VNC is not a part of Xcalibur and has to be started outside Xcalibur. Hopefully that will be integrated in future versions.
7.3.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. With ChipPC and Xcalibur this is done through DHCP and you put in the settings in the DHCP scope with information where the device could find the management server. You can even put in the MAC address from the terminal in the right group in Xcalibur and the terminal will then attach to the right group and auto configure.
7.3.2.2 Screen shots
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• This is the screen if you right click a device or group. From here you can change all the settings for a specific device or for a complete group of devices.
• This is a example of the Connection settings tab, here you administer all the
connection settings for the IIs, ICA and/or RDP clinet in the terminal.
• This is an example of the Settings screen – here you can change all the
settings that’s you can change on the terminal with pressing “F2”.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• This is the screen where you change the settings for the new desktop
features that came with CE.Net 4.2.
• Here is the screen that you got if you “right click” a device. From here you can
change the properties on a specific device, reboot it or attach to the integrated web server in the device. The thing that would be nice to see here is also a “Remote shadow” possibility.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• When you need to update your device with new software, new operting
system and so on – you simply start the “Upgrade” wizard that guides you through the process.
• This screen shows a unique feature of Xcalubur – not only can you manage
the devices as you have seen above – ChipPC is the only vendor that supports local logon from the device to your NT domain or Active Directory. You can then synchronize your users and grupos with Xcalibur and change device settings, connections and so on based on the logged on user instead of based on the device.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• This is an example of the screen that you got if you right click a user or a user
group.
7.3.2.3 Management software future Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Xcalibur we have got this information: Chip PC is going to release the Xcalibur 4.00 management suite at the end of Q2/04. This suite is a completely new software platform designed to be used by the large enterprise market segment. It designed for organizations with 10,000 users and up. There are many new features and capabilities in this new suite:
• Managing PCs and other thin-clients • MMC Snap-in architecture • Support for many client OSs • Multiple server installation • Special support for blade server centers • Full bandwidth and QOS management • Policy based management harmonized with Active Directory • Forest, OU, per User, Per device management
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• Asset management and “hot spares” • High security protocols • Delegation and multiple management permission levels • Automated software deployment • Automatic client recovery • Enhanced real-time monitoring • Built-in help-desk functionality • Voice Over IP functionality • Support for Oracle databases
7.3.3 Devices
7.3.3.1 Device future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For ChipPC we have got this information: Chip PC is going to release the following products:
• Advanced EX series called EXG that features: New processor – much faster platform (equivalent to 1.4 GHz P4 PC), enhanced 3D graphics, blue-tooth and support for Power Over LAN.
• EX Infra series of new products that designed for seamless voice and data convergence.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Network is a new manufacturer to us in the thin client market. They called us 2 days before our seminars and wanted to participate. Of course this was OK to us and even more nice because this is the only Swedish vendor that I know about. They have only one device today – a CE.Net based “Sienna”. Because of the short time frame we have to test it is this maybe not in every way OK but Network has got all the results and have had the opportunity to comment it. The device works well and the management software makes the basic work.
7.4.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
We have not got that information from Network
7.4.2 Management Software
Network WBT remote manager (that’s included with the terminals for free) is a “basic” management software. It works that you “read out” the settings from the terminal, change it and put it back (not the whole image – only changes).
7.4.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. At Network terminals this is done through DHCP settings.
7.4.2.2 Screen shots
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• The tools menu! From here you manage the different devices.
7.4.2.3 Management software future Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Network we have got this information:
• None
7.4.3 Devices
7.4.3.1 Device future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For Network we have got this information:
• None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
This is the first family of thin clients that’s manufactured by HP themselves and not labelled Wyse devices. It seems to be a really good family of thin clients, they are really fast and have a brilliant graphic speed. The only thing that’s not good is the management – HP is using the same management system as for the rest of there devices – Altiris – and that is of course very good for organisations who is using Altiris for other computers in there organisation – but this is the first release for Altiris to manage thin clients and they really need some more time to develop this. Probably you can do anything with Altiris that you can with ChipPC Xcalibur – but you have to be a “hacker”. Everything is done with scripts that must be changed for every environment where they should be used – nothing for a “beginner” – this is a heavy consultant work to make a smooth and nice environment. You can also use the “old fashioned way” to change settings on the device with the make of a “master device” – configure that and send out the image to other clients.
7.5.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
HP has not sent us any company information.
7.5.2 Management Software As said above – Altiris for thin clients is version 1.0 and they need to develop this much more to make it easier to use. Also BEWARE – like Wyse Rapport - this is a PXE solution and if you have other RIS/PXE servers on your network you could easily end up with problem.
7.5.2.1 Screen shots
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• When right click a device you get this options. • Like Wyse Rapport there is a lot of “Disk image” to make all work.
• When you make the choice “Properties” on most of the other vendors devices
you can change many settings in the device – not with Altiris. There is only a very small of “non interesting” settings you can change here like network settings.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• This is an example of of a script file to change settings or install software on a device. Not so “user friendly” – but of course – if you have good programmers and/or consultants in your organisation it’s a piece of cake to do this.
7.5.2.2 Management software future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Altiris we have got this information:
• None
7.5.3 Devices
7.5.3.1 Device future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For HP we have got this information:
None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
This is the “Old grand daddy” in terminals! As Wyse themselves writes below they have been in the market for 22 years. Wyse has made terminals for very many years and has make terminals for many other vendors who have labelled them with there own names, as far as we know they don’t make any OEM devices for the moment. HP was the last one to OEM labels Wyse terminals. Wyse terminals work very well, but there is one thing that feels a little bit to “old fashioned” – the management software Rapport! Rapport works with images and that could for example be a very difficult way to handle the terminals over slow WAN connections or over the Internet. Some of the settings can be made with scripts but mostly it is image upgrades that is the solution to change settings or upgrade the devices. One other thing that Wyse makes is Alcatraz, this is an amazing piece of software to administer and control standard PCs and make they “works like a terminal”. When we was starting this terminal test it was our meaning to test this kind of software also but the time didn’t allow that – but we have played a lot with Alcatraz and we really like it!!
7.6.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
Wyse Technology is the clear market leader in thin client technology. With almost 39% of the world market, Wyse is continually surpassing the industry growth rate and setting the pace for the rest of the industry (Enterprise Thin Client Q-View: Q4 2003”, IDC, February 2004). Wyse has been the leading vendor of thin clients for the last 7 years in a row. Founded in Silicon Valley in 1981, as a maker of text terminals, Wyse has been leading the terminal market for more than 22 years. The latest Wyse Windows based terminals have more than 22 years of “terminalling” experience built into them. As a
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
recognition of this, Wyse Technology was awarded Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner of the year for 2002, for the third time in a row. Wyse is the only company offering end-to-end server-centric access solutions with Alcatraz PC management software and Wyse Expedian server enhancement software. Wyse Winterm Thin Clients offer the broadest range of customer focused solutions both in terms of operating system selection (Blazer, CE .NET, Linux, Windows XPe) and hardware platform selection including a choice of legacy free stateless devices, Small desktop with legacy ports, Expandable and high performance desktop , Integrated flat panel or wireless tablet.
Wyse invests $18 million on research and development resulting in value-added Intellectual Property for the embedded firmware devices. The exclusive to Wyse features improve the security, manageability, affordability and reliability of Wyse Winterm thin clients. All Winterm thin clients can be managed with a single tool: Wyse Rapport management software. Rapport helps IT department deploy and maintain new connected devices and allows them to control and manage the growing number of devices within the enterprise. As a result, the management software helps organizations increase the lifetime and value of their IT infrastructure to ensure that each device remains up-to-date with the latest firmware and security updates Wyse Technology maximizes the benefits of server-centric computing. The company delivers access to Windows and web applications and has end-to-end expertise from the server, through the network, to the desktop. Wyse makes server-centric computing more manageable and cost-effective through: software that delivers better ROI from existing servers and PCs; desktop and mobile thin-clients that provide easy and affordable access to information; software tools that manage a broad spectrum of information access devices, and professional services to make it all work better together. Wyse customers gain a greater return from their existing technology investments, mitigate business risks, and improve their bottom line.
7.6.2 Management Software As said above – Rapport works very well but the “feeling” is “old fashioned” – this is nothing for a user that is not used to work with rapport and probably you should spend some money for education for the people who should administer your Wyse
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
terminal environment (and maybe NeoWare also – with Rapport you could also manage NeoWare terminals said Wyse in a press release a couple of weeks ago.) Also BEWARE – like HP Altiris - this is a PXE solution and if you have other RIS/PXE servers on your network you could easily end up with problem.
7.6.2.1 Screen shots
• The opening screen of Rapport. All information is stored in a Microsoft Database.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• When you make the choice “Properties” on most of the other vendors devices
you can change many settings in the device – not with Rapport. There is only a very small of “non interesting” settings you can change here like network settings.
• This is an example of the screen that you vget when you want to change
something on a device. Not so “user friendly” – but of course – if you have
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
good programmers and/or consultants in your organisation it’s a piece of cake to do this.
7.6.2.2 Management software future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Rapport we have got this information:
• None
7.6.3 Devices
7.6.3.1 Device future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For Wyse we have got this information:
• None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Thintune from eSeSIX in Germany was a really new experience for us. We had never heard of they before and it was really curious to look at there devices. As of most of the German vendors, as it seems, they are focusing on Linux devices. There management tool was very good and you can manage the most with it.
7.7.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
7.7.1.1 About THINTUNE
THINTUNE offers a wide range of thin clients, software and services for Server Based Computing (SBC) to enable a cost effective IT infrastructure for customer’s around the globe. THINTUNE provides the highest level of flexibility, with support for Citrix ICA 7.0, Microsoft RDP 5.1, X-Windows and others. THINTUNE is always up to date and amongst the first to implement the latest protocol revisions. The integrated Browser enables users to access company portal sites such as NFUSE. A single Management platform for the complete THINTUNE portfolio irrespective of the client’s operating system, giving users the flexibility to choose the operating system solutions which best suit their needs without having to compromise on manageability, performance and control. The software is designed as a Client/Server application so that the Management Services can be delivered across multiple physically distributed subnets via a single Management Console. THINTUNE products support a wide array of input/output devices as well as all industry standard networking protocols.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Security THINTUNE Thin Clients with hardware lockdown and read-only operating system increase overall IT security by preventing the upload of potentially infected data from external media devices. All THINTUNE models support PPTP-VPN and Citrix Secure Gateway. In additional THINTUNE provides an optional token-based secure access solution.
Support We view customer support and service as an integral part of our value proposition. THITNUNE provides a 3 year warranty on our base units including free firmware updates. Our Hotline is open to all THINTUNE customers on a no-charge basis. Support is available in both English and German. THINTUNE products are developed by eSeSIX Computer GmbH with its headquarters in Pfaffenhofen, Germany. Founded in 1989 eSeSIX delivers solutions in Server Based Computing, Network Security and Network Storage. The competences derived from these technology segments are leveraged in areas such as Project pre-sales, consultancy, integration and post sales support. The company is privately owned.
7.7.2 Management Software Thintune Manager is a really nice piece of management software You can easily manage all settings on the device through a graphical interface. You can easily make device groups and change the settings for a complete group.
7.7.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. With Thintune this is done through DHCP and you put in the settings in the DHCP scope with information where the device could find the management server.
7.7.2.2 Screen shots
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• The opening screen of Thintune manager. All information is stored in a database • Under “Groups” it is possible to make device groups for example different device types,
different terminal models and so on.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
• A screenshot of the variable which enable you to overwrite certain group settings on a per device basis (i.e. one user needs left hand mouse).
• This is a example of the status information screen.
7.7.2.3 Management software future
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For Thintune we have got this information:
• None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For Thintune we have got this information:
• New Features in the new clients are: o VPN Support o Scanner Support o Unit with embedded XP
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Itona from VXL was a completely new experience for us. We had never heard of them before here in Sweden and it we where curious to look at there devices. The Itona devices are made in India and are very cheap. They exist in three different models (CE.Net, Windows XPe and Linux. The cheapest one is the Linux device and the street price is as low as SEK 1.749 including management software. Itona has also something they call a “sidecar” which is a device that you attach to the terminal and where you could put for example CD. We didn’t get any sidecar for the tests so we can not tell how it works.
7.8.1 The Company (This is information that the Vendor has sent, it is not TeleComputing who has written this)
About VXL (we haven’t got any information from VXL)
7.8.2 Management Software Itona management software is very basic. We didn’t find any way to group terminals and make settings for a whole group of devices. The thing that is possible to change is done through a nice GUI but it isn’t possible to change all of the settings like the most of the other devices. To change all of the settings you have to make a copy of a device and put that devices setting to other devices.
7.8.2.1 Automatic setup One important thing for centrally management of terminals is possibilities to automatic configure the device without touching them in advance. We have not tested that for all of the terminals but we have asked the vendors if it is possible. With VXL Itona this is done through DHCP and you put in the settings in the DHCP scope with information where the device could find the management server. For the moment this is not working with the Linux device but will be a future upgrade.
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features in the management software. For VXL Itona we have got this information:
• None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Here is the information that we have got from the vendor about upcoming updates and new features on the devices. For VXL Itona we have got this information:
• None
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
# Function Explanation 1.1 Session sharing with published
applications Is it possible to start different session against a Citrix environment in the same session in the client. If this don’t work it’s going to start the logon process for every application that starts with all around that – i.e. runs login script for every application.
1.2 ICA client installable as a Plug-In remotely
Is it possible to install the ICA client remotely from example a FTP site?
1.3 ICA client installable as a Plug-In via SMB (shared folder)
Is it possible to install the ICA client remotely from a network share?
1.4 ICA client installable as a Plug-In via external storage
Is it possible to install the ICA client remotely from an external storage, i.e. a USB memory stick?
1.5 Dictation supported Does the terminal supports dictation! This doesn’t exist in Citrix for the moment and can’t be tested.
1.6 Local logon to device Is it possible to logon to the local device to secure the terminal fron unauthorized use.
1.7 ICA Program Neighborhood Agent (PNA) Does PNA exist in the terminal? 1.8 Enable Pass-through authentication
inside PNA Is it possible to do pass through from the locally login user to PNA?
1.9 Enable PNA application icon recognition (as defined in server)
Does the icons who is defined in the server for the published application shows up in the terminal.
1.10 Enable PNA application shortcut placement - desktop (as defined in server)
Does the PNA icon shows up on the places at the desktop that is defined in the server
1.11 Enable PNA application shortcut placement - start menu (as defined in server)
Does the PNA icons shows up on the places in the startmenu that’s is defined in the at the server.
1.12 Control PNAgent process duration (for WAN)
Is it possible to control the PNA agent process duration on WAN links.
1.13 Enable Pass-through authentication - all ICA connections
Is it possible to pass through credentials from the locally logged on users to the PNA sessions?
1.14 Change local ICA connection icons Is it possible to change the local ICA icons? 1.15 Create shortcut on desktop Is it possible to create a ICA shortcut on the
Could you tell which ICA sessions who should require smartcard and who should not?
1.20 Control smart-card mapping (Under ICA global settings)
Could you administer smartcard mapping in the ICA global settings?
1.21 Control Global ICA Settings (e.g HotKeys / PNA / Server Location…etc) Could you control global ICA settings?
1.22 Attach local storage Could you attach local storage through ICA sessions?
1.23 Certificate import option Is it possible to import certificate 1.24 Per device ICA connection assignment Could you assign ICA connection for a specific
device? 1.25 Per group of devices ICA connection
assignment Could you assign ICA connection for a group of devices device?
1.26 Per user ICA connection assignment Could you assign ICA connection for the specific locally login users?
1.27 Per group of users ICA connection assignment
Could you assign ICA connection for a group of NT/AD users?
1.28 Browse NFUSE (Web Interface) Could you browse a NFuse site? 1.29 Browse NFUSE (Web Interface) via
Secured Portal Mode (CSG) Could you browse a NFuse site through Citrix Secure Gateway?
1.30 Create "autostarted" shortcut on desktop Could you create shorcuts that’s autostart when the device starts up and/or the user logs in?
1.31 Windows Key combination & "ALT" problem work around
Is it possible to use “Windows keys” in the session or is they only locally – even in sessions?
1.32 Disk caching - size/clearing control Is it possible to enter settings for ICA disk caching?
1.34 Maximum simultaneous connections
supported 1024x768, 16bit, 60 Hz How many connections could be made with 1024x768 resolution and 16bit colors (only tested up to 10 sessions at the same time)
1.35 Maximum simultaneous connections supported 1024x768 true color, 60 Hz
How many connections could be made with 1024x768 resolution and “true” colors (only tested up to 10 sessions at the same time)
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
2.1 Session sharing with remote applications Is it possible to start different session against a RDP environment in the same session in the client. If this don’t work it’s going to start the logon process for every application that starts with all around that – i.e. runs login script for every application.
2.2 RDP client installable as a Plug-In remotely Is it possible to install the RDP client remotely from example a FTP site?
2.3 RDP client installable as a Plug-In via SMB (shared folder)
Is it possible to install the RDP client remotely from a network share?
2.4 RDP client installable as a Plug-In via external storage
Is it possible to install the RDP client remotely from an external storage, i.e. a USB memory stick?
2.5 RDP controlled window size (Seamless window) Is it possible to run RDP sessions in seamless windows?
2.6 Change RDP connection icons Is it possible to change the local ICA icons?
2.7 Create shortcut on desktop Is it possible to create a RDP shortcut on the desktop?
2.8 RDP Server redundancy and Load-balancing Does the client has RDP server redundancy and load balancing support in the device?
2.9 Local logon to device Is it possible to logon locally to the device?
2.10 Pass-through authentication, Is it possible to pass through credentials from the locally logged on users to the RDP sessions?
2.11 View connection icon in Taskbar Do you get the RDP connection icon in the taskbar?
2.12 View connection icon while toggling windows (ALT+TAB)
If you make alt-tab – do you se the RDP connection icon?
2.13 Attach local storage Could you attach local storage through ICA sessions?
2.14 Per device RDP connection assignment Could you assign RDP connection for a specific device?
2.15 Per group of devices RDP connection assignment
Could you assign RDP connection for a group of devices device?
2.16 Per user RDP connection assignment Could you assign RDP connection for the specific locally login users?
2.17 Per group of users RDP connection assignment Could you assign RDP connection for a NT/AD group of users?
2.18 Apply Windows key combination on the remote computer
Could you get the Windows key combinations to the remote server session?
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
3. Terminal Emulations / UNIX Connectivity # Function Explanation 3.1 Terminal Emulation Does the device has terminal emulation
software? 3.2 Terminal Emulation installable as a Plug-
In remotely Is it possible to install the terminal emulation software remotely from example a FTP site?
3.3 Terminal Emulation installable as a Plug-In via external storage
Is it possible to install the terminal emulation software remotely from a network share?
3.4 Terminal Emulation installable as a Plug-In via SMB
Is it possible to install the terminal emulation software remotely from an external storage, i.e. a USB memory stick?
3.5 Change Terminal emulation connection icons
Is it possible to change the local terminal emulation icons?
3.6 Create shortcut on desktop for Terminal emulation connection
Is it possible to create a terminal emulation shortcut on the desktop?
3.7 Create "autostarted" shortcut on desktop for terminal emulation
Is it possible to make a shortcut that’s is autostarted when a user logs in and/or the terminal is started?
3.8 Terminal Emulation Seamless window Is it possible to run terminal emulation in seamless window?
4. Local Browser & Multimedia # Function Explanation 4.1 Local IE 6.x or Netscape X.x Does the device has local browser? 4.2 I.E installable as a Plug-In remotely Is it possible to install the browser
software remotely from example a FTP site?
4.3 I.E installable as a Plug-In via SMB (shared folder) Is it possible to install the browser software remotely from a network share?
4.4 I.E installable as a Plug-In via external storage Is it possible to install the browser software remotely from an external storage, i.e. a USB memory stick?
4.5 Open each URL in different window (Y/N) Is it possible to right click and open a browser window in another window?
4.6 Resizable window size (seamless window) Is it possible to run the web browser in seamless windows?
4.7 RAM Caching - size control Is it possible to change the caching for the web browser – and clear the cache?
4.8 Menus and Bars customization (Hide / Show) Is it possible to customize menus and bars in the web browser?
4.9 Disable context menu (right click) Is it possible to disable the context
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
4.10 Configure Proxy settings Is it possible to configure proxy settings?
4.11 Don't display images in pages Is it possible to enter a setting that images not should be shown?
4.12 Prohibit the use of TLS 1.0 / SSL 2.0 / SSL 3.0 Is it possible to prohibit the use of TLS 1.0 / SSL 2.0 / SSL 3.0
4.13 Block connection to FTP sites Is it possible to block connection to FTP sites for a specific terminal instead of have to make that for the complete net – i.e. for terminals that are run in a public area?
4.14 Cookies disk caching - size control Is it possible to make settings for cookies disk caching and cookies size control
4.15 Block cookies Is it possible to block cookies 4.16 Prohibit all downloads Is it possible to prohibit all
downloads 4.17 Allow only connection-downloads Is it possible to lock the device to
only allow “connection” (*.ica/*.rdp) downloads from the webbrowser to the local disk?
4.18 Run in Secured Portal mode - Kiosk Is it possible to put the terminal in Secured Portal mode - Kiosk
4.19 Allow web browsing only via the Secured Portal (Prevent other I.E connections)
Is it possible to allow web browsing only via the Secured Portal (Prevent other I.E connections)
4.20 Changeable connection icons Is it possible to change the connection icons
4.21 Autostrat I.E connections Is it possible to autostart web connections
4.22 Pop-up I.E windows support Is it possible to control Pop-up I.E windows
4.23 Pass-through logged-on user credentials into I.E sessions
Is it possible to pass-through logged-on user credentials into I.E sessions
4.24 Media Player 9 Series Does the device has media playser – and if Windows device - Media Player 9 Series
4.25 Media Player installable as a Plug-In remotely Is it possible to install the media player software remotely from example a FTP site?
4.26 Media Player installable as a Plug-In via SMB (shared folder)
Is it possible to install the media player software remotely from a network share?
4.27 Media Player installable as a Plug-In via external storage
Is it possible to install the media player software remotely from an external storage, i.e. a USB memory stick?
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
4.28 Connect to Media Network Share Is it possible to connect the media player to a media network share on the LAN or Internet?
4.29 Local Windows Messenger Does the device has a local messenger client?
4.30 Enviroment variable support Is it possible to enable environment variables in a URL for example www.intranet.se/%computername% for example to get information who is only for that device
5. Desktop # Function Explanation 5.1 Possibility to run terminal in kiosk mode and attach to
session without user intervention Is it possible to start the terminal in kiosk mode without any user intervention?
5.2 Windows-Like Desktop Interface Does the terminal has a Windows-Like Desktop Interface
5.3 Terminal-Like Desktop Interface Does the terminal g´has a terminal-Like Desktop Interface
5.4 Fully controllable desktop interface (Hide / Show specific desktop icons)
Is it possible to fully control the desktop interface (Hide / Show specific desktop icons)
5.5 Save icon positioning on desktop Is it possible to save icon positioning on desktop
5.6 Controllable Taskbar area (Auto-Hide / Always on top) Does the terminal has a controllable Taskbar area (Auto-Hide / Always on top)
5.7 Possibility to get rid of the taskbar area in session - the taskbar should not "auto popup" when getting the mouse down in the screen.
Is it possible to get rid of the taskbar area in session - the taskbar should not "autopopup" when getting the mouse down in the screen.
5.8 Controllable System Tray area (Hide / Show the entire system tray)
Is the system Tray area controllable (Hide / Show the entire system tray)
5.9 Controllable System Tray area icons (Hide/ Show specific icons in the system tray)
Is it possible to control the system Tray area icons (Hide/ Show specific icons in the system tray)
5.10 LAN System Tray Icon Does the terminals has a LAN System Tray Icon
5.11 External Storage System Tray Icon Does the terminal has a external Storage System Tray Icon
5.12 Remote Network Connection icon Does the terminal has a remote Network Connection icon
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
remote location? 6.8 Partial upgrade (by installing hot fixes) via shared
folder Is it possible to only upgrade a part of the image (i.e. hot fixes) from a shared folder?
6.9 Partial upgrade (by installing hot fixes) via external storage device
Is it possible to only upgrade a part of the image (i.e. hot fixes) from a external storage device?
6.13 Possibilities to change setting and upgrade through CSG
Is it possible to manage the device through Citrix secure Gateway (from the Internet)?
6.14 Possibilities to restore factory default settings by hardware
Is it possible to restore factory default settings by hardware
6.15 Possibilities to restore factory default settings by software
Is it possible to restore factory default settings by software
6.16 Automatic PXE recovery - power interrupt during firmware upgrade test
Is it possible to do a recovery on a device that was crashed during the upgrade process. For example with PXE recovery?
6.17 "Windows" ed Safe mode (as opposed to DOS F12 safe mode)
Is it possible to boot a broken device with “F12” to enter a startup environment where it can be possible to recover the device from example a FTP server?
7. Price, Warranty, Support, Docs # Function Explanation
7.1 Price What’s the price in Swedish kronor (SEK) for the device?
7.2 Warranty How many years warranty has the device? 7.3 Management system price (enterprise, per
device) What’s the cost in SEK for the management software / device?
7.4 Support calls included Does the vendor charge for support calls – and if they do – is there anyone for free?
7.5 Management system documentation Does it exist a complete documentation for the management software?
7.6 Image documentation Does it exist a complete documentation for the image?
7.7 Hardware documentation Does it exist a complete documentation for the hardware?
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
7.8 Training materials Does it exist any training materials for the device and management software?
8. Extended Functionality # Function Explanation 8.1 Disable device standby mode (always-on) Is it possible to disable standby
mode on the device so it is always on?
8.2 Manually add printers from list (COM / LPT / USB) Is it possible to manually add printers from list (COM / LPT / USB)
8.3 Print test page to local (COM / LPT / USB) printer Is it possible to print test page to local (COM / LPT / USB) printer when for example attaching a new printer to make sure that the printer works locally
8.4 Print test page to remote (IP / SMB) printer Is it possible to print test page to remote (IP / SMB) printer when for example attaching a new printer to make sure that the printer works and that the connection to the printer is OK?
8.5 Disable / Enable external USB storage device support Is it possible to disable / Enable external USB storage device support
8.6 Per device customizable 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup)
Is it possible to customize the device 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup)
8.7 Per group of devices customizable 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup)
Is it possible to customize the device 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup) for a group of devices?
8.8 Per User customizable 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup)
Is it possible to customize the device 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup) for the specific logon user?
8.9 Per group of users customizable 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup)
Is it possible to customize the device 'WBT Setup' interface (My WBT Setup) for a NT/AD group of users?
8.10 Built-in user authentication module Does the device has a built-in user authentication module
8.11 Prompt for user credentials Could you make the device prompt for user credentials
8.12 Prompt for smartcard Could you make the device prompt for smartcard
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
Does the device supports advanced authentication protocol settings (Kerberos / NTLM)
8.15 Enable access to a Default Network Share folder Is it possible to enable access to a Default Network Share folder
8.16 Prompt for credentials in Internet Explorer (Yes/No) Is it possible to configure the device to prompt for credentials in Internet Explorer (Yes/No)
8.17 Prompt for domain credentials (Yes/No) Is it possible to configure the device to prompt for domain credentials (Yes/No)
8.18 Remote shadow (RS) of terminal Is it possible to remote shadow (RS) of terminal
8.19 In RS, notify user of remote control (privacy regulation) In RS, is it possible to configure the device to notify user of remote control (privacy regulation)
8.20 In RS, request user permission option prior to taking control (privacy regulation)
In RS, is it possible to request user permission option prior to taking control (privacy regulation)
8.21 Link application connections to network connections Is it possible to link local application connections to network connections
8.22 Simultaneously work in multiple networks (LAN+VPN) Is it possible to configure the device to work dimultaneously work in multiple networks (LAN+VPN)
8.23 Smart Card Application (Local, Server base, PKI support)
Does the device has Smart Card Application (Local, Server base, PKI support)
8.24 Splash Screen changeable Is it possible to change the “Splash Screen” (startup) changeable
8.25 IP/SMB print redirector Does the device has aIP/SMB print redirector
8.26 USB Printer PnP Does the device supports USB Printer PnP
# Function Explanation
9.1 Startup Time from power off What’s the startup time (in seconds) from power off
9.2 Startup Time from Idle What’s the startup time (in seconds) from idle state (if the terminal supports power saving idle
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
9.3 Max resolution with 65K colors What’s the max resolution with 65K colors
9.4 Max resolution with true colors What’s the max resolution with true colors
9.5 Power Consumption What’s the power Consumption of the device 9.6 Acrobat Reader in ICA session How does the device performs when running
Acrobat Reader in a ICA session compared to a standard PC
9.7 Acrobat Reader in RDP session How does the device performs when running Acrobat Reader in a RDP session compared to a standard PC
9.8 PowerPoint in ICA session How does the device performs when running PowerPoint in a ICA session compared to a standard PC
9.9 PowerPoint in RDP session How does the device performs when running PowerPoint in a RDP session compared to a standard PC
9.10 Browse to www.toyota.se in ICA How does the device performs when attaching www.toyota.se a ICA session compared to a standard PC
9.11 Browse to www.toyota.se in RDP How does the device performs when attaching www.toyota.se a RDP session compared to a standard PC
9.12 Browse to www.toyota.se in Local IE How does the device performs when attaching www.toyota.se with the local web browser compared to a standard PC
9.13 Sound Performance in ICA How is the sound performance in a ICA session compared to a standard PC
9.14 Sound Performance in RDP How is the sound performance in a RDP session compared to a standard PC
9.15 Video Performance in ICA How is the moving video performance in a ICA session compared to a standard PC
9.16 Video Performance in RDP How is the moving video performance in a RDP session compared to a standard PC
10. Hardware Options & Flexibilities # Function Explanation
10.1 External memory card reader support Does the device support External memory card reader
10.2 Wheel mouse support Does the device support Wheel mouse
10.3 RS-232 serial ports How many RS-232 serial ports has the device
10.4 Parallel port How many parallel ports has the device
Thin Client Evaluation 2004 Tele ompu ng
Issued by/Company: Kent Söderlund, TeleComputing Sweden AB Created: 2004-04-23
