Devon IT releases Intel Atom-based thin client 20 March, 2009 By Liam Lahey

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"The TC5, operating with Intel's powerful, newly-designed processor, sets the thin client computing industry standard with high-performance Internet and application capabilities that rival the user experiences delivered by traditional desktop PCs," said Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. "Devon IT's goals have always been anchored in driving innovation to develop high-performance products that use less energy and reduce IT costs across-the-board. We are excited to work with our industry partners, including Citrix, IBM and VMware, to deliver the enterprise-wide benefits of the TC5 to customers needing high-performance, low-cost IT solutions."

"We're seeing widespread interest in the Intel Atom processor for the thin client platform segment, signaling high demand from a variety of industries," added Joe Jensen, general manager, Embedded Computing Division, Intel Embedded and Communications Group. "It's a cost-effective solution to delivery of improved performance and energy efficiency in an enclosed, fan-less system."

The TC5 with the Intel Atom processor and its integrated GPU is capable of handling a high level of display updates, in the tens of megapixels per second. Coupled with the latest high-quality remote access protocols such as Citrix ICA with HDX, VMware MMR or Red Hat SPICE, the TC5 provides an excellent experience for demanding users who require multi-monitor support, high-definition video and use high throughput devices such as VOIP headsets, officials said.

Product features of the TC5 includes Microsoft XP embedded (XPe) or Linux-based Devon Terminal Operating System (DeTOS), Intel Atom 270 1.6GHz, dual DVI (Digital) output, dual monitor capable, up to 2GB RAM and 2GB Flash, internal wireless option with hidden internal antenna and it consumes nine to 12 watts of power.

The TC5 is available through IBM's partner community.

"The advanced features in the TC5 thin client will allow our customers to take full advantage of the new HDX Technology in Citrix XenDesktop. With HDX, Citrix provides the only virtual desktop solution that can deliver a high-definition experience, allowing end users to have the same experience with virtual desktops that they have come to expect from a traditional PC when using graphically-intense programs or multimedia applications over any network," said Sumit Dhawan, vice president, product marketing, Desktop Delivery Group at Citrix. "Citrix and Devon IT continue to work together as part of the Citrix Desktop Appliance partner program to ensure that XenDesktop and Devon IT thin clients provide an ideal solution for today's demanding desktop environments. We have been successful with Devon IT for many years and look forward to working with them to implement the TC5."

And VMware has worked with Devon IT as a VMware Thin Client Certification Program partner. Jerry Chen, senior director of desktop virtualization, VMware, said VMWare's customers want rich, personalized virtual desktops that are "available 24/7 from different locations and devices, and the TC5 together with VMware View helps us expand their options."

Michelle Warren, principal analyst, MW Consulting, acknowledged the ideal market for thin client remains large enterprise but the down economy wouldn't necessarily prove to be a boon for thin client.

"I don't anticipate a lot of new initiatives in 2009 as migrating towards a thin client environment would represent a large investment. Large enterprises tend to have their IT initiatives planned in advance, so the vendors and solution provider partners would know what is coming down the pipe," she said. "The main economic benefit (of thin client computing) can be found in the data maintenance costs, but the investment in the new hardware might dissuade organizations from opting for it in 2009. That said, I do recommend and encourage IT managers and organizations to look closely and compare the costs between a thin client and PC-based environment."

But for small to midsized firms, the preference is for PC-based IT environments.

"This comes down to dollars and cents. The IT environments -- as a whole -- are less complex in small firms," Warren said. "As the cost of the hardware is competitive, the discussion comes down to what does it cost to management everything? Thin client don't really play a big role in this vertical."

More information is available at www.devonit.com/products/products_TC5.php.