Virtualization Magazine

Wyse Technology, the global leader in thin computing and client virtualization, today announced solutions that will support VMware View 4 and its PC-over-IP (PCoIP) display protocol. Wyse is announcing support for the PCoIP protocol in existing thin client devices, new devices, and a new zero client. The new Wyse P20 zero client is specifically designed to bring the premiere PCoIP experience to a whole new class of virtualization users whether operating from a datacenter, private or public cloud. These devices are expected to be listed on the VMware Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) and available for VMware View 4 by Nov. 19, 2009 when the solution becomes generally available.

Wyse is launching support for VMware View 4 with integrated support for PCoIP across its line of existing thin clients, including immediate support for Wyse thin clients based on Microsoft Windows XP Embedded and Windows Embedded Standard. Wyse will also support PCoIP on its line of Linux and segment-leading Wyse ThinOS clients in the near future.

Advanced protocols such as PCoIP have the potential to provide a new class of users the benefits of virtual clients, those using applications that have traditionally required powerful PCs or workstations. For this user segment, Wyse introduces the Wyse P20 zero client, its smallest, stateless access device designed specifically for the PCoIP protocol.

In partnership with VMware and with PCoIP support in hardware and software, the Wyse P20 zero client is designed for the most demanding rich media applications, including CAD/CAM, 3D solid modeling, video editing, advanced simulations, and rich media. Customers will receive a true PC experience with a device the size of a book and consuming fewer than 15 watts of power.

"We have been relentlessly addressing the needs of end users for many years now, and with the introduction of the Wyse P class we have successfully addressed many of the challenges in rolling out a client virtualization model to high-end specialty workers," according to Curt Schwebke, Chief Technology Officer at Wyse. "Designers, scientists, architects, engineers and artists will be able to run their most sophisticated applications on a virtual client that uses as much energy as a small light bulb."

"The combination of zero client hardware and improved protocols addresses many of the challenges in rolling out a client virtualization model and has the potential to open the virtualization door to entire new category of users," according to Bob O'Donnell, Vice President at IDC. "Traditionally, enterprises hadn't considered the possibility of virtual clients for workers using intensive rich media applications, but that's clearly beginning to change now that nearly any application can be successfully virtualized and delivered to knowledge workers."

The Wyse P20 also resolves the challenges of provisioning, managing, maintaining and securing enterprise desktops without incurring the security risks associated with transmitting data across a network or having data reside in remote PCs. Small firmware located on the client enables users to connect to the VMware View or other PCoIP host. The client does not have a local operating system such as Windows or Linux, so it's simpler to deploy, requires no local antivirus protection, and seldom needs management. And because the device has no local storage, it is completely secure and virus-proof.

Wyse P20 offers flexible PCoIP support for use in two configurations:

Hardware Client -> Software Host
The Wyse P class (Hardware Client) connects to a VMware View 4 with PCoIP hosted virtual desktop (Software Host).

Hardware Client -> Hardware Host
The Wyse P class (Hardware Client) also connects to a backend server which has a PCoIP host card (Hardware Host).

Desktop, mobile, and even handheld support for VMware View 4 will be delivered exclusively from Wyse. In addition to the new Wyse P20 zero client, and the existing Wyse thin client family, Wyse will also deliver day one support for VMware View 4 in Wyse's breakthrough mobile access software Wyse PocketCloud, making it easy to access a VMware View 4 environment from an Apple iPhone. An updated version of the product will be made available this month. PocketCloud is currently available from the iTunes AppStore.

"Wyse's day one support and certification of VMware View™ 4 featuring the new PCoIP protocol will help ensure Wyse and VMware customers can deploy end-to-end virtual desktop solutions effectively," said Kiran Rao, Director of Product Management at Wyse. "Together, Wyse and VMware are delivering the Wyse P20 with PCoIP protocol technology enabling the practical consolidation of all IT resources into a data center, eliminating the need for desktop workstations and PCs. Wyse is also working closely with VMware to deliver the VMware PCoIP software client on a variety of thin client devices."

"VMware is excited to partner with Wyse to help bring to market our new PCoIP protocol, the only purpose-built protocol for delivering a rich, high-quality desktop experience from the LAN to the WAN," said Patrick Harr, vice president, enterprise desktop marketing, Desktop Business Unit, VMware. "Together with Wyse, we will deliver a rich end-to-end virtual desktop experience so that businesses can realize the benefits of truly flexible and secure desktop computing for any user and from any location."