IGEL Technology announced that they’ve joined the VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Alliance program, bringing a wide range of VDI-supporting hardware and digital services to the thin client market.

Now virtual PCs running almost any operating system, including Microsoft Windows and Linux, can be deployed to the IGEL client using either the ICA, RDP or NX digital services. Customers can then deploy additional server-based applications to the IGEL client that bypass the virtual PC such as VoIP, SAP or mainframe terminal emulation. This approach allows IT managers to select the right digital services for their VMware environments and results in device consolidation, lower costs, simpler management, faster roll-outs and more efficient use of the server hardware.

“IGEL’s digital service strategy and award winning product range will bring deep and unique benefits to VMware customers looking to deploy virtual PCs using thin clients,” said Stephen Yeo, worldwide strategic marketing director for IGEL Technology. “VMware customers can now deploy their virtual PCs quickly, securely and cost effectively. We are proud to be a part of the VMware VDI Alliance program.”

VMware customers can also enjoy a large range of VDI compliant IGEL thin client hardware including traditional desktops, mobile thin clients, PC conversion cards, quad screens and LCD integrated units. This allows them to deploy virtual PCs to almost anywhere in their organization.

Deploying, managing and securing the virtual PC is enhanced since all IGEL thin clients include the very powerful IGEL Remote Management Suite software, smartcard security support and a ThinPrint client that helps to make printing in a virtual environment much easier.

The VMware VDI Alliance program allows leading technology vendors and service providers to offer solutions for VMware VDI deployments. These partners’ offerings span a range of technologies, including servers, thin clients, user management, application provisioning and related software.

VDI enables organizations to host desktops inside virtual machines running on centralized servers in a data center. Users can access their virtual desktops remotely from a traditional PC, thin client or repurposed computer using a remote display protocol. VDI enables you to:

• Manage desktops centrally, simplifying desktop installations, backups and maintenance
• Control access to sensitive data and intellectual property by maintaining information in a secure data center
• Provide individual isolated virtual desktops to end users that look and feel like their normal desktop
• Integrate VDI seamlessly, using existing desktop management tools and with no changes to existing applications because (virtual) desktops are simply running over a remote connection