A German vendor of Linux-compatible thin clients has upgraded its Linux firmware, adding smartcard security protection. Igel Technology's firmware upgrade for thin clients such as its Smart Series (pictured at left) also enables users to run multiple remote desktops on the same screen.

(Click for larger view of Igel's Smart Series thin client)

Igel's new smartcard authentication of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions is implemented with a new Winconnect RDP client, says Igel. Together with Igel's already included Leostream VDI Connection Broker virtual desktop client (see figure below), which helps to manage “pools” of VMware desktops, the new RDP client enables organizations to deploy virtual Windows PCs using two-factor authentication and single-sign-on security.

Leostream VDI Connection Broker architecture

The firmware's new capability for running multiple remote desktops in separate windows on the same screen is ideal for programmers or financial traders who previously had to switch between remote desktops using hotkeys, says the company. The Linux firmware also upgrades the web browser to FireFox 2, offering an upgraded mplayer media player, improved tabbed browsing, integrated search, a pop-up blocker, and phishing protection.

Claiming to be the world's number three thin client vendor, Igel sells a variety of Linux- and Windows-based thin clients, including traditional desktops, mobile tablets, integrated LCD units, quad screens, and PC-to-thin-client conversion cards.

Availability

The Igel Linux firmware is immediately available here.

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