Igel is readying Linux-based thin clients capable of hosting VMware virtual machines. The company will ship Linux-based thin client firmware next week that adds support for VMware's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and optionally includes Leostream's VDI Connection Broker.

Igel says that virtual machines on thin clients give users a desktop that looks and behaves like a PC. At the same time, they offer administrators some of the advantages of network computing, including easier installation, upgrades, and patches, and better support for unattended backups.

Igel's virtual desktop support is based on VMware's VDI technology. Like other virtualization technologies, VDI divides the host's physical resources — memory, storage, processor cycles, etc — into multiple virtual machines (VMs). With VDI, though, VMs are remotely accessible via the network (see figure below).

VMware VDI typical use
(Source: VMware. Click to enlarge)
Igel's virtual desktop support also optionally includes Leostream's VDI Connection Broker (see figure below), said to help manage “pools” of VMware desktops by offering a single sign-on agent that hides the complexities of VM assignment, connection, and re-allocation.

Leostream architecture
(Source: Leostream)
Stephen Yao, marketing director, stated, “IGEL's Linux thin clients can now deliver VDI alongside a host of other digital services such as Citrix ICA, terminal emulation, VoIP, Web, Java, native SAP, and streaming media.”

Availability

Igel said all its Linux clients will comply with VDI starting Jul. 27. Leostream's Connection Broker, meanwhile, will be sold separately.

Rival Neoware also supports virtualization, and offers Leostream as an option.

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