[Updated 11:45] — Terminal and network computing giant Wyse has announced plans to support Novell's thin client Linux OS in “next generation” products. Wyse said the deal will offer greater flexibility and choice to its customers, especially those wishing to standardize on SUSE Linux throughout the enterprise.

The announcement appears timed to counter competitor HP's recent investment in Linux-based thin client computing. HP last month revealed plans to acquire Neoware, an early leader in Linux-based network computing. If approved, the deal would bring HP close to Wyse's claimed 39 percent of the global thin client market, HP officials said.

Jeff McNaught, chief marketing officer, said that during the first quarter of 2007, about 15 percent of Wyse's shipments were based on Linux. Another 42 percent used the company's “thinOS,” which McNaught described as “similar in some ways to Linux, but not based on Linux.” The remaining 43 percent opt for Windows CE and XP Embedded.

However, OS marketshares fluctuate significantly, McNaught emphasized. “We'll have a 50,000 unit deal come in, and that has a material effect on marketshare,” he said.

However, demand for Linux is “definitely” growing, he confirmed, noting, “ASPs [average selling prices] on Linux tends to be a little bit lower, because the hardware that we can put in tends to be a little bit less costly. Our Linux fits in 64-128MB of flash, while XP needs 256-512MB, but has more powerful multimedia capabilities.”

In addition to supporting SUSE Linux Enterprise Thin Client OS, Wyse will continue to offer its own house-brand “Wyse Linux” OS as an option on select hardware platforms, McNaught confirmed.

Touted benefits of Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Thin Client OS include:

• Easy configuration and management of desktop operating system images
• Simplified desktop management through centralized applications
• Increasing security through with central storage of sensitive data
• Coost advantages
• Capabilities “unique to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop,” from which it is derived

Ricardo Antuna, VP of business development, said, “We are allowing organizations to easily standardize on Linux.”

In a statement, John Judge, Novell VP of worldwide alliances, said, “The market opportunity for Linux and thin computing is tremendous. We already have several customers deploying on Wyse thin client devices. In the coming months, we look forward to working even more closely with Wyse and increasing our market momentum.”

Heather Carver, director of information services at Windsor Unified School District, added, “By moving to a [Wyse/SUSE setup], our school district reduced hardware costs 75 percent and software costs by nearly 95 percent. This saving accounts for nearly 50 percent of the district's IT budget.”

No availability details were announced.

—Henry Kingman

 
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