IGEL’s unique virtualization strategy will provide you with powerful benefits
IGEL’s ‘Universal Desktop’ approach means you can access more than server-based virtual PCs using VMware®, Citrix® or Microsoft® using a traditional protocol. By allowing you to connect to a virtualized application using its native digital service, IGEL allows you to deliver the best user experience from a single access device - we don’t force you to squeeze the whole user experience down one protocol.
Our virtualization strategy is based on the following principles.
Virtualization technical complianceIGEL Universal Desktops follow the roadmaps of the leading virtualization technology providers such as VMware, Citrix and Microsoft. Our core competence is delivering their solutions in the most cost effective, flexible, easy to manage and secure way.
Freedom of choice• Access to over 10 different hypervisorsIGEL Universal Desktops can access virtual PCs based on over 10 different hypervisors – including VMware ESX Server and Citrix XenServer.
• Support for 4 different virtualization brokersIGEL firmware includes leading broker clients such as VMware VDM 2.0, Citrix XenDesktop, Leostream® and Ericom® PowerTerm WebConnect. This allows you to choose solutions that deliver the features that you need like USB re-direction, meaning your peripherals will connect easily to a virtual PC.
• 20 different hardware models all supporting virtualization accessIGEL offers one of the biggest ranges of virtual PC access devices on the market. Our hardware form factors include traditional desktops, PC upgrade cards, LCD integrated units and quad screen units. This breadth of choice allows you to deliver virtual PCs to all parts of your organization.
Three different operating systems
IGEL LinuxLinux allows the widest range of digital services possible, and is perfect for open-source orientated customers.
Microsoft Windows® CEThe ideal solution if you’re looking for a low-cost Microsoft RDP experience.
Microsoft Windows® XP EmbeddedThe obvious choice, if you’re looking for Internet Explorer 7, native RDP 6 and all the flexibility Windows XPe offers, such as broad peripheral driver support.
Outstanding User Experience IGEL’s Universal Desktop approach means you do not have to force the whole PC experience down the ICA or RDP protocols. This means that you can deliver your applications using the native digital services used by your applications including ICA/RDP, web browser, Flash, JVM, terminal emulation, VoIP client, SAP GUI and even more. Putting the digital services as close to the user as possible means that you are never limited in how you can deliver a centralised application. The IGEL Universal Desktop combines these different digital services into an easy to use, PC-like experience.
By putting digital services close to the end user, you are not forced to route all communication via the Virtual PC. This dramatically reduces latency. For example, a VoIP call can be made using the local SIP client connected to a Cisco® switch.
What’s more, IGEL thin clients have advanced hardware features, with most models having multi-display output and support for widescreen formats.
All this combines to give users a fantastic, PC-like, experience.
Robust and resilient Using IGEL Universal Desktops with the power to deliver multiple digital services removes the risk of single points of failure. Should you lose your virtual PC or a corporate network connection, IGEL Universal desktops have other digital services and built-in broadband and VPN drivers that allow you to access key applications using alternative means. – For example, if you lose your RDP or ICA connection to your virtual PC, corporate email can still be reached using our built-in web browser and Outlook Web Access.
Cut out the middlewareIGEL’s Universal Desktop design means that some of your users will not even need a virtual PC. For example, if they just need to access SAP, web, Java, VoIP or mainframe applications, IGEL devices can talk to these applications directly. By cutting out unnecessary infrastructure and software, IGEL can help you substantially reduce costs and complexity.
Attach-and-go deployment and easy remote managementIGEL’s bundled Remote Management Suite comes free and allows you to install an IGEL Universal Desktop and its digital services with just a few mouse clicks. It’s easy to use - there’s no scripting - and its very network friendly with no use of PXE or proprietary ports.
What’s more, devices can auto-configure when first connected to your network, making connection to virtualization brokers, servers and applications effortless. With additional features such as integration with Microsoft Active Directory, your entire virtual desktop roll-out is made easy and hassle-free, even on large-scale projects.
Highly secureThe entire IGEL range feature smartcard drivers, and almost every unit has a PCSC reader, so you know only the employees who should be accessing their virtual PC can do so. Since our management software can disable USB ports with a single mouse click, it’s much easier to keep data safe and systems virus free. IGEL devices also support biometric and USB token authentication.
Hassle-free printing With virtual PCs, printing can sometimes be a problem due to multiple drivers and bandwidth consuming print jobs. Every IGEL Universal Desktop comes with ThinPrint® Client, which means printing is driver-free… and jobs can be compressed by up to 99%.
