Dell expands its VDI Solutions

To make it easier for customers to deploy, configure and manage their VDI (desktop virtualization) environments, Dell Inc. has introduced a broad set of VDI solutions across its portfolio which includes Dell EMC XC Xpress for VDI appliance, the Latitude 3480 mobile thin client, the latest version of the ThinOS 8.4 operating system with support for VMware Blast Extreme Protocol, and the new Wyse Management Suite software.

“Organizations today are looking for ease and flexibility in their IT solutions and desktop virtualization is no exception,” said Steve Lalla, SVP and General Manager of Commercial Client Software & Solutions, Dell. “The broad range of solutions that we have announced today – spanning an optimized hyper-converged appliance, mobile thin client, and enhanced endpoint software and management – make it more accessible for a broader range of organizations to more efficiently deploy and manage end-to-end desktop virtualization environments, while ensuring data remains safe and secure.”

Dell EMC XC Xpress for VDI for Small and Medium Businesses

The Dell EMC XC Xpress hyperconverged appliance, announced at Dell EMC World, is now optimized for VDI workloads with reference architecture, enabling small to mid-size organizations to deploy and manage a Nutanix-powered environment. The appliance combines server and storage infrastructure, virtualization software, and cloud back-up in a single “out-of-the-box” solution that offers hypervisor and desktop broker choice. The XC Xpress for VDI provides SMBs with the functionality they need to deploy, manage and run a robust, scalable desktop virtualization environment.

Dell Latitude 3480 Mobile Thin Client Offers Enterprise-Class Secure Mobility

The Dell Latitude 3480 mobile thin client offers the security, control and manageability that organizations require from thin clients in a mobile form-factor based on Dell’s leading-edge Latitude PCs. Designed for task and knowledge workers, the mobile thin client is a cost-effective and powerful solution that leverages Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, and broad connectivity options with the familiar user experience of an enterprise-class laptop.

Customers have the option of an additional security layer with Dell Threat Defense, the advanced threat prevention solution that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help proactively prevent malware, including ransomware and zero-day threats, from executing on all Windows thin clients.

ThinOS 8.4 with Expanded Protocol Support

Dell continues to invest in its most virus-resistant thin client operating system by adding new capabilities and expanded protocol support for Citrix and VMware customers. ThinOS 8.4 now supports VMware Blast Extreme remote connection protocol, offering an even richer graphical experience, and greater flexibility and management options in virtual workspace environments.
 

For Citrix users, ThinOS 8.4 now supports the latest Citrix HDX RealTime optimization pack 2.2 for increased unified communications capabilities, and greater video and multimedia capabilities including support for HTML5 video redirection to control and optimize the way XenApp and XenDesktop servers deliver HTML5 multimedia web content.

Finally, there are several security enhancements to ThinOS 8.4 including firmware signature verification by default on firmware upgrades and downgrades, and support for a simplified certificate enrollment protocol to support secure issuance of certificates to trusted network devices.

New Wyse Thin Client Management Platform

Last month, Dell released Wyse Management Suite, a new solution that allows organizations to configure, monitor, manage and optimize Wyse thin client deployments up to tens of thousands of seats. With installation taking place in under five minutes, it is fast and easy for administrators to deploy and manage a fleet of thin clients without the complexity typically associated with thin client management. Organizations can choose from two versions to meet their needs: Standard and Pro.