Today at the Citrix Summit in Las Vegas, Dell introduced two additions to its cloud client-computing portfolio aimed at optimizing communication for thin client users and for more cost-effective and efficient deployments of Citrix environments. Dell is releasing the latest version of its thin client software, Wyse ThinOS 8.2 that will now offer Lync 2010, Lync 2013 and the Skype for Business client for Lync 2015 (UI mode) via the Citrix HDX RealTime Optimization Pack. Dell is also releasing a new version of its Dell Appliance for Wyse – Citrix.
Today at the Citrix Summit in Las Vegas, Dell introduced two additions to its cloud client-computing portfolio aimed at optimizing communication for thin client users and for more cost-effective and efficient deployments of Citrix environments. Dell is releasing the latest version of its thin client software, Wyse ThinOS 8.2 that will now offer Lync 2010, Lync 2013 and the Skype for Business client for Lync 2015 (UI mode) via the Citrix HDX RealTime Optimization Pack. Dell is also releasing a new version of its Dell Appliance for Wyse – Citrix.
These announcements highlight Dell’s push to accelerate VDI adoption across various use cases. Dell has been making innovations in VDI for several years now with the intent of making it a more attractive prospect for companies of various sizes. The announcements today geared more toward smaller companies that wish to deploy and manage VDI throughout their Citrix architectures.
In the latest release of Dell’s thin client software, ThinOS 8.2, workers using thin clients will be able to communicate in what Dell is claiming as clear, crisp high-definition audio/video calls in an optimized architecture. This is provided through the Citrix HDX RealTime Optimization Pack for Microsoft Skype for Business 1.8, Lync 2010 and Lync 2013. Users can communicate through audio and video or audio only and the communications are offloaded from the server to the end-user device minimizing the impact on the service and increasing the quality of the calls.
Features of Dell Wyse ThinOS 8.2 include:
- Unified Communications Connectivity: The Citrix HDX RealTime Optimization Pack for Lync included with ThinOS 8.2 supports Lync Server and Client 2010 and 2013, as well as the Skype for Business client in Lync 2015 (UI mode).
- Enhanced Security: The operating system includes updated security and encryption methods including support for TLS 1.2 with AES. ThinOS 8.2 also supports a robust 802.1x wired and wireless authentication security protocol suite.
- Backward Compatibility and Extended Product Support: ThinOS 8.2 can be installed on millions of existing Dell Wyse thin clients including the Wyse 5010, 7010 and 5040 AIO with ThinOS, and the Wyse 5010, and 5040 AIO with PCoIP.
Dell’s latest Dell Appliance for Wyse – Citrix is all about scalability. The latest version can now scale up to 5,000 users. This is a huge improvement over the previous version we covered that could scale up to 200 users. The latest version of Dell Appliance for Wyse – Citrix is ideal for small companies looking to purchase, deploy, scale and manage Citrix XenDesktop or larger organizations that wish to conduct a Citrix-based VDI proof-of-concept before embarking on a larger-scale project. Dell also states that it is easy to deploy, taking less than two hours and needing no IT resources beyond an IT generalist.
Key features of the solution include:
- Simplicity: The appliance is easy to plan, order, install, operate and manage, dramatically cutting the time to quickly and easily implement a VDI program.
- Scalability: The appliance scales to as many as 5,000 users, one appliance at a time.
- Heterogeneous Users: The infrastructure can support basic, advanced and professional users, and can leverage any compatible endpoints, all within the same appliance.
- End-to-End Solution: The appliance can be configured with Wyse thin clients optimized for Citrix HDX and Dell ProSupport for an effective end-to-end VDI solution.
- Cost-effective: Organizations can start with a single server appliance purchase, and deliver XenDesktop shared sessions starting at $440 per user, or $576 per user for traditional desktop virtualization.
Availability and pricing
ThinOS 8.2 is expected to be available in January 2016. Existing ThinOS customers can access the new ThinOS 8.2 image at Dell’s Self Service Center. The Dell Appliance for Wyse – Citrix is also expected to be available in January 2016 and will start at $440 per user.
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