A new star is born: Open Source ArchivistaThinClient

Pfaffhausen, 2nd November, 2009: Conventional desktop computers require a considerable amount of maintenance, consume a lot of power and are even responsible for background noise pollution. This is where the ArchivistaThinClient comes in: Its small size, low energy consumption and lack of ventilation elements make it ideal for the working environment. Once it is switched on, it is easy for you to connect to the server and begin working, no matter where you are (remote computing).

How does ArchivistaThinClient work? You take the Achivista ISO CD (which can be downloaded from SourceForge), create a bootable USB stick and there you have it ? ThinClient software that is 100% open source and can be adjusted very flexibly to suit individual requirements. The software runs on any computer that can boot via a USB stick and has at least 256 megabytes of memory.

OpenSource Box with support concept

We don?t want you to have to worry about the technical details, so we supply the ArchivistaThinClient in a preconfigured format. We provide you with a small, 1kg box and a USB stick. Connect a mouse, keyboard, screen and the USB stick to the box and start the ArchivistaThinClient. 1 or 2 minutes later, you can select the keyboard and network and access all Windows and Linux operating systems from any location.

Secure surfing thanks to hard-diskless box

Because all of the software runs in the memory, the ArchivistaThinClient does not need a hard disk. This means that you can safely surf the Internet with Firefox or Opera since there is no risk from malware or viruses. Each time the ArchivistaThinClient is started, it is fully reinitialised in read access. And though the box may be small, it can easily support wide-screen monitors (1920x1080 etc.).

Box and exchange guarantee for CHF 348.00

You can purchase the ArchivistaThinClient for CHF 348.00 (includes maintenance for first year, but does not include VAT) in the WebShop. And it goes without saying that you also receive support for your ArchivistaThinClient from us and our distribution partners. In addition to centrally managed applications and virtualised computers (see the next few pages), you get a state-of-the art and cost-effective EDP infrastructure.

Centrally managed applications with Windows operating systems for SMEs

Some of our customers have set up their Windows servers so that all applications run from a central location, which makes it easier to deploy software. The cost of purchasing and maintaining the corresponding products is not inconsiderable. We suggest the following three alternatives which are significantly more cost-effective.

nComputing

A small box has to be purchased for nComputing. Once the corresponding software has been installed in the Windows instance, multiple users can gain access simultaneously. The approximate cost per computer amounts to CHF 400.00. Advantage: Box solution. Disadvantage: Not compatible with the standard system.

XPUnlimited

XPUnlimited is a software solution that makes it possible to initiate any number of connections to a Windows instance using the standard Windows software (RDC) for remote access. The product runs on all Windows systems. The costs per Windows instance are between CHF 250.00 and 750.00 (unlimited access). Advantages: Standard solution, runs with domain controllers, load distribution across multiple instances. Disadvantage: The software license has to be purchased separately for each Windows instance.

Solution from kood.org

The last solution is a program that installs software in Windows XP (SP2 or SP3). Thereafter, multiple users can work with a single Windows instance. Advantages: The solution is free, good performance. Disadvantages: Only supports Windows XP at present, domains cannot be integrated.

Summary

Mini computers are used with the nComputing solution, but these only run with the host software from this manufacturer. We therefore recommend using a software solution in conjunction with ThinClients. It must be noted that a separate Windows license is required for each connection, although the old licenses of the desktops can be used. The ArchivistaThinClient itself does not require a Windows license.

Great potential for Windows environments

The potential for a streamlined EDP infrastructure is huge, particularly if you use ArchivistaVM servers, centralised Windows applications and the ArchivistaThinClient simultaneously. This gives rise to the following advantages:

• Virtualisation for the Windows and Linux operating systems, can be extended at will (clusters)
• Centralised administration of instances (automatic updates)
• Commercial backup tools are no longer necessary, versioning in the backup
• It is possible to continue using the existing infrastructure (licenses, monitors and printers)
• Including the monitor, the desktop costs less than CHF 500.00 and takes 5 minutes to set up
• Secure surfing in the ArchivistaThinClient itself (there is no threat from viruses because it is diskless)