VERDE-VDI is a purpose-built desktop virtualization platform designed for small & medium enterprises and managed service providers. VERDE VDI delivers enterprise-level functionality without the complexity at an affordable price.

We have made significant upgrades to the VERDE VDI 8.2 Edition:

• Support for latest Red Hat / CentOS QEMU-KVM modules for increased performance and hardware emulation capabilities.
• General stability and functionality enhancements and performance optimizations.
• Support for NComputing’s RX300 thin client device and our proprietary UXP protocol which brings many new benefits to VERDE VDI customers. vCAST Streaming reduces server-side CPU usage when users watch web videos like YouTube or local media content (via VLC Player and Windows Media Player) without the need for expensive GPUs. This technology results in higher quality video streaming without CPU bottlenecks, allowing for more concurrent users on your system.
• Cloud branch support with local LAN access for optimum desktop performance.
• Integrated with a more flexible licensing management service that provides greater control of where seat licenses should be used and the ability to move seat licenses between multiple instances of VERDE within a registered user’s infrastructure.
• Support for NComputing’s Pi Management Console (“PMC”) providing remote management of any connected RX300 thin client. Dual monitor support is enabled using our secondary display adapter.
• Managed Service Provider (MSP) ready with full multi-tenant isolation.
• Flexible deployment options for Customers and MSPs using IBM Bluemix.

NComputing’s VERDE VDI 8.2 Edition provides a compelling alternative for first-time customers whose organizations are looking for a change to a more cost-effective solution. For MSP providers, VERDE VDI 8.2 Edition provides a path to offer DaaS.

We are excited to add VERDE VDI 8.2 Edition to our portfolio to provide end-to-end desktop virtualization solutions to our customers.

A 30-day, 10-seat trial is available for VERDE VDI 8.2 Edition. Click here to request a trial or visit the VERDE VDI product page.

If you haven't experienced our latest generation of desktop virtualization gear, now is a great time to consider its adoption. vSpace Pro 11 includes UXP 2.0, a major upgrade to the UXP protocol found in earlier versions of vSpace that increases the performance of existing access devices while reducing network traffic. vSpace Pro 11 also brings Dual Monitor support into the core—if your hardware supports it, you can use dual monitors with no additional license required. 

We also brought back MultiView from vSpace 8. Multiview gives a lead user the ability to see the session, communicate with the user, and control any session on the server. MultiView has been enhanced with Broadcasting, which lets a lead user push any session on the server to all users—great for sharing videos, presentations, or highlighting individual workspaces.

AMP for vSpace Pro 11

While vSpace Pro 11 is free to use, we’ve integrated a premium service called AMP (Annual Maintenance Program). AMP for vSpace Pro enhances the core, bringing to life vCAST streaming, Broadcasting, Smart Card support, and Health Monitoring for all your servers. In addition, you’ll have direct access to NComputing engineers via live technical support channels, all for just $1 a month per device.

vSpace Pro 11 is available now from the software download center. AMP for vSpace Pro can be purchased directly through the Management Portal, or through your NComputing reseller.

On May 8, 2018, the Next Generation thin client will be introduced by Citrix and NComputing. The Citrix Ready workspace hub software will be officially released on May 8^that the Citrix Synergy show.

The Next Generation thin client will differ in three main areas – enhanced security, superior user experience and radically lower cost. To obtain those goals, Citrix and NComputing viewed the endpoint as an enterprise thin client & IoT Hub in one device. . The NComputing RX-HDX is not just a powerful enterprise-ready endpoint for desktop virtualization but a device that can communicate with other devices and enable future workflow automation. The initial release will target the Smartphone. 

Think how expansive that concept is. Virtually everyone who works in an enterprise has a Smartphone that they carry at all times. For security, using your Smartphone to log in is more secure than the traditional username/password. It also ensures that when you leave, your session terminates. In addition, it is better experience to walk up to a thin client and have your Smartphone authenticate your virtual session; no logging on, no starting up a session. Roaming your session is a better way to go – more secure and a better experience. You can also wirelessly dock your smartphone to cast the screen onto a bigger monitor connected to RX-HDX without any additional hardware.

The real coup is that NComputing can offer this at 1/3 the cost of traditional thin clients. The RX-HDX sells for $119 MSRP. That means the Next Generation thin client offers enhanced security and a better experience at a radically lower price. Imagine an RX-HDX replacing a traditional thin client, docking station plus a VoIP Phone. This can result in even greater saving. This is done by architecting the RX-HDX on a Raspberry Pi3 which is based on a 64-bit ARM chip and has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. ARM processors offer unparalleled price/performance and thus the quantum decrease in the price of the Next Generation RX-HDX.

In addition, NComputing and Citrix have worked together to produce a total solution for the enterprise. The RX-HDX offers enterprise-ready thin client features such as: 

• Optimization for XenApp and XenDesktop
• Innovative dual display with HD video support
• HDX RTME optimization for Skype for Business
• 3D workload support for graphic-intensive applications
• Imprivata and Caradigm support for heathcare
• Tamper resistant case for greater security
• Rugged design for commercial and industrial environments
• Integrated Enterprise-Grade central device management

The Next Generation thin client arrives on May 8, 2018 at Citrix Synergy. NComputing will be there at the Synergy Expo booth 507. We can demo the RX-HDX and Citrix Ready workspace hub functionality. Be there and see the launch of the Next Generation thin client. 

This year NComputing celebrates its 15th anniversary. I wanted to thank our loyal customers for responding to your wishes and permanently unlocking many of the Premium Features found in vSpace Pro.

With the release of vSpace Pro 11.2, the following Premium Features are now FREE:

• vCAST Streaming reduces the overall server-side CPU usage when watching web videos like YouTube or your local media content without the need for expensive GPUs. This allows for higher quality media streaming utilizing network bandwidth without CPU bottlenecks, thereby supporting more concurrent users. 
• Multiview supports not only Session Monitoring and control, but also Broadcasting specific sessions to other users and the ability to “Blank All” of the sessions to help focus user attention away from the screen. 
• Special enhancements for education include allowing teachers to login to tools without being an administrator, and Arduino/Microbit connection facilitation for coding classes.
• Support of Smart Card Readers, Signature Pads, and Scanners has also been enhanced and expanded.

Simply upgrade your vSpace 8.x, vSpace Pro 10.x, and vSpace 11.x to vSpace Pro 11.2 and celebrate 15 years of Desktop Virtualization with us. Please visit the vSpace Pro 11 webpage to learn more.

Our commitment to desktop virtualization has brought about useful technologies that save you time and money. It is with your input that we continue to enhance your productivity and ROI. 

We thank you for supporting us and look forward to your feedback that will help shape the future of NComputing. 

Young Song,
Founder

Joining our Spanish distributor Lidera once again this year, we attended the SIMO Education 2018 conference in Madrid.  

SIMO brought education and technology professionals including directors, teachers, and management teams together from 22 countries to see current technologies for education and public administration.

We had a small lab constructed to demonstrate vSpace Pro, our session-based virtualization solution using our RX300 thin client as well as RX-HDX, the Citrix Ready workspace hub. We also brought out the RX-RDP, our first thin client specifically for Microsoft RDS installations and other platforms that use the RDP protocol such as VERDE VDI. Devices and platforms were thoroughly tested by attendants with rave reviews.

NComputing also announced support for Ubuntu 18.04 in vSpace for Linux.

Thanks to Lidera and the more than 10,000 attendees who participated this year. 

Have you ever wondered why NComputing is building almost all of its thin clients on the ARM architecture rather than using x86-PC solutions like everyone else?

Whether accessing SBC (Server-based Computing) or VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) backends, the basic idea is centralizing all data storage and computing power in a data-center, creating a secure and flexible work environment. Traditional thin clients typically sell on the promise of offering a small form factor, lower energy consumption, and a simple, stable operating system compared to conventional PCs.

Vendors started to develop customized operating systems and receivers for different connection protocols based mostly on Linux kernels. They complimented these with remote management suites to efficiently manage the clients.

Developers had to choose and focus on a platform architecture. Should they develop for proprietary hardware by selecting one of several available processor platforms or pick a widely used standard architecture. Early on, there was only ONE standard platform in the market—the PC, based on x86 processors.

The PC architecture is overkill for almost all thin client needs. It is not optimized for the task and carries a price point that can be higher than a full PC due to its form factor and lower production volume.

In some cases, companies even use a Microsoft operating system on these "disguised PCs," which increases complexity as IT staff now has to maintain a complex server environment AND an error- and malware-prone operating system on the front end.

For a few years now, innovative vendors have been looking for alternatives and tried to position proprietary platforms as thin clients. All of those had minimal success due to lagging software offerings for receivers and drivers.

Fortunately, a new standard platform based on a robust and inexpensive architecture emerged. The ARM-based Raspberry Pi solution is now in its fourth generation. With millions of units sold and support from thousands of software developers, it offers all the optimization required to build the perfect thin client. Video hardware acceleration and compression, including codecs like H.265, dual-monitor resolutions up to 4k, multiple USB 3 ports, and support for a wide array of computing peripherals make the ARM-based thin clients a clear choice to run any receiver for any protocol.

NComputing saw the opportunity to develop high performing, cost-effective thin clients on the Raspberry Pi platform early on. Today offerings are available for enterprise-class Citrix protocols, SMB solutions like Microsoft RDS and VERDE VDI, as well as educational IT solutions like vSpace Pro.

Today, customers have a choice between Pi-based cost-effective thin clients and legacy PC-based versions.

“Some Chinese thin clients require intstallation of a 3rd party program called “RDP Wrapper” into your computer’s operating system. Is RDP Wrapper safe?”

In the last few months, an increasing number of customers have inquired about RDP Wrapper to address their remote desktop solution needs in Microsoft Windows operating systems. After studying the materials available, there is a need to explain some points and help our customers to make an objective decision. In this blog post, I will focus on two areas: legality and security.

Is RDP Wrapper legal?

Without ambiguity, RDP Wrapper is not legal. It violates the End User License Agreement (EULA) of the Microsoft Windows desktop operating systems. The EULA states:

1. License. The software is licensed, not sold. Under this agreement, we grant you the right to install and run one instance of the software on your device (the licensed device), for use by one person at a time, so long as you comply with all the terms of this agreement. Updating or upgrading from non-genuine software with software from Microsoft or authorized sources does not make your original version or the updated/upgraded version genuine. In that situation, you do not have a license to use the software.
2. Device. In this agreement, “device” means a hardware system (whether physical or virtual) with an internal storage device capable of running the software. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a device.
3. Restrictions. The manufacturer or installer and Microsoft reserve all rights (such as rights under intellectual property laws) not expressly granted in this agreement. For example, this license does not give you any right to, and you may not:

1. use or virtualize features of the software separately.
2. publish, copy (other than the permitted backup copy), rent, lease, or lend the software.
3. transfer the software (except as permitted by this agreement);
4. work around any technical restrictions or limitations in the software.
5. use the software as server software, for commercial hosting, make the software available for simultaneous use by multiple users over a network, install the software on a server and allow users to access it remotely, or install the software on a device for use only by remote users;
6. reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the software, or attempt to do so, except and only to the extent that the foregoing restriction is permitted by applicable law or by licensing terms governing the use of open-source components that may be included with the software; and
7. when using Internet-based features you may not use those features in any way that could interfere with anyone else’s use of them, or to try to gain access to or use any service, data, account, or network, in an unauthorized manner.

Using the RDP Wrapper to work around defined restrictions defined violates the EULA. The legal way to connect multiple users to a Windows operating system is using a server version of Microsoft Windows with appropriate Client Access Licenses (CALs) and Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs). Customers are advised to adhere to the Microsoft Windows Server license agreement and purchase the necessary CALs and RDS CALs for their remote desktop deployments. The Remote Desktop Services, available in server versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems, make the RDP Wrapper redundant.

Is RDP Wrapper secure and safe? “NO”

Is RDP Wrapper introducing security vulnerabilities? The answer to this question is a resounding “YES.” RDP Wrapper adds a weakness to the system. It opens a gateway for potential hackers to attack and introduce trojan horse software to steal and take control over a user’s data. With a quick Google search for RDP Wrapper, one can find many entries regarding issues like “Windows security update breaks RDP Wrapper”. The solution proposed to fix this issue is rolling-back the latest Windows security updates, which leaves the affected Windows system vulnerable against known security weaknesses. Others suggest disabling Windows Update entirely, so future Windows security updates cannot disrupt RDP Wrapper. No imagination is needed to foresee the catastrophe, which disabling the Windows security updates can cause. ServHelper is an example of malware that focuses on setting up reverse SSH tunnels to allow the threat actor to access the infected host via RDP. Once ServHelper established remote desktop access, the malware adds functionality for the threat actor to hijack legitimate user accounts or web browser profiles. RDP Wrapper, which is illegal to use and leaves Windows OS in a more vulnerable state, is an invitation for threat actors to attack. Also, there are many virus warnings related to RDP Wrapper. Potentially, RDP Wrapper can be removed by the AVG and Norton Antivirus software. This is the big red flashing “Do Not Use” sign for all users with security concerns.

Customers looking for remote desktop solutions should avoid RDP Wrapper. Violation of Microsoft EULA and opening security vulnerabilities is never wise.

Mirko Lasarz and I give a brief overview of NComputing's approach to thin clients, specifically covering the RX420 family of devices including solutions for Microsoft and Citrix. (Recorded in German, has English subtitles)

NComputing is happy to announce our status as an official Windows Virtual Desktop partner for integrated Linux thin client solutions, verified by Microsoft.

As computing needs continue to move to the cloud, how we interact with systems and applications continues to evolve as well. If powerful servers are running everything for you, gone is the need for the typical PC hardware and its issues. Windows Virtual Desktop is changing how we access virtual desktops, allowing multiple-sessions of Windows 10 directly from the cloud with Azure. Windows Virtual Desktop also enables IT to provide deployments of Windows 7, and migration from existing Remote Desktop Services and on-premise Windows Server deployments to Azure offers unified management of the installation.

But you still need some way to connect a keyboard, mouse, and display to the cloud to do meaningful work. The RX-series thin clients fill this need and extend the affordability of Windows Virtual Desktop adoption by lowering the total cost of ownership. Our solutions are affordable and built to satisfy the high-performance demands of today’s users.

Whether you need dual-display support with the RX420(RDP) or just a single display with the RX-RDP+, access to Windows Virtual Desktop is simple and straight-forward. Mounted to the back of a display, or sitting on a desk or table, the RX-series’ small foot-print allows flexible deployments in cramped quarters, manufacturing or point-of-sale locations, and other use cases like work-from-home. Dual-band WiFi & gigabit ethernet connections deliver a rich PC-like experience in a tiny, energy-saving device.

Deployment and ongoing maintenance get refined and simplified with centralized device management. RX-series devices are highly secure, built on a locked-down Linux platform, protecting against malware and viruses. Windows Virtual Desktop simplifies computing. RX-series thin clients eliminate many of the issues surrounding typical hardware deployments including data security, component failure, and energy consumption.

WVD support has been added to the RX420(RDP) and RX-RDP+ devices. Existing users can update their firmware to version 1.10.10 (or newer). Learn more about our WVD support.

Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) has experienced significant market demand in part due to organizations that are challenged to find secure remote working solutions for their employees and contractors quickly. NComputing teamed up with Microsoft to integrate the native Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) Linux client into our popular RX420(RDP) and RX-RDP+ thin clients powered by the latest Raspberry Pi platforms.

What is WVD?

WVD is a comprehensive desktop and application virtualization service managed by Microsoft and hosted in the Azure cloud. WVD delivers simplified management with multi-session Windows 10 support.

WVD enables organizations to deliver a virtual desktop experience and remote apps to any device.  Microsoft 365 and Azure together provide users with the only multi-session Windows 10 experience — with scale and reduced IT costs. Deployments of Windows 7 are also possible. Its big draw from an IT perspective is the unified management for those migrating from Remote Desktop Services and on-premise Windows Servers.

Where is WVD used?

WVD addresses a broad range of needs including business continuity and Work-From home initiatives. Organizations with the following use cases are ideal for WVD services:

Security and Regulation – such as financial services, healthcare, government

Flexible Workforce – such as mergers & acquisitions, short-term employees, contractor and partner access, call centers, branch office or remote workers

How does NComputing RX-series thin client support WVD?

NComputing is excited to announce our native WVD Linux client support on our popular RX420(RDP) and RX-RDP+ thin clients, and also as an approved WVD technology partner.

The WVD integrated thin clients deliver an easy-to-use, secure, high-performance, and affordable WVD endpoint solution.

The simple-to-deploy and centrally managed cloud-ready thin clients extend the affordability of WVD deployment.

"We see tremendous demand for Windows Virtual Desktop. The NComputing RX-series provides customers with a secure, affordable, high-performing solution for Windows Virtual Desktop," said Kam VedBrat, general manager, Windows Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Corp.

The RX-series thin clients support WVD Spring 2020 and Fall 2019 releases, access to Remote App and Remote Desktops, multi-factor- authentications, standard and kiosk mode WVD login, and native dual display support. 

Benefits of using NComputing RX-series Endpoint Solutions for WVD:

• VERIFIED WVD SOLUTION: NComputing is an official WVD partner for integrated Linux thin client solutions verified by Microsoft, powered by the latest Raspberry Pi platforms. NComputing has 17 years of expertise in desktop virtualization, and we are the worldwide leading provider of Linux thin client solutions.
• SIMPLE, POWERFUL, AFFORDABLE: Premium performance characteristics optimized for Windows WVD and Microsoft RDS, RX-series endpoints offer a rich PC-like experience in an affordable, energy-saving device that fits in the palm of your hand.
• MORE SECURE: The RX-series thin clients run on a read-only, minimally sized Linux platform. Only the thin client functionality is locally loaded, leaving the desktop and data on the server. The fully locked-down Linux platform is secure, protecting users against 3rd party applications and common threats.
• LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: The RX-series thin clients lower the overall cost of ownership needed to adopt WVD. For organizations looking to refresh or acquire new endpoint devices, RX-series thin clients are a fraction of the typical PC or laptop cost and deliver similar performance. Centralized device management, minimal moving parts, and no local data concerns help slash ongoing device maintenance and security expenses.

WVD support was added to RX420(RDP) and RX-RDP+ thin clients via firmware update 1.10.10 in October.

Learn more about how NComputing enables end users to access Windows 10 desktop in the Cloud via our WVD page.

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) from Microsoft is a comprehensive virtualization platform for both Desktops and Applications. It’s hosted in the Azure cloud and managed by Microsoft. A proper turnkey solution for teams looking to virtualize their workspace while avoiding the complications of hosting a platform themselves. The service includes optimizations for multi-session Windows 10 desktops, Microsoft 365 applications, and support for RDS environments. AVD addresses a broad range of needs from business continuity to Work-From-Home (WFH) initiatives. It’s a great cloud-based solution for a dispersed workforce but still missing something.

Moving to the cloud is a big step for most organizations. Microsoft AVD alleviates much of the IT misery that local operating systems create. However, it’s missing that easy, flexible connection method. Users need a full-blown local operating system just to run an app that connects to AVD. Enter LEAF OS, a purpose-built solution to eliminate redundancy and make BYOD or Work-From-Home initiatives easier. 

What is LEAF OS?

Self-sufficient computing requires an operating system, CPU, RAM, and drive space - enough to satisfy the user’s needs. However, in a cloud model where all those features have moved to a data center, the user’s machine doesn’t need the local resources or complexity. LEAF OS is a small Linux-based operating system that works with any device that is 64-bit and based around an x86 processor–desktops, laptops, or thin clients. It essentially turns that device into a fully functional AVD endpoint. It can be installed over an existing OS/data set, wiping it clean, or boot from a USB thumb drive and keep the native OS intact.

LEAF OS is a read-only, minimally sized Linux-based system. When LEAF OS boots up, only the thin client functionality is loaded locally. This protects against unauthorized 3rd party applications, malware, viruses, and data leakage. It’s a perfect solution for when you want to reuse existing hardware and squeeze some more life out of them – even when that hardware is incapable of running current operating systems natively. RX420(RDP) is a wallet-sized thin client purpose-built for AVD that can coexist with your LEAF OS devices if you need new hardware.

How is LEAF OS managed?

Central management is key to a successful deployment. Managing a company full of provisioned computers and whatever devices your employees may bring along is like herding cats. PMC Endpoint Management adds that layer of control to LEAF OS devices and our RX-series thin clients. PMC enables IT to provision hardware and software endpoints, push configurations, provide updates, and troubleshoot remotely. Manage your installation over local and wide-area networks, behind firewalls and NAT-routers. Automatic discovery, check-in, flexible configurations & provisioning of new devices make deployment easy.

A better virtual experience.

We’ve all become accustomed to online meetings, whether through Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Running these programs through a virtual desktop can be problematic due to poor audio/video quality. LEAF OS addresses this by providing local Teams, Zoom, and the Chromium browser. These are used either as individual apps without a virtual desktop running or side-by-side in a windowed mode. This capability vastly outperforms the native apps available in AVD and provides the basis for customization in future releases.

Verified by Microsoft.

NComputing is an official Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop partner for LEAF OS and our RX-series thin clients built on the Raspberry Pi platform. We bring our 20 years of expertise in desktop virtualization to bear on AVD, and we’re confident you’ll love the results.

Try it for 30-days for free, with no obligation.

To get started with the trial, select a compatible platform from this list to test with – Microsoft AVD, RDS, VERDE VDI, VERDE Remote Access, and vSpace Pro Enterprise. More information about LEAF OS and its capabilities within those platforms is found on those product pages. 

NComputing Global, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic agreement with POStech, which makes it its official master distribution partner for Brazil.

The agreement involves the commercialization of NComputing's next-generation Virtualization Devices/Software for industry-standard VDI solutions, as well as NComputing's proprietary technologies, enabling the best-in-class price/performance of any solution. Current market segments are primarily education, healthcare, financial institutions, manufacturing and government agencies. Commenting on the agreement, Cristian Llodra, LATAM Director at NComputing said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with POStech as POStech is an important part of our channel strategy that addresses a large part of the reseller and system integrator community in Brasil. This agreement with POStech brings quality, trust, experience and a boost of renewal force to the Brazilian market.”

About POStech
POStech, which already has extensive experience in the commercial automation market, ranging from checkout to rear, with this agreement, brings even more quality solutions to the channel with new NComputing technologies, ensuring trust and support to resellers in business development and opportunities. The logistical and manufacturing processes will be carried out by Positivo Servers & Solutions (POStech's Contract Manufacturer), through the manufacturing unit in Ilhéus (BA), and the POStech – Network & IT business unit will be responsible for sales and after-sales operations from NComputing in Brazil, which aims to deliver solutions that make the day-to-day activities of companies more efficient, more productive and, consequently, more profitable.
Contact: JC Alonso Santos, Commercial Director at PO POStech – Network & IT business
T: +55 41 9222-5294
E-mail: alonso@postech.com.br

About NComputing
NComputing is the fastest growing desktop virtualization company in the world, with more than 70,000 customers and 20 million daily users in 140 countries. We serve customers large and small, in diverse markets with varying use cases across education, government, healthcare among others. With innovative and award-winning technologies, NComputing brings customers an impressively quick ROI with economical, high-performance desktop virtualization solutions.

AMP, our Annual Maintenance Program licensing products will be undergoing some changes in June. Since its inception, AMP has provided an easy and cost effective way to not only license NComputing products, but provide timely support from our technical team. The program has allowed us to keep older devices from the L-series and M-series compatible with current platform releases and bring new products to market for additional virtualization offerings.

Beginning June 1, 2022, AMP licensing will undergo a pricing adjustment, with the 1-year term increasing to $15 per year, per connected device. Multi-year terms will continue to provide a discount based on the 1-year term. 

Before the change takes effect, we’ve opened up the opportunity for existing licensees to extend the length of their terms at their original price. 

1. Log into your Management Portal account 
2. Go to the page with your licensing.  
3. You’ll see your current licensing and an “Extend” button for each entry. 
   
4. Click Extend for the license you wish to modify.
5. Enter your payment information and go to the next page. 
6. Select the date you want the license to expire. As an example, if you have 1-year terms, you can extend the license a minimum of 1 year, however you can select a date later than that and the amount due will prorate accordingly. A 3-year license extends 3 years, with the ability to add additional days/months/years as needed.
   
7. Complete the transaction and your existing license term is extended.

If you have any questions about this process or need help, please contact us via the live chat or contact your sales representative.

Earlier this month we participated in a joint webinar with Xentegra, one of our valued reseller partners, to discuss NComputing offerings and how we’ve taken on the challenges companies are facing due to the pandemic and its lingering issues. In particular, we discuss how issues with the global supply chain, working from home, and the proliferation of DaaS have rapidly advanced desktop virtualization and how NComputing products and services solve the resulting IT challenges.

Topics include: Microsoft Azure, Windows 365 (Cloud PC), Remote Desktop Services, Citrix, Hardware thin clients, Software endpoints, central management and how a reseller like Xentegra can provide everything you need to get your deployment going.

Have a look at the webinar and let us know if you’d like a consultation.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZNVWo0xPu0&list=PLp1Rra7OyefVjFUOHEPvoA...
Runtime: 50 minutes.

While moving to VDI on-premise or in the cloud is a trend we've seen for many years, the Ukrainian war and the resulting economic turmoil have shed light on other problems. The need for centralized control, security, and ease of use with a push towards remote work and the adoption of Windows 11 has propelled VDI end-points into an essential part of the (CAPEX) equation.

Companies like Citrix, Microsoft, and others supply VDI back-end solutions that serve the needs of almost all customers, from SMB to enterprise, from simple office usage to demanding CAD/CAM applications. However, what client (end-point) to use to access desktops and applications in the chosen VDI environment is a central question when it comes to budgeting the move or upgrade.

At the recent CUG event (Citrix User Group) in Sweden, it became apparent that many customers are budget-conscious and only spending where it's unavoidable as the future outlook is uncertain. While the investment in on-premise or cloud VDI solutions is a top priority, replacing working PCs is a challenge to justify. After all, using a Windows PC to access a Windows Desktop in a VDI environment is a bit redundant and doesn't eliminate existing issues (security, data protection, maintenance …) that VDI is ready to address.

So, re-purposing existing hardware like PCs, Laptops, or even older Thin-Clients with a modern End-Point operating system is a desirable solution. LEAF OS from NComputing is the perfect solution that allows customers to keep most of their client hardware without change by replacing Windows with LEAF OS for a nominal price. In addition to breathing new life into this hardware, it helps protect the environment by reducing e-waste and power consumption.

Another significant benefit of moving to a dedicated end-point OS is the comprehensive client management system (PMC). Rather than keeping Windows machines up to date and secure, PMC manages thousands of LEAF OS devices centrally across locations worldwide if needed.

LEAF OS is fully certified by Citrix and optimized for collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams. LEAF OS fully supports cloud-based DaaS like Microsoft AVD, Windows365 and Citrix Cloud. CUG proved that NComputing has come up with the right solutions for today's challenging environment.

For more information on our Citrix validation, please read the press release.

Microsoft Teams enables real-time communication via chat, video or audio calls, file-sharing, collaboration, and more. Running Microsoft Teams in a VDI environment poses a few challenges around network bandwidth, CPU, and memory requirements. As all traffic must pass through the VDI environment, any latency in the network degrades the transmission quality and overall experience.

Microsoft recently added Microsoft Teams media optimization to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 (Cloud PC). This change focused on how the remote desktop client handles audio and video. It works by minimizing the data transmitted across the VDI network and enabling peer-to-peer A/V calls directly between endpoints. All Teams data remains within the VDI environment, minimizing the risk of a data breach.

This optimization is a win-win as it reduces the overall bandwidth, CPU load, and memory deployment requirements while improving session performance and potentially lowering overall costs.

In collaboration with Microsoft, we have implemented the Microsoft Teams optimization package into our LEAF OS software endpoint and EX500 thin client for AVD and Windows 365. The integration ensures that Microsoft Teams runs smoothly without lag or delay–critical for virtual, real-time collaboration. Currently under Private Review, this update will be available in an official firmware release in April.