Zero effort, maximum user experience: IGEL introduces zero clients

The new IGEL IZ range offers zero clients tailored to the three leading VDI solutions. Users benefit from convenient management, free updates, a three-year hardware warranty and the option of upgrading the zero client if required. 

Reading, UK 16 October 2013 – The new zero client range launched by IGEL Technology at IP Expo today promises to turn the zero to hero for many desktop managers. Deciding on the right end device will now be much easier with the new IZ range. Each IGEL zero client is optimized for one of the three leading virtualization solutions (Citrix HDX, Microsoft Remote Desktop Service (RDS)/RemoteFX and VMware Horizon View) but has none of the usual restrictions, e.g. the inability to update, inadequate management functions or insufficient support.

Customers can now take advantage of IGEL-quality specialized zero clients which offer full support for their particular server infrastructure and can be automatically remote-administered with "zero" effort. However, IGEL's new range also sets standards in terms of future-proofing. With an upgrade license, the IGEL zero client can be turned into an IGEL Universal Desktop, which is compatible with various VDI solutions.[1]

Zero Clients – The IGEL Way!
Thanks to the Universal Management Suite (UMS), which comes supplied with each device, the new IGEL zero clients benefit from rules-based, automatic configuration during rollout as well as profile-based configuration management. This "zero touch deployment" means no ongoing management outlay and helps the devices live up to their "zero" name.

Three ranges of IGEL zero clients are available: IZ1, IZ2 and IZ3. Within each range, customers can choose their preferred virtualization solution and receive the appropriate client, e.g. IZ2 HDX, IZ2 RFX or IZ2 Horizon. Each model is optimally configured to the particular requirements and supports protocol-typical features and extensions. For users, IGEL zero clients allow quick, convenient and efficient access to virtual desktops. The Appliance Mode, in particular, ensures rapid booting and direct access to the relevant VDI session, such as Citrix XenDesktop or VMware Horizon View.

Three hardware platforms to choose from
When it comes to hardware, IGEL has opted for proven components. The low-cost IZ1 entry-level range is a system on chip device, based on a 1.0 GHz Texas Instruments ARM Cortex A8 processor. The SoC also features an integrated digital signal processor (DSP). This speeds up protocols like Microsoft RemoteFX and Citrix HDX, making the zero client an attractive option for multimedia applications too. The IZ1 is available as IZ1 HDX and IZ1 RFX.

The IZ2 range comes in the same housing but with a 1.0 GHz VIA (Eden) ULV processor. With four USB ports, the IZ2 models allow the connection of all commonly used peripherals, making them ideal for numerous different areas of application. The IZ2 is available as IZ2 HDX, IZ2 RFX and IZ2 Horizon.

The high-performance IZ3 range is based on a VIA Eden X2 dual-core processor with the VIA VX900 chipset. With the optional integrated smartcard reader, secure two-factor authentication is also possible. The IZ3 is available as IZ3 HDX, IZ3 RFX and IZ3 Horizon. All IGEL zero clients are equipped with the new IGEL Linux v5 operating system.

"Introducing IGEL zero clients was a logical next step based on feedback from our partners and customers,” said Simon Richards, IGEL Managing Director for UK & Ireland. “The software-oriented approach offers users a device which is specially tailored to their VDI infrastructure. The fact that they can choose a protocol and suitable hardware means they get the very best zero client to meet their needs. However, unlike other zero clients, choosing an IGEL zero client does not limit the customer. Through the UD upgrade, existing IGEL zero client hardware can also be used to access other VDI solutions in the future. Future-proofing and flexibility have always been an important philosophy for IGEL and our new zero clients are no different.”

Price, availability and warranty
The IGEL IZ1, IZ2 and IZ3 zero client ranges are now available with prices starting from £179 excluding vat. Customers receive a standard two-year warranty on all zero clients (starting from the date of dispatch). By registering free-of-charge online, the hardware warranty period can be extended to three years. Evaluation units for free advance testing can now be ordered online. The market-leading IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) remote management software comes standard with all IGEL devices.

The new range of IGEL zero clients will be on show at the IGEL stand (D64) at IP Expo in Earls Court London 2, from October 16-17, 2013.

[1] The UD upgrade license is available for the IZ2 and IZ3 ranges only.