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Home > News > NTT Comware and Novell announce USB-LINUX THIN CLIENT Solution
Utilizing a USB memory device, converts existing PCs into thin client PCs, preventing the leakage of internal company data including customer information
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| 2005.05.16 |
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NTT Comware and Novell announce USB-LINUX THIN CLIENT Solution
Utilizing a USB memory device, converts existing PCs into thin client PCs, preventing the leakage of internal company data including customer information
NTT Comware Corporation (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuhji Imai; hereinafter, NTT Comware) and Novell Corporation (Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Hitoshi Yoshida; hereinafter, Novell) aim to commercialize and begin sales of USB-Linux Thin Client, which allows users to create a business system thin client environment simply by inserting a USB memory device into their existing PCs.
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[Factors leading to development]
Thin client is the generic term for the corporate information system in which computers used by employees (client computers) are equipped with the minimum required functions, and in which the other applications and files are stored in the server. Thin client also refers to the low-cost client PCs utilized in this system. The fact that client PCs themselves do not have a data-saving function makes them effective in preventing the leakage of internal company data such as customer information, a fact which suggests that these PCs will be used increasingly in the future. However, until now, the only way to convert to a thin client system involved an entire change of server and client computers, and a low-cost solution has been required. In addition, in order to reduce the internal company PC management costs (TCO), a Linux solution that would not entail complicated conversion operations has been requested by companies which are planning to switch to a Linux desktop.
[Overview of the USB-Linux Thin Client solution]
The USB-Linux Thin Client solution utilizes the Novell SUSE LINUX OS and Bootable USB, a USB memory start-up device that contains Web browsers applications. Users do not have to install an OS. By simply inserting Bootable USB into the USB terminal of existing PCs, Linux is activated and the PC is converted into thin client mode. The Bootable USB is read-only memory (ROM) and prohibits access to the memory devices such as the hard discs located within the PC while the computer is in thin client mode. This makes it impossible to save customer information onto the client computer, or onto other memory devices that could be used to transport customer information data outside. In addition, the USB-Linux Thin Client solution can return the computer to the normal desktop PC by shutting down the Linux OS and removing the Bootable USB.
[Superiority of USB-Linux Thin Client dedicated machines]
USB-Linux Thin Client allows users to use their existing PCs and eliminates the need to purchase new clients (thin client terminals). Because this solution utilizes PCs that users are already familiar with, as well as Novell SUSE LINUX which is easy to use and similar to Windows in terms of operability, users require almost no additional training. This solution allows for a smooth transition to a thin client environment and effectively utilizes company IT resources and user PC usage skills. If a virtual private network (VPN) connection is used, PCs located at outside the company or at home can be become thin client computers capable of accessing the company server. This allows you to avoid security risks such as the loss of notebook PCs containing customer information. In addition, even if the Bootable USB is lost or stolen, company information is not at risk because no data is stored within the device itself.
[USB-Linux Thin Client Configuration (planned)]
- Media format
-USB-ROM (stick-type)
- Base OS
-Novell SUSE LINUX
- Applications
-Web browser
-RDP client
-Citrix ICA client
-Mono (.Net client)
-Java 2 Runtime Environment
- VPN compatible protocols
-PPTP
-L2TP
- Hardware operating environment
-CPU Intel Pentium II- Pentium 4
-AMD Duron, Atholon XP/MP
-Memory: 256 MB and above
[Prototype displayed at Linux World Expo]
From June 1 to June 3, the USB-Linux Thin Client prototype will be displayed at the Novell booth at the Linux World Expo/ Tokyo 2005 being held at the Tokyo Big Site.
*The product and company names are the trademarks and registered trademarks of each company.
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The information shown in this page is the latest as of the day of the release. It is subject to change without further notice. Thank you for your kind understanding and consideration.
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