Sun Global Desktop / Thin Client Cluster

[u8dmtm]

We're currently planning a project which will introduce thin client. Our main priority at this stage is to provide remote access to school software and desktops from home but we also would like to put a cluster of thin client terminals in as a trial.

We have two solutions on the table: Sun and Citrix and Sun seems to be much cheaper.

Is there anyone out there already runing the Sun SGD and Sun terminals in their schools and if so what experiences have you had? Any pitfalls and would you recomend it if you were starting from scratch today?

[kmount]

Hi u8dmtm,

There are several schools on Edugeek here with a Sun Global Desktop (SGD) and Sunray System (SRSS) both supplied/supported by us and others.

If you'd like any information / advice feel free to drop me a message/email and I'd be glad to help.

Cheers,

Kim.

[ChrisH]

We use SGD for remote access in lancs it works quite well.

[u8dmtm]

Just as an aside, I have been trying to run SSGD demo (https://sgddemo.sun.com/) but it fails when I try to launch software or click on 'My Desktop'. Not sure why, but presume it could be a port issue. Does anyone have any ideas on that?

[kmount]

I've just tried it and they opened OK for me but I'm on an unfiltered connection.

Default installations use a port TCP 5307 for secure transactions but it is possible to configure traversal over TCP 443 which works for most people quite well.

[u8dmtm]

I tried the SGD demo (https://sgddemo.sun.com/) from home this evening and still no luck!

I can open 'Gnome Calculator', 'JSpider' and 'Secure Global Desktop web site' from the left hand list but not the Excel, PowerPoint or Word Viewers:



As for MyDesktop, I get an error screen:



I'm running the newest version of Java, IE8 and Vista but have also tried Firefox. Does anyone have any pointers? If it's this hard to access I can't see our kids, let alone staff being able to benefit from it.

[kmount]

Yep, same problem for me, I'd tested using the apps which worked for you.

It's in reality a lot simpler, as long as they have java all is well and fine.