Zero Clients with VMware Backend

[atfnet]

Hi Everyone,
I am very interested in seeing a VDI deployed, more specifically Zero Clients with a VMware Backend. Is there anyone who is running this kind of setup and up for giving me a tour? I have been reading about the Pano logic and the Wyse zero clients, can anyone offer feedback on the devices?
Are there any solution providers in the UK that specialise in VDI setups?

Thanks

Andy

[EduTech]

Hi There,

It really depends on your budget and how much you have to spend on this kind of technology, if your budget is limited then you can do it the way your saying and a good supplier is Axel who are sponsors of this forum infact. PM this guy: EduGeek.net Forums - View Profile: Axel

If you want to push the boat out a little, you may want to look at SUN VDI Currently implementing this for one of our new ict classrooms and it is fantastic! and our server room has now shiney sun kit in it

If you want more info on the SUN way forward then speak to CutterProject who are the company that are looking after me and very well indeed! Cutter - a better way to deliver computing speak to EduGeek.net Forums - View Profile: kmount or EduGeek.net Forums - View Profile: linescanner



James.

[cookie_monster]

I know there was quite a debate in another thread about what exactly a zero client is. I know that Novus who kitted out Thomas Deacon Academy do alot of VDI and thin client work.

Novus Group


We run 70 of the Axel devices mentioned above and they're really very impressive, ultra easy to setup and they only use 5 watts power. We've never had one go wrong.

[bio]

We are currently testing a Wyse solution (Wyse Technology - Global Leader in Thin Computing) for those purposes. I personally would avoid any SUN VDI solution. They have serious issues with streamning audio flash video. The sun solution is meant for corporate business and not for educational purpose. Our school board learnt this the hard way

bio..

[ahuxham]

Successfully running a Sun VDI environment here with a VMWare Backend, working a treat. Running our Sun Rays over a WAN from our other site on a very poor ADSL line, but no hickups and everything running very smooth.

Very cost effective solution as well, Sun Ray 2 terminals are circa £160 as well, much cheaper than the Wyse equivalents.

Ours was supplied via IT Solutions & Optimisation, Virtualisation, Data Management Solutions, IT Consultancy Services

[ahuxham]

We are currently testing a Wyse solution (Wyse Technology - Global Leader in Thin Computing) for those purposes. I personally would avoid any SUN VDI solution. They have serious issues with streamning audio flash video. The sun solution is meant for corporate business and not for educational purpose. Our school board learnt this the hard way

bio..

Sun VDI isn't tiered at a specific market rather than education, Yes there are performance issues with Flash and Audio, but the Wyse systems still suffer this problem.

Sun have the SunMMR and assosciated plugins for installing on the virtual machine to improve performance. I can honestly say we see no real slow-downs with Flash/Audio/Usb Redirection at all.

[atfnet]

Good Morning,

Thank you all for your replies.
I would like to visit a few Schools to see the Wyse and Sun Ray`s in action. Is anyone near Bristol / Bath who can spare the time for me to visit ?

Thanks
Andy

[EduTech]

I have replied to your PM's this morning by the way, where abouts are you located? If your close more than happy to show you our SUN VDI Solution after the half term as will be installing the SUN Rays during that break.

James.

[atfnet]

Hi bio,

What backend are you using with the Wyse system and which Wyse model ?

Thanks

Andy

We are currently testing a Wyse solution (Wyse Technology - Global Leader in Thin Computing) for those purposes. I personally would avoid any SUN VDI solution. They have serious issues with streamning audio flash video. The sun solution is meant for corporate business and not for educational purpose. Our school board learnt this the hard way

bio..

[EduTech]

Sun VDI isn't tiered at a specific market rather than education, Yes there are performance issues with Flash and Audio, but the Wyse systems still suffer this problem.

Sun have the SunMMR and assosciated plugins for installing on the virtual machine to improve performance. I can honestly say we see no real slow-downs with Flash/Audio/Usb Redirection at all.

Agreed, Just want to 2nd what you have said... the SunMMR and Assosiciated plugins are quite handy i have run the Adobe Web Collection over SUN Rays and this was only on POC so RAM @ the backend was not brilliant and it still handled it with no problems

James.

[nut-ed]

Sun's demise was confirmed last week.

Oracle and Sun

After years of losing money Oracle has picked up the pieces. Reading the media it seems Oracle were mainly after Sun's software technology (Java and SQL)

If you go to Sun's website you are now immediately directed to Oracle's website, where Sun software gets a high billing and the Sun hardware is barely mentioned...

Time will tell how much investment Oracle intend to place in the old Sun prorietary hardware, if Sun couldn't survive by it with 100% focus, what will Oracle need to do to turn it around....?

[ahuxham]

Sun's demise was confirmed last week.

Oracle and Sun

After years of losing money Oracle has picked up the pieces. Reading the media it seems Oracle were mainly after Sun's software technology (Java and SQL)

If you go to Sun's website you are now immediately directed to Oracle's website, where Sun software gets a high billing and the Sun hardware is barely mentioned...

Time will tell how much investment Oracle intend to place in the old Sun prorietary hardware, if Sun couldn't survive by it with 100% focus, what will Oracle need to do to turn it around....?

Oracle have pledged in writing to continue development of the Sun Ray and Sun Global desktop systems, so the doom mongering really isn't needed. There are no plans to discontinue the solution, the only foreseeable change is moving from xVM to Grid Iron, or amalgamating the two together as a Hyper-visor.

As well as proprietary systems running their 10g 11g database on the Java platform, which Solaris can do quite well at present

[EduTech]

Sun's demise was confirmed last week.

Oracle and Sun

After years of losing money Oracle has picked up the pieces. Reading the media it seems Oracle were mainly after Sun's software technology (Java and SQL)

If you go to Sun's website you are now immediately directed to Oracle's website, where Sun software gets a high billing and the Sun hardware is barely mentioned...

Time will tell how much investment Oracle intend to place in the old Sun prorietary hardware, if Sun couldn't survive by it with 100% focus, what will Oracle need to do to turn it around....?

Also, it appears all of the SUN Employee's in the VDI / Storage playing fields have been kept as they are going to continue to develop this hardware.

The marketing department i believe has been re-organised shall we say (this is the only department that has been messed with) but all other staff seem to be remaining in there current roles... just wear different uniform

So i would not worry about the change that is happening, we have just brought into it in the middle of it all and i have no doubts in my mind that the service and hardware is going to continue to be outstanding and reliable.

James.

[Axel]

Good Morning,

Thank you all for your replies.
I would like to visit a few Schools to see the Wyse and Sun Ray`s in action. Is anyone near Bristol / Bath who can spare the time for me to visit ?

Thanks
Andy

There was a large installation of Axel terminals in Weston Super Mare a couple of weeks back, PM me if you would like us to arrange a meeting or email exchange.... They also had custom made furniture to accomodate the terminals and conceal the cabling so the room looks fantastic.....