Virtualization desktop software and hardware maker NComputing, which established its reputation in the overseas education sector, is making a play for enterprise business, thanks to a new partnership with more well-known VDI specialist Citrix.
NComputing announced May 9 that its portfolio of high-performance thin clients built for Citrix now can provide high-definition corporate desktops for less than $200 per seat–and less than $100 per seat with volume discounts, CEO Raj Dhingra said.
Powered by the third-generation Numo 3 system-on-chip (SoC), NComputing’s N-series devices support Citrix XenDesktop, Citrix XenApp and Citrix VDI-in-a-Box (formerly Kaviza) deployments with rich multimedia using less than 5 watts of power, Dhingra said.
The new NComputing N400 and N500 thin clients, currently in beta testing, are expected to ship in volume during the second quarter, he said.
Specific Classes of Users
The N400 and N500 were architected for specific classes of users, Dhingra said. The N400 is aimed at task workers and provides video resolution up to 1920×1080 with on-board graphics acceleration, 10/100 Ethernet connectivity, and a rich HD multimedia experience with 720p server-side video rendering.
The more powerful N500, targeted at knowledge workers and those with higher-end applications, adds enhanced multimedia with full high-definition 1080p client-side rendering, 10/100/1000 Ethernet connectivity, and options for dual monitor and WiFi connectivity. Both devices support smart card readers and other USB 2.0 peripherals.
All the new thin clients are managed with the new NComputing vSpace Management Center, allowing an IT organization to easily deploy, operate and manage thousands of devices across a distributed organization.
The N400 lists at $129, the N500 lists at $199; both will be subject to volume discounts that can break the $100 price barrier, Dhingra said. Dual monitor and WiFi options are available for the N500 for an additional cost.
Redwood City, Calif.-based NComputing claims about 20 million daily users in 140 countries, Dhingra said.
