Based on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, the new device allows mobile access to server-based applications using a variety of wireless networks such 802.11b or GPRS. But unlike many tablet PC offerings, the Mobile Winterm 3820X is a thin client, which means that all data and applications remain server-based.
The advantages of server-based access to data and applications, rather than machines which store data and run applications locally, are all centered on lower cost of ownership. Centralized data and applications mean that an IT department has only the server to modify when applications need to be adjusted or upgraded, that security is handled centrally at the server, and that additional computing power is added only to the server, rather than every client, when it is needed. Management is also centralized.
San Jose, California-based Wyse said the device is particularly suited to mobile workers in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, logistics and government.
The typical retail price of the Wyse 3820TX is $1,499. It features a 12.1 Active Matrix Color TFT display screen with SVGA (1024 x 768) resolution, 16-bit color, touch screen input, and handwriting recognition. It provides connectivity with two Type 2 PCMCIA ports, a PS/2 port for an external optional keyboard, and a SVGA monitor connector for desktop and presentation use.
The Winterm 3820TX supports a variety of third-party wireless network cards for integration into existing networks. It supports Citrix ICA and Microsoft RDP protocols, comes with its own Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser, and has a PDF viewer for full-screen document retrieval and viewing. The standard Lithium-Ion battery provides up to 6 hours hour of use, and an optional extended battery for up to 8 hours of use.
Wyse also unveiled Expedian, which is said to be a server optimization software package to help increase the capacity of terminal servers. It works on any Intel-based server running Microsoft Terminal Services, Citrix Metaframe or New Moon Canaveral. Using the software the number of users on a terminal server can be increased by typically 30% to 40%, Wyse claimed. It is priced at $999 to $2,999, depending on the number of server processors.
The company also announced a new thin client, the Winterm 1125SE, running Wyse’s Blazer operating system, and with a built-in wireless option. It is said to be suitable for accessing server-based applications via Citrix ICA or Microsoft RDP protocols. It is a stateless device, meaning that all of the terminal’s settings are saved on the server, simplifying configuration and management, according to the company.
Wyse was founded in 1981, and the company was listed on the NYSE between 1984 and 1989. It was acquired by a group of Taiwanese investors in 1990 and listed in the Taiwan over-the-counter market in March 1999.
Source: Computerwire
