Pano Logic Adds XenDesktop 5 Support In Zero Client Update
On Wednesday, Pano Logic added support for XenDesktop 5 on ESX in Pano System 4.5, the latest iteration of a desktop virtualization solution that includes Pano Manager (management software), Pano DAS (a Windows service that links peripherals to the zero client), and Pano Device, a 3.5-inch by 3.5-inch by 2-inch hardware endpoint.
Pano System already supports Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware vSphere/View, and adding XenDesktop 5 support reflects the heterogeneous nature of customers' virtualization investments, said Dana Loof, executive vice president of marketing at Pano Logic, based in Redwood City, Calif.
"Our larger customers typically have VMware and Xen environments, and that want to implement what they're most used to working with," Loof said in an interview. "It really underscores our approach to VDI, in that desktop virtualization must be completely interoperable at the endpoint."
Pano Logic's approach to desktop virtualization is to shift all processing power to the server, thereby simplifying endpoint management and improving interoperability between different virtualization platforms.
Pano Logic is advocating a complete change from traditional desktop virtualization solutions that have an endpoint with a protocol and infrastructure that goes along with it. This approach is no longer feasible in light of the interoperability requirements businesses are facing, Loof said.
Pano Logic is now positioning itself aggressively against competitors, something it hasn't done in the past. New York City-based research firm Sarrel Group recently tested Pano Logic System 4.5 against competing thin clients and Windows XP and Windows 7 PCs. Pano Logic had the lowest CPU utilization, memory consumption and disk operations during Microsoft Office benchmarking, Loof said.
Pano Logic also outpaced competitors in video performance and boot time, according to the Sarrel Group testing. "Guessing between a PC and zero client is getting pretty tough," said Loof.
Loof says Pano Logic is 100 percent channel focused with about 200 partners worldwide. The company has a formalized channel program for its EMEA partners and sells Pano System through distribution in 13 countries.
Pano System 4.5 hardware is priced at $389 per seat, which includes Pano Manager software and one year of service.