Linux and Thin Clients – Another Alternative
Linux, the operating system created as a hobby by Linus Tovalds in 1994, has now reached the point where it has entered mainstream computing. The cost, scalability and performance of Linux have made it a solid alternative to Unix and Microsoft operating systems. The partnering of Linux with thin clients has been a natural progression, and today Linux makes up 20 percent of the worldwide thin client marketplace. Wyse Technology Inc., a leading thin client manufacturer, reports that shipments of Linux-based thin client devices grew by 43 percent in fourth quarter 2003 over the same period a year earlier. Other manufacturers have also noticed an increased demand for their Linux-based thin clients.
Why is Linux becoming so popular?
Linux's open source code is primarily responsible for its surge in popularity,
particularly for thin client implementation in educational institutions. Its
functionality, adaptability and robustness, make it a less expensive alternative
to proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. The Linux operating system,
like the Microsoft operating system, can also be incorporated directly into
microchips in a process called "embedding". This is a popular way
to incorporate the operating system into thin client devices.
Who is using Linux and Thin Clients?
Businesses and organizations which have a large number of task-based workers
are ideal candidates for both thin clients and Linux. Point of sale and call
centers often have large numbers of users in various locations with identical
needs. The customized mobile desktop allows workers to log in from any desktop
in a company, and have access to all the tools that they usually need to perform
their job. Educational institutions also find that both Linux and thin clients
make sense for their particular computing needs. In schools, computer users
share workstations among as many as 7 or 8 users per day. Linux has robust user
management systems that can be used to create individual virtual desktops for
students or create sessions that rebuild themselves automatically as classrooms
turn over groups of students. Branch organizations with many smaller offices
in many different locations, can benefit from both thin clients and Linux. A
standard server and user application configuration makes it easy to install
and maintain a “plug and play” configuration. Linux can be replicated
across hundreds of smaller servers, without the high cost of licensing.
Reduced IT Resources
The administration of a thin client network using Linux is just as easy and
efficient as with other operating systems. Linux includes a number of built
in tools which can let a remote administrator easily access and troubleshoot
a desktop.
Thin Clients and Linux – A Natural Fit
Thin client computing continues to be the solution of choice, for businesses
and organizations using a centralized server computing network. Many Vecmar
customers are switching to thin clients as a means of achieving both improved
security and increased productivity. Greater security, reduced IT costs and
resources are just a few more reasons to consider Thin Clients as a solution
for your business needs. Linux is solid operating system to consider, particularly
if cost of licensing is an important issue in your organization.
Vecmar has some new Linux-based thin clients in our product line, including the Wyse Winterm 5150SE and the Wyse Winterm S50. Contact us at 1-800-457-8499 or email us for assistance with selecting the Linux-based thin clients that will work for your particular computing needs.
High Performance that goes the distance
The OKI MICROLINE® 320 Turbo is the perfect printing solution for long run forms printing, even up to 6-part invoices! If you are looking for a printer that helps to increase productivity, look no further. The 9-pin OKI 320 Turbo is engineered for dedicated printing in the most demanding point-of-sale, automation and utility applications. The 320 Turbo can easily run twice as long as most printers in its class! It can simplify any job on virtually any stock, and it's economical enough to put wherever you need data on the spot. Many Vecmar customers like you have found the OKI 320 Turbo to be the perfect workhorse in financial departments, wholesale or retail sales counters, even for warehouse or manufacturing environments.
Unmatched paper-handling capability
Specifically designed to offer enhanced paper-handling capabilities, the ML320
Turbo can be set with an expanded gap between printhead and platen, accommodating
multi-part forms and stock that are up to twice as thick as those that fit our
nearest competitor. A bottom feed feature* keeps the paper path short and straight
when running stiff card stock or labels. A lightweight samarium cobalt magnet
inside the printhead as well as lightweight and powerful spring-activated pins
give the ML320 Turbo the extra edge — right to the last page of a 6-part
form! For precisely formed output, a patented optical sensor accurately positions
the printhead on the page, first time and every time. And the auto-tear feature
accurately positions continuous forms for a clean tear at the perforation —
eliminating wasted forms. This reliable, flexible 9-pin dot matrix printer can
meet your needs today and in the future, because it's the perfect replacement
for the ML320/321. It's exactly the same size, built to stand up to harsh factory
conditions, - and is compatible with virtually all custom and "off-the-shelf"
software.
Contact us at 1-800-457-8499 or email us for assistance with selecting the
Okidata 320 Turbo printer or any model in our entire line of Okidata products.
* Requires optional push tractor
Now available at Vecmar - the new Wyse Winterm S50 Linux-based thin client
The new Wyse Winterm S50 is the smallest, most advanced Linux-based thin client on the market. Complete with the latest Wyse Linux V6 operating system based on Linux Kernel 2.6, the S50 is customizable to specific needs across a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, Unix/Linux, IBM, X-Windows and Java. It displays Windows applications running on Citrix MetaFrame and Microsoft Terminal Services installations and text terminal emulations for access to line-of-business applications.
Next Generation Design
The Winterm S50 also includes integrated Java-capable Firefox browser for direct
access to HTML applications. The graphical user interface is a blend of the
Windows CE and XP look and feel that is familiar and transparent to users. Its
stateless “plug and play” configuration makes it simple to install
and set up.The S50 features the new silver and sleek modular design –
it is as small as a paperback novel - and it fits attractively on a desk, unobtrusively
under a desk, or can be easily mounted on a wall. It comes equipped with a host
of fast USB and legacy I/O ports.
Secure and Easy to Manage
The Wyse Winterm S50 comes bundled with WyseTM Rapport® (Workgroup edition)
the management tool that maximizes return on your investment. The Winterm S50
offers a secure read-only file system that provides the highest protection against
software corruption and virus attacks. The file system is compressed to maximize
space for additional software applications.
And of course the new Wyse Winterm S50 comes with the same hassle-free three year warranty that you have come to expect from Wyse and Vecmar. Vecmar is an authorized Wyse Winterm reseller and Service Center.
Call your Vecmar Sales Representative at 800-457-8499 for more information about the Wyse Winterm S50 or email us to discuss your particular needs.
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Specials
Wyse Winterm 1200LE Thin Client. Now Only $195 (does not include monitor). Buy
Now!
Okidata 320 Turbo Printer. Top Quality Remanufactured. Only $225. Buy Now!
Brand New from Wyse - S50 Linux-based terminal. Only $369 Buy Now!
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