If you're looking at using VMware View, I'd actually recommend the EVGA PD02 Zero Client instead of the Dell FX100 – they're all based on the same Teradici reference platform and as long as you have 128mb of RAM in your zero client (to enable USB2 support with View 5) there's no reason to spend up for a Dell branded unit. The firmware is the same between all the units and so is the system board.
Aside from that, View has been working great for us. The ability to have iPad clients is a huge benefit for users and the zero client speed is very good. Gigabit ethernet is a must. You'll also want to do View Composer for the most benefit – that will let you create a base image and then have View provision out machines as your users log in. Repairing a broken machine is as simple as telling it to "Refresh" from the web console. Updating to a new image is done through a "Recompose" process and works the same way. With a ThinApp license you get even more power as you can have View deploy ThinApp packages automatically as part of the provision/login process—so one OU or security group could get Adobe software, another could get access to a scanning package, etc. We don't have ThinApp yet but the quick trials I've been able to run with it look very promising.
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Jack Kramer
Manager of Information Technology
University Relations, Michigan State University
w: 517-884-1231 / c: 248-635-4955
Hey. I'm going to be working on upgrading all of my server hardware so that they can be colo'd in ATS. That leaves me with two VERY capable servers, and I'm looking at the possibility of virtualizing some workstations. I don't have many to virtualize. Only 10 right now, with the possibility of adding more later on.
Has anyone had any experience with the Dell FX100 Remote Access units? I'm curious as to the actual behind-the-scenes workings of them, and if they work well for others.
Thanks for any info or input anyone can give me.
-dak
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- dak aldrich
- info tech
- college of music, msu
- 517.432.5045
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