Igel Technology announced certification for VMware Virtual Desktop Manager, VMware's next-generation connection broker, on IGEL's Microsoft Windows XP Embedded range of Universal Desktops. The software is available as a partial update for IGEL's Windows XP Embedded models, and allows customers deploying VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to deliver an enhanced user experience. With over 120,000 customers worldwide, VMware VDI extends VMware's virtualization platform by allowing users to streamline and simplify desktop management, reduce operational costs and provide end users with a familiar user experience.

VMware Virtual Desktop Manager, a key component of VMware VDI, is a desktop management server that connects users to virtual desktops in the data center. With VMware Virtual Desktop Manager, end users can securely access their personalized virtual desktops from anywhere and anytime using multiple devices such as PCs or thin clients. The product's easy-to-use interface lets administrators manage thousands of desktops at once, and reduces the time it takes to provision a new desktop from hours to minutes.

IGEL Windows XP Embedded based Universal Desktops add additional benefits to VMware VDI hosted PCs. They contain many digital services above the standard Microsoft RDP, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. For example, most models come with built-in Java Runtime Environments, terminal emulation and PDF readers, allowing users to deliver certain server-based applications outside the virtual connection. This helps organizations reduce server load and enhance the desktop experience. In addition, all models come with a ThinPrint client, allowing organizations to implement sophisticated print management in VMware VDI environments as well as IGEL's Multiscreen Agent, a free-of-charge server-side software application, designed for multi monitor environments, that allows users to maximize applications to dedicated screens even with a spanned VMware virtual desktop.

Both the set-up and management of IGEL thin clients in a virtualized environment is fast and efficient. With simple point-and-click connections to VMware Virtual Desktop Manager, IGEL thin clients can be up and running in seconds and terminals can be setup automatically when they first connect to a network. The IGEL Remote Management Suite also simplifies end user support by giving users the ability to shadow any virtual session. Enhanced security options allow for disabling specific USB devices in any supported IGEL Windows XP Embedded device. With a simple mouse click, administrators can drastically reduce the risk of data theft from their network.

"Customer adoption of VMware VDI solutions is growing worldwide as companies seek to increase control over data and computing resources while reducing costs and streamlining IT management," said Jeff Jennings, vice president of desktop products and solutions at VMware. "With the certification of IGEL thin clients, customers now have more options for accessing their VMware VDI solution, providing even greater levels of confidence, operational efficiency, flexibility and security."

"The introduction of support for VMware VDI and Virtual Desktop Manager is another example of IGEL Technology's commitment to providing VMware customers with the choice and flexibility to meet their business needs," said Stephen Yeo, worldwide strategic marketing director for IGEL Technology. "Using VMware VDI and Virtual Desktop Manager, our thin clients can now offer an even more PC-like experience with multi-media running more smoothly and USB peripherals, such as smart phones, being connected hassle-free."

VMware Virtual Desktop Manager includes expanded support for global organizations, including localized versions now available in German and Japanese. Available immediately to IGEL customers who have chosen Windows XP Embedded thin clients, installation of the new features is free and made easy using IGEL's partial update facility at www.IGEL.com.