August 30th, 2007
Pano Logic Another Take on the Virtualized Desktop
Many IT executives remember a time in which everyone using the organization’s systems used a character cell or block mode terminal. Although these devices presented only limited number of graphical elements and text only, once they were deployed, little to nothing needed to be done to them throughout their lifetime. This could mean a decade of flawless, albeit boring, service. Fast forward to today and these same executives are on an endless merry-go-round of software upgrades forcing hardware upgrades forcing software upgrades and the like.
Many of these executives have been looking for ways to get off of the carousel and get back to business. Applications, however, have changed and staff needs the ability to work with highly-graphical, highly-interactive applications.
Enter Pano Logic
Pano Logic has introduced me to a new take on access virtualization. Pano Logic™ has launched an all hardware, no software desktop device, designed specifically for server-based desktop virtualization. The Pano™ device connects keyboard, mouse, display, audio and USB peripherals over an existing IP network to an instance of Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows XP running on a virtualized server.
The Pano device has no CPU, no memory, no operating system and no drivers. All of the software has been moved off the desktop and onto the server. The Pano device has no CPU, no memory, no operating system and no drivers. Using functionality enabled by virtual machine technology on the server, Pano delivers not only a complete Microsoft Windows experience, including full USB support, but also a new set of high-value features not available with desktop PC and thin client architectures.
Have I heard this before?
The challenge Pano Logic faces is that others are offering different technology to address the same issues. What the company is saying sounds just like them. Some, such as Clearcube, HP, Neoware and others, are offering a blade computer based physical or virtual solution. Others, such as Citrix, Endeavors Technology, Kidaro and a long list of others are offering software-based solutions.
The Pano Logic device appears very interesting and would certainly add value in the areas of financial services, health care and high-security environments. Will this device serve an organization’s needs better than solutions offered by many others? Decision-makers will have to evaluate Pano Logic for themselves.
Daniel Kusnetzky is a member of the senior management team of The 451 Group. He is responsible for research and publications on a broad array of technology topics. He examines emerging technology trends, vendor strategies, research and development issues, and end-user integration requirements. You can follow Dan on Twitter. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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| 08/31/07
