VMworld 2016: A Look at VMware Blast Extreme Protocol in Thin and Zero Clients
Exploring an Industry Standard Approach to High Performance Video
Article Written by Jeff Kalberg, Technology Evangelist, IGEL North America
A recent survey of 300 media executives recently published
online [1] noted that 65% of agency professionals and 42% of marketers are planning to spend more on digital video advertising over the next year. Digital video is finally evolving past YouTube to more sophisticated presentations on social media platforms. This evolution is also occurring in vertical industries such as healthcare, architecture, science, research and law enforcement. Video is becoming a more essential tool in the day-to-day lives of workers, and the industry is looking to technology to deliver a much higher quality experience for the end user. The same holds true for high performance graphics; the end user increasingly expects a stellar experience.
This demand for higher levels of visual performance, combined with the significantly higher costs of a computer capable of processing graphically intensive content, is driving desktop and application virtualization. With this move back to the data center, organizations are embracing thin client computing; however, with an expectation that users will have the same quality video and graphics experience to match these advancements in virtualization. An important part of the solution has arrived in the form of VMware's Blast Extreme Protocol, a component of VMware Horizon 7, which is VMware's next generation remote display protocol that leverages industry-standard H.264 video compression and other technologies to provide end-user access to desktops and applications from a variety of endpoint devices.
VMware® Blast Extreme Protocol adoption of H.264 provides an ability to use both lossless and lossy codings to optimize compression so users have a higher quality video experience. Think of a sports medicine physician analyzing an athlete's condition; the higher performance video graphic is a critical component in providing the kind of information with which to make a diagnosis and recommendation.
Thin and zero client leaders such as IGEL Technology are integrating the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol, which is built on industry-standards and more flexible. This new approach provides a number of key advantages over today's Teradici-based PCoIP solutions, including a more robust user experience and support for a broader range of end-user devices. With the integration of the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol, IT organizations can now leverage the industry-leading IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) to define which protocols, including alternatives like Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Teradici PCoIP, will run on their entire network of thin clients, select thin client group, or on a specific thin client.
GreenPages Technology Solutions, an IT solution provider leveraging IGEL's thin and zero client solutions, is "excited to see IGEL integrate VMware Blast Extreme as it offers additional flexibility by supporting a smooth migration path from other industry standard protocols, while at the same time improving performance, efficiencies and cost savings for enterprise organizations," said Ron Dupler, CEO of GreenPages Technology Solutions.
Integrating VMware Blast Extreme Protocol into thin and zero client solutions is the logical next step as industries continue their migration to virtualization and more employees work in distributed offices. Take the case of that sports medicine physician. The doctor is working from a remote site, a situation that in the past would make it impossible to respond timely to a patient's need, is now able to connect to his or her desktop thanks to an optimized software-driven endpoint. As a result of IGEL's tight integration of VMware Blast Extreme Protocol in the endpoint, the doctor can remotely review higher quality patient images. Everyone benefits! The physician is able to provide full capability of service even though he or she may be distant, and the patient benefits from a faster diagnosis because of the access provided the doctor through advanced technology. And let's not forget IT! VMware Blast Extreme Protocol delivers a great experience while consuming less network bandwidth by adapting to challenging network conditions that would normally cause data loss, an attribute that neither IT nor an end user appreciate.
Look on any commercial website these days, or any consumer-oriented website, and it is evident that videos and intensive graphics are playing a larger role in the user experience. As more organizations move toward increased usage of video and high quality graphics where virtualization is the dominant infrastructure, it is imperative that we deliver solutions to improve the graphics performance at the endpoint. These organizations are looking for devices that deliver on virtualization performance, and also meet the requirements for simplified management. A software-driven approach, such as the one employed by IGEL Technology, provides the secure technology companies need while providing the highest quality experience.
IGEL Technology will display its IGEL OSTM powered thin and zero client solutions featuring the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol in Booth #549 at VMworld 2016, taking place August 28 through September 1 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information contact sales@igel.com or visit www.igel.com.
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About the Author
Jeff Kalberg is a Technology Evangelist at IGEL Technology with over 30 years of industry experience covering more technology than he cares to remember. As an IT consultant for most of his career, Jeff has advised organizations of all sizes on a variety of technologies. Over the years, he has counseled some of the world's largest and most respected companies. Working within all levels of an organization from marketing and sales to operations and finance to information technology, Jeff has developed a unique perspective that he leverages to the benefit of his client customers today. Jeff holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
[1] Advertiser Perceptions study on behalf of Trusted Media brands