Fujitsu taps Pano Logic for virtual desktops

Pano Logic's endpoint contains no processor or software

Fujitsu is using Pano Logic's zero client technology in a new virtual desktop offering aimed at large enterprise customers. The system is designed to completely centralise computing resources while providing access through an appliance-like endpoint.

The move is further evidence that corporate interest is growing in virtual desktop infrastructure, in which users are provided with a virtual machine centralised in a datacentre rather than having their own physical PC.

Available in Europe from April and set to be showcased at the CeBIT technology show in Hannover this week, the Fujitsu Zero Client computing platform embeds the endpoint hardware inside an LCD monitor and uses Pano Logic's management tools and software to tie the whole system together.

Fujitsu already offers a full line-up of desktop products including thin clients, but wanted a purpose-built device able to deliver appliance-like simplicity in virtual desktop deployments, according to Pano Logic chief executive John Kish.

"There is nothing in the product that [an end user] can break, so our device is seen as the ultimate appliance for the desktop, just like a monitor," he said.

Pano Logic published details of its endpoint hardware last month, revealing that the device has no processor or memory, just some custom logic to display desktop updates sent over the network from a remote computer, and so needs no software updates or patches.

The Fujitsu Zero Client integrates this silicon inside a monitor instead of a separate box, as with Pano Logic's own endpoint device.

Fujitsu is also reselling the Pano Manager for administrators to manage virtual desktop deployments, and the Pano DAS, a small piece of software that runs on each desktop instance and links to the zero client endpoint.

Rajat Kakar, vice president of the clients group at Fujitsu Technology Solutions, explained that using Pano Logic's technology allows the firm to provide a product that delivers dramatic savings in rollout, support and management costs.

"Our customers are seeking next-generation technologies that provide access to computing over internal, private clouds and ultimately over public clouds. Together with Pano Logic, we have built a solution to address these changing needs," he said.

Kish added that the move was a good one for his firm, as it means that the zero client technology could now gain a foothold inside large organisations.

"Fujitsu is focused on the enterprise market, and is going to offer this as part of a bundle with servers and storage. We market chiefly to smaller businesses, so we won't run into any conflict with them," he said.

Fujitsu is the first enterprise supplier to integrate Pano Logic's technology into its desktop portfolio, but Kish hinted that further announcements are likely in the future.

"We're not able to talk about other partnerships now, but over the coming months you can expect to hear more," he said.

Fujitsu landed a contract last month to manage desktop computing infrastructure for the UK's Department for Work and Pensions, covering approximately 140,000 seats.