Pano Logic brings zero clients to Microsoft Hyper-V

The Pano Device for virtual desktops has no processor or operating system

Pano Logic has added support for Hyper-V into its zero client technology for virtual desktops, in a move that will enable it to target smaller customers that may be building virtual infrastructure based on Microsoft's server technology.

The Pano System is based on an appliance-like zero client device that serves as the user console for a virtual PC running in the datacentre. Until now, the software to extend the user interface to the zero client only supported VMware's virtual infrastructure.

Available from today, the new Pano System 3.5 adds support for Hyper-V in the Pano Direct Service that runs inside Windows virtual machines. The Pano Manager is also available in Microsoft's virtual machine image format and can communicate with Microsoft's System Centre Virtual Machine Manager (SC-VMM).

"It's still just one system whether you use VMware or Hyper-V. We’re just providing customers with the ability to choose the infrastructure they want to be using," said Dana Loof, vice president of marketing at Pano Logic.

The move is part of Pano Logic's strategy to bring its virtual desktop technology to a wider customer base, according to Loof.

It has so far targeted mid-size companies large enough to have invested in VMware virtual infrastructure, but smaller organisations are more likely to be choosing Hyper-V for virtualisation projects because this effectively comes free with Windows Server.

"It [Hyper-V] is ideal for smaller enterprises because of the low cost, and it is much simpler than trying to get into VMware," said Loof.

Pano Logic has already announced a partnership with Fujitsu through which the Zero Client platform is available to Fujitsu 's large enterprise customers worldwide.

The company also hinted that it intends to add support for Citrix's Xen hypervisor in Pano System in the near future. Although she would not be drawn on an exact timeframe, Loof said this was due "in the short-term horizon".

Also coming soon to the UK is Pano Logic's Pano Express product, which is a pre-configured bundle of servers, storage, software and Pano Devices to serve up to 50 users. This is designed to offer the lowest cost per seat for firms starting out with a virtual desktop desployment.

Pano System costs $319 (£200) per seat, which includes the Pano Device itself and all the required software, plus support and maintenance fees.