HP extends thin client offerings

HP is touting security as the main selling point for its enterprise thin clients

HP has expanded its enterprise thin client offerings with the rollout of three new models.

Leading the charge will be the new 4410t mobile system. The $549 client system will run Windows Embedded with management support for Windows Server 2008.

Thin clients, which run on basic hardware and rely on a central server for most storage and computing tasks, have seen a rise in popularity recently as more companies opt for virtualised server systems to cut hardware and power costs.

Because they rely on a single virtualised server, client systems can also improve network security and data protection.

HP is touting security as the main selling point for the 4410t. Among the data protection features on the system are support for File Based Write Filter and Enhanced Write Filter protections, as well as secured wireless connectivity and a Privacy Filter screen to prevent onlookers from eavesdropping on users. The new system is set to be released in July.

"We’re offering businesses a highly secure, manageable and easy-to-deploy virtualisation solution that combines HP’s industry-leading thin client and notebook technologies," said Carol Hess-Nickels, HP's director of worldwide business notebook marketing.

HP also updated its desktop client systems. The t5540 and t5545 desktop offerings have been updated with new management tools which allow administrators to more easily manage and deploy user profiles and settings to the system.

Buyers will have the choice of HP's ThinPro Linux operating system for the t5540 or Windows CE on the t5545.