Ncomputing looks to broaden desktop virtualisation uptake with vSpace Server 7

Ncomputing has updated its vSpace server-based computing platform that adds better management tools, professional support services and enables users to connect from mobile endpoints.

Announced today with availability due before the end of this month, the updated platform includes vSpace Server 7 for Windows, a completely new vSpace Management Center console, and vSpace Premium Support and Services.

Ncomputing also said it is to support mobile devices as endpoints for the first time, with software clients available for Android devices and Apple iOS coming in the first quarter of 2013.

Ncomputing already offers vSpace Client software that allows customers to repurpose old PCs as endpoint access devices for a vSpace Server session.

The firm, which mainly targets the education and small business markets, said it is looking to broaden uptake of desktop virtualisation and establish itself as a leader in this field.

"We already have the vSpace software, our UXP [remote screen] protocol and our thin client devices, but where we are going is to open up access to traditional PCs and moving towards tablets and even Apple devices for user access," Ncomputing EMEA vice president Mark Pilgrim told V3.

"While we have been regarded as a thin client vendor more or less focused on education, we want to position ourselves to be seen as an innovation leader in the desktop virtualisation space overall," he added.

Ncomputing's platform follows the session virtualisation model, meaning that users connected to the same server will see the same operating system and set of applications, akin to the experience with Citrix XenApp or Microsoft Terminal Services.

This is different from virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), where each user has their own virtual machine, but enables higher user densities. Ncomputing claims it can support up to 100 users on a single server with relatively modest hardware specs.

With the vSpace Management Center, customers can now manage multiple vSpace servers from a single web-based console, even across multiple sites, Pilgrim said, while support has been added for smartcard authentication of users.

To support larger business deployments, Ncomputing is beefing up its technical support services, according to Pilgrim, including opportunities for trusted resellers to charge customers for local support.

The new model sees support expanded to Basic, Standard and Premium levels, with Basic offering a year's free support included in the price, covering up to 10 incidents.

Beyond this, Standard support offers unlimited support during business hours starting at 20 percent of the licence cost, while Premium support offers a 24x7 response for the most severe incidents, starting at 25 percent of licence costs.

The software is typically sold with Ncomputing's devices, with the price of a single L300 Ethernet Virtual Desktop Device including vSpace Server 7 Software, vSpace Management Centre and 12 months' Standard Support starting at £185, according to the firm.