Lenovo has announced a new version of its Secure Managed Client (SMC) tool, designed to simplify administration by booting Windows PCs from centrally managed disk images. The update adds greater security and support for hardware such as multi-monitor displays.

Due in February 2010, SMC 2.0 utilises Lenovo's own ThinkCentre desktop PCs, and delivers operating system images directly from a centralised Lenovo Storage Array Appliance.

New features include Pristine Image Support, which enables the operating system image to be returned to its original state, removing anything added during a user session. As well as combating viruses and malware, this feature makes SMC suitable for task-based workers and environments such as kiosks, Lenovo said.

SMC 2.0 also offers an enhanced user experience through support for extra hardware such as multi-monitor display adapters, and delivers higher quality of service for VoIP applications for customers using the solution in call centres.

Other additions include redundancy through duplicate connection managers that allow uninterrupted access even if the original connection to the SMC Connection Manager is not available.

Administrators also have the flexibility to assign an image to a user or to a specific ThinkCentre client system, so that a user's environment can follow them around or the same PC will always boot with the same Windows image.

Lenovo explained that it created SMC in response to customer requests for alternative desktop computing solutions that are simpler to use and deploy.

"We have designed SMC 2.0 to reduce the cost and complexity of desktop virtualisation. And best of all, there is no discernible difference to the end user as they work directly from a familiar, full functioning ThinkCentre desktop PC," said Mark Lufkin, Lenovo's director of software and peripherals.

Lenovo also backs up SMC with professional services to help customers deploy solutions and migrate from an existing PC network.