HP Named Global Leader in Thin Client Market Share, Introduces First HP Mobile Thin Client

HP today introduced three thin client products, including the company’s first mobile offering, that address business needs for a more simple, secure and easily managed computing infrastructure.

According to IDC, HP (including Neoware) led the industry in thin client unit shipments with more than 34 percent market share worldwide in the third quarter of 2007.(1)

Three months after closing its acquisition of Neoware, HP has added to the industry‘s broadest portfolio of thin clients two powerful and flexible desk-based models as well as the first HP-branded mobile thin client – all of which combine notebook and thin client expertise from both HP and Neoware.

Thin clients are at the heart of HP’s remote client portfolio of desktop virtualization solutions, which also include the blade PC-based HP Consolidated Client Infrastructure platform, HP Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), blade workstations, remote deployment and management software and services.

“Customers have acknowledged our commitment to providing the most trusted and reliable business computing solutions by making HP the worldwide leader in the thin client market,” Klaus Besier, vice president, Thin Client Solutions, Personal Systems Group, HP. “HP recognizes thin clients play an integral role in driving next-generation business computing platforms, and we will continue innovating across our remote computing solutions portfolio to help customers achieve their business goals.”

Desktop and mobile thin clients are solid-state devices that connect over a network to a centralized server where all processing and storage takes place, providing reduced maintenance costs, minimal application updates, as well as higher levels of security and energy efficiency. In fact, thin clients can be up to 80 percent more power efficient than traditional desktop PCs with similar capabilities.(2)

Mobility for today’s business environment

Designed for mobile workers who have a well-defined set of tasks requiring a wide range of general-purpose software or unique business applications, the HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client is ideal for on-the-go professionals such as insurance claim processors, remote staff, warehouse and inventory managers and office administrators.

It is based on Microsoft Windows® XPe and features a 15.4-inch display; solid-state design with no hard drive, fan or other moving parts; enhanced security with no data residing on the notebook; Wi-Fi Certified WLAN along with support for 3G broadband wireless via PC memory card slot; and solid-state flash module for greater durability, faster data access and more quiet and cool operation.

The 6720t also helps increase security by accessing software applications hosted on a server, virtual PC or blade PC computing platform over a secure virtual private network Internet connection. Data files and software applications also are saved remotely on a secure server to help reduce the risk of data loss, viruses and product theft.

Client management is simplified, as IT administrators are able to remotely install, manage, update and execute application software simultaneously across an entire fleet of clients that are pushed to the mobile thin clients as soon as they are connected to the network.

“Together, HP and VMware deliver a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that leverage VMware’s industry-leading virtualization solutions for simplifying and reducing costs in the data center,” said Brian Byun, vice president, global partners and solutions, VMware. “HP’s latest thin client offerings provide a compelling addition to the joint HP and VMware VDI solutions for our customers who look to secure their environments, reduce computing-related energy and management costs, and improve productivity.”

Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use desktop thin clients

HP also added two high-performance, desk-based products to its portfolio with the new HP Compaq t5730 and t5735 thin clients. The HP Compaq t5730 is based on Microsoft Windows XPe and select models include integrated WLAN. Based on Debian Linux, the HP Compaq t5735 supports a variety of open source applications.

Both solutions include an unprecedented combination of desktop-like features, high-end graphics, the HP Secure USB Compartment and HP Quick Release support for business environments requiring a combination of simplicity, flexibility, power and enhanced security.

“In today’s world, the demand for reliable infrastructure becomes more prevalent and increasingly important to ensure solutions offer the best user experience,” said Gordon Payne, senior vice president and general manager, Delivery Systems Division, Citrix Systems Inc. “Our strong relationship with HP and its extensive client product portfolio enable seamless interoperability with Citrix application delivery infrastructure. These new HP devices can be used as desktop appliances with Citrix’s desktop virtualization solution, Citrix XenDesktop, providing unmatched performance required for the most demanding business environments.”

In addition to centralized data storage for greater protection of business information and data integrity, the two new thin clients provide controlled user access and support two-factor user authentication.

Every HP thin client also includes a full license of Altiris Deployment Solution and a free download of HP Client Automation Software to provide customers with their choice of an enterprise-level management solution for large deployments.

For customers who need an easy-to-use deployment tool with basic capabilities, exclusive HP ThinState Tools are included with every HP thin client. With this tool, the t5730, for example, can easily deploy images to other thin clients in the network with no need to buy, install or learn any external deployment solution.

Pricing and availability

HP thin clients are available from local and online resellers or direct from HP in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client is expected to be available in North America and Asia Pacific-Japan later this month at a starting U.S. list price of $725, while the HP Compaq t5730 and t5735 Thin Clients are available in North America and Asia Pacific today at a starting U.S. list price of $499 and $450, respectively.(3) All systems are expected to be available soon in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

More information about HP’s thin client offerings is available at www.hp.com/go/thinclient.