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Pano System for the Cloud - does it pass the reasonable person test?

Is Pano System for the Cloud another example of virtual access to remote computing resources? Does it really offer more than merely using a Web Browser on a Tablet, Netbook or low cost PC? Pano Logic would say yes.
Written by Dan Kusnetzky, Contributor

I've spoken with the folks over at Pano Logic on many occasions. In the past, the company has presented an interesting approach to thin-client computing that can access virtual clients or virtual server-based workloads. This time, the company is reaching for the cloud. My key concern is whether this passes the reasonable person test, that is "What does this do for me?"

Snapshot analysis

As I read through Pano's announcement materials, my first impression was that this was just another example of virtual access to remote computing resources. Since many workloads are now being offered as Web-based services, how is this approach better than using a Web Browser on a Tablet, Netbook or low cost PC?

After giving the matter further consideration, it appears to me that this is an attempt to keep current Pano customers from jumping ship to use tablets or other access point devices to access on-premise, off-premise or hybrid cloud-based services.

A reasonable person would ask "What does this approach offer that I can't get other ways?" Citrix, Microsoft, VMware and a host of others would point out that a device's Browser combined with their virtual access software would do the trick as well. After a closer look at Pano Logic's announcement, the answer for Pano would appear to be adding the requirement to use Google's Chrome Browser and Pano's software for virtual access, security and management. Oh yes, and helping current Zero Client customers to not feel lost in the shuffle.

Should your organization be interested? The answer is yes if your organization is a current Pano Customer. The answer is maybe for just about everyone else. If this approach offers levels of management, security and performance that address the organization's requirements, it would be good to consider what Pano Logic has to say. Otherwise, it may not be worth the trouble to add Pano's software to the stack.

Let's look at what Pano has to say about Pano System for the Cloud

Pano Logic, the leader in zero client desktop virtualization (VDI), today announced Pano System for Cloud, the lowest cost desktop computing platform for organizations moving to web-based applications. Pano System for Cloud eliminates the need for a local operating system and central processing unit and delivers web-based computing, using Google’s Chrome browser as the interface.

Pano System for Cloud is the most cost-effective computing platform available for many businesses, schools, governments and other organizations seeking an alternative to PC-based or thin client models that rely on costly end user software and hardware. The platform centralizes all computing activities in the cloud; end users see a familiar browser interface and use software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions or web-based applications to do their work. Other web-based computing solutions still require endpoint processing, increasing the overall cost by 50 percent over the new Pano System for Cloud, which utilizes a new low cost Pano Zero Client, the G2M, introduced at $149. The new platform also strips away costly infrastructure layers including software licensing, expensive SAN or NAS hardware and ongoing operational expenses.

Web-based Computing Migration

There has been an explosion of enterprise software providers extending their solutions onto cloud platforms, offering them as SaaS to meet growing demands. These demands are driven by companies seeking to slash operating expenses and utilize more cost-effective alternatives to building and maintaining their infrastructure. This comes as organizations are developing a growing comfort level with a cloud infrastructure, be it private or public.

Migrating from a PC-based environment to Pano System for Cloud brings the following benefits:

  • Simplified IT Management – The new platform provides IT managers with centralized desktop controls without the required software and operating systems to manage.
  • Cost-effective Computing – Pano System for Cloud can cost as little as $5 per user based on one $999 perpetual server license supporting 200 users, plus any Pano powered zero client such as the award-winning zero client cube, a repurposed PC or thin client using Pano Virtual Client Software, or the Fujitsu zero client monitor.
  • Enhanced Security – Pano System for Cloud eliminates two significant security liabilities, the endpoint device operating system, often the target of malicious code, and the endpoint device storage, where nefarious applications can hide or proprietary information may be kept and lost if the device were stolen. Pano System for Cloud further leverages Google’s Chrome browser, rated in studies as the most secure.

Extending VDI Technology

Pano System for Cloud is an extension of the core technology in Pano System for VDI. Pano’s VDI platform is a complete end-to-end, hardware-and-software virtual desktop solution that independently interoperates with all three leading hypervisors (vSphere, XenServer, Hyper-V) and their management systems (VMware View, XenDesktop, Microsoft SCVMM).

Pano Logic’s endpoint device, the Pano Zero Client, represents the only true zero client desktop virtualization solution on the market. It is a solid-state device that has no processor, no storage, no memory and no operating system. The Pano Zero Client completely eliminates endpoint support and maintenance, fully enabling the benefits of centralized management of a Windows desktop environment and eliminates endpoint dependence in a cloud environment. The small form factor consumes 97 percent less power than PCs, 50 percent less power than thin clients or other so-called zero clients, and do not store data locally, fully eliminating endpoint security liabilities.

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