Modern computing technology has evolved almost exponentially over the past decades, but IT leaders remain under pressure to deliver secure, cost-effective computing workspaces that scale with the needs of their organizations. Traditional PC client models, while familiar and tested, come with high support costs, constant attention to security patching, and a long list of security risks that must be monitored and addressed. In addition, the recent shift to remote work only adds to the challenge by extending services beyond the office environment and requiring end-users to partially support their own laptops or desktops.
For managed service providers (MSPs), delivering desktops at scale with these challenges only multiplies the complexity and, along with it, costs.
That’s why thin client OS operating systems continue to grow as a more innovative alternative for accessing virtual desktops. By shifting the computing workload to a cloud data center environment and accessing it through desktop virtualization (VDI), thin client OS endpoints become an attractive solution for simplifying client management, improving security, and reducing costs.
We at Inuvika, heard these challenges firsthand while talking to our OVD Enterprise customers. Recent merger activity has reduced the number of choices for thin client operating systems and increased prices. To help our customers and partners unlock the full potential of virtual desktops, we created ResoluteOS. ResoluteOS is a purpose-built thin client OS optimized for accessing virtual desktop environments delivered by OVD Enterprise.
What is a Thin Client OS?
A thin client operating system is a lightweight, purpose-built OS designed for endpoint devices that connect to a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment. Unlike traditional operating systems like Microsoft Windows, which require ongoing updates, antivirus software, and local application installs, a thin client OS is:
- Stripped down and focused. There are no unnecessary services or features, and they typically serve specific functions (in this case, accessing virtual desktops).
- Highly focused on Security. They are locked down to prevent end-user tampering (such as installing non-approved applications) and minimize potential attack points.
- Easy to manage. A thin client OS, such as ResoluteOS, is typically managed and updated centrally, and it features zero-touch provisioning. This reduces the need for conducting physical field support calls, freeing up valuable IT resources.
- Cost-effective. Organizations like Gartner have shown a 32% overall TCO benefit for thin client models over conventional PCs. They enable organizations to extend the lifespan of existing hardware or deploy lower-cost, lower-spec thin client devices, and, when combined with DaaS, create a new value proposition for creating virtualized workspaces that feel like conventional local desktops.
The Business Benefits of Thin Clients for Virtual Desktops
Niedrigere Gesamtbetriebskosten (TCO)
Replacing or upgrading hundreds of PCs every few years is a recurring cost that consumes IT budgets. With thin client OS solutions, organizations can repurpose older PC infrastructure that would otherwise be underpowered for modern versions of Windows, or deploy more affordable new thin clients (including Chromebook and Raspberry Pi devices), dramatically lowering hardware expenses.
For MSPs, this translates into an attractive service model. Customers see immediate savings, while providers reduce the need for costly on-site hardware refresh projects. Additionally, the cost savings free up precious IT budgets that can be allocated to other initiatives that benefit the customer.
Improved Security
Data breaches and compliance failures are among the top concerns for IT leaders, particularly those in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, where patient data confidentiality is a top priority.
ResoluteOS thin clients improve security by:
- Booting default in kiosk mode, a locked-down mode that prevents unauthorized applications from being installed or making modifications that may open up security vulnerabilities.
- No data is stored locally on the device, so sensitive information remains in the cloud data center, minimizing the threat of data theft.
- Allowing centralized updates and patches ensures every device is consistently protected with the latest updates.
This makes thin clients ideal for industries such as healthcare, finance, and government, where compliance frameworks like HIPAA and GDPR often apply.
Zentralisierte Verwaltung
Managing large deployments of PCs is a resource-intensive process that often consumes valuable IT support staff time.
The ResoluteOS thin client platform allows administrators to:
- Provision devices from a central location in minutes with zero-touch deployment capabilities that include automation to simplify the deployment process.
- Monitor the health of devices through a central management console that enables IT administrators to identify potential issues before they become problems.
- Push over-the-air (OTA) updates manually, or at scheduled times, minimizing disruptions and avoiding the need for in-person field visits to perform these tasks.
For IT staff and leaders, this means a leaner operation with faster response times. For MSPs, it means rolling out and supporting services to more customers without the need to grow their support headcount at the same rate.
Consistency and Productivity
A virtual desktop workspace is only as effective as the experience it delivers to end users. If services freeze midstream, involve long log-in and start-up times, or even suddenly disconnect (resulting in lost work), users won’t embrace the technology, and productivity will suffer.
Thin clients optimized for VDI provide a consistent and reliable desktop experience, regardless of the device’s age or type. In addition, ResoluteOS’s multi-monitor support, peripheral compatibility, and fast, reliable performance ensure users can stay productive whether they’re working in an office, a school lab, or remotely from home.
Why Inuvika Created ResoluteOS
While the thin client OS market has strong players, many are designed for broader use in various scenarios.
Inuvika built ResoluteOS to solve specific challenges that our customers face:
- Optimized for OVD Enterprise. ResoluteOS is purpose-built to deliver the best possible experience with Inuvika OVD Enterprise VDI. No extra agents or compatibility workarounds are required. This gives our customers the optimal user experience for VDI.
- Lower Costs. By repurposing existing hardware and simplifying endpoint management, ResoluteOS enables organizations and MSPs to reduce capital and operational expenses.
- Faster Deployment. With zero-touch provisioning and preconfigured OVD support, VDI environments can be rolled out in hours, not weeks.
- Secure by Design. Kiosk-mode lockdown, the use of modern encryption standards, and centralization of data within the data center, rather than on the local endpoint device, assist in security compliance and reduce the risk of data theft and other threats.
- Vereinfachte Verwaltung. Centralized monitoring and management using ResoluteOS’s web console gives IT teams visibility and control across every user endpoint device, saving valuable time and support resources.
The Value of OVD Enterprise and ResoluteOS
Combined, OVD Unternehmen and ResoluteOS represent a turnkey VDI solution that now includes endpoint client devices.
- End-users gain a secure, reliable workspace that boosts productivity.
- IT departments streamline endpoint management and reduce costs.
- MSPs can package a scalable, recurring revenue service with higher margins and lower support overhead.
The combination provides everything needed to modernize desktops, without the complexity and high costs of traditional VDI stacks. And all of this for less than half the cost or less of other solutions like Citrix und Omnissa Horizon.
Conclusion: A Smarter Path to Virtual Desktops
Thin client OS solutions are changing how organizations deliver and use virtual desktop environments. By lowering costs, simplifying management, and enhancing security, Inuvika empowers IT teams and MSPs to make the most of their IT investments.
ResoluteOS, takes these benefits a step further by offering a thin client OS purpose-built for OVD Enterprise. Whether you’re an enterprise IT leader or an MSP delivering managed desktops as a service, ResoluteOS unlocks a faster, more secure, and more cost-effective way to support the modern workforce.
Would you like to experience ResoluteOS in person? Contact us today to see how ResoluteOS and OVD Unternehmen can transform your desktop strategy.
Other Resources
ResoluteOS for Managed Service Providers