HP Drives Desktop Virtualization with Expanded Portfolio, Key Industry Alliances

Business Wire, May 19, 2008

Extended Support for Citrix and VMware Strengthens Industry's Most Comprehensive Client Virtualization Lineup

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced new mobile thin client hardware, extended software offerings and deeper industry alliances that strengthen the industry's broadest portfolio of virtual business technology solutions.

The new HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client combines the best of HP's industry-leading thin client and business notebook technologies to enhance data security and improve both ease of use and reliability. These professional innovations provide customers peace of mind to focus on business, while the company's plans to expand its Remote Graphics Software technology will provide one of the richest media experiences available among client virtualization solutions.

In addition, HP announced its full portfolio of Citrix-Ready thin clients and blade client products is now available with Citrix XenDesktop[TM], as well as being certified by VMware Inc. for compatibility with its VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.

"Today's news is the latest example of HP's building momentum in the client virtualization market," said Roberto Moctezuma, vice president and general manager, Desktop Solutions Organization, HP. "We're offering businesses a one-stop shop to meet their virtualization needs with the most comprehensive portfolio of virtual client solutions, ease of management and the highest levels of IT security."

HP's broad remote client solutions portfolio of desktop virtualization offerings includes its industry-leading Thin Client lineup, Blade PCs and workstations, HP Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), HP streaming clients with HP Image Manager, remote deployment, management software, and services. HP Remote Client Solutions help business customers dramatically reduce security risks and management and support costs by centralizing computing hardware and sensitive data within the data center.

"IDC is witnessing an early ramp of desktop virtualization adoption, which we expect will accelerate over the next 12-18 months," said Michael Rose, industry analyst, IDC. "As companies consider adopting the technology, they will need to ensure a reliable and optimal user experience over the entire network. HP addresses these needs through a combination of its own IP and strategic partnerships, which combine hardware and software with industry credibility that will attract businesses looking for assurance before investing in this technology."

No-compromise mobility, from virtually anywhere

As the world's No. 1 thin client and notebook manufacturer, HP has designed the HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client with an array of hardware and software that provide the mobility of a notebook and the enhanced security, improved ease of use and reliability delivered by thin clients.

As security is a continuous customer challenge, the HP 2533t provides enhanced access to virtual computing solutions, such as blade PCs or a virtual desktop infrastructure, and increased protection of corporate data and software applications by storing files on a secure, centralized server. No data resides on the actual mobile thin client, so companies are assured that data is not compromised in the event the client is lost or stolen.

To remedy the reliability risk of that comes with true mobility, the HP 2533t is similar to traditional desk-based thin clients in that it is a solid-state system with flash memory and no moving parts. This provides faster data access and cooler operation for overall improved reliability and product lifespan.

Inspired by the durability, precision and lightness of aircraft construction, the new mobile thin client also features the HP DuraCase design for higher reliability, lower ownership costs and extended product life. The HP DuraCase is an incredibly strong outer casing that protects the top and bottom of the product for use in rigorous mobile user environments.

A magnesium/aluminum display enclosure uses an inner magnesium shell bonded for a more solid construction and enhanced display impact-protection. In addition, HP DuraKeys and HP DuraFinish both help keep the thin client looking new, longer.

The HP 2533t weighs only three pounds and features a 12.1-inch diagonal widescreen LED display, adding a smaller and lighter option to the portfolio's previously introduced 15.4-inch HP 6720t Mobile Thin Client. Integrated Wi-Fi certified WLAN provides access to the Internet, email and instant messaging while at work, home or any favorite hotspot,(1)along with support for 3G broadband wireless(2) via PC memory card slot for the ultimate secure, mobile computing(3) experience. The HP 2533t also offers three flexible battery configurations for lightest weight or all-day computing and a convenient docking system.

The new mobile thin client simplifies IT operations by allowing administrators to manage multiple client types simultaneously from a remote location with features such as HP ThinState Tools to configure software and Altiris Deployment Solution to easily distribute applications over the network with little or no interruption to users.