"Virtual clients" run Windows XP Embedded

["Gary Funck" <gary () intrepid com>]

[What does this have to do with security?  Concludes ....

"The I/Ports are useless to potential thieves since there is no data stored
in the I/Port."]

http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS4599072116.html

"Virtual clients" run Windows XP Embedded
Apr. 24, 2006

ClearCube is shipping a Windows XP Embedded-based "virtual client" that
offers secure remote access to a dedicated bladeserver running Windows XP.
The I/Port I8820 client has more inherent security than a laptop, and
provides the "full power" of a Pentium 4 from anywhere in the world,
according to the company. It targets medical and defense applications.

(Click for larger view of I/Port I8820)

In ClearCube's centralized computing model, each client enjoys exclusive
access, via Microsoft RDP (remote desktop protocol), to a single, designated
blade server. This differs from the traditional "thin client" model, in
which multiple clients share time on centralized servers. However, the
underlying technology -- RDP -- is borrowed from the thin client world, as
are the devices themselves.

ClearCube says its I/Port clients are custom-made by thin-client specialist
Neoware. Along with the Windows XP Embedded-based I8820 client, a
Linux-based I8020 client is available. Additionally, several stock Neoware
client devices, are available through ClearCube running I/Port client
software.

ClearCube also offers a "Grid Center" product that allows multiple I/Port
clients -- typically four -- to share a single blade, according to company
spokesperson Ken Knott. The company's primary business seems to be blade
servers and computing blades based on Pentium 4 processors.

Knott adds that many I/Port users deploy the devices on battery-powered
carts, which he says can provide more battery life than laptops. However,
the I8820 does not appear to offer wireless networking capabilities.

The I/Port I8820

The I/Port I8820 is based on an AMD Geode processor, clocked at 333MHz. It
has 512MB of Flash, and 256MB of RAM. Its video subsystem supports 24-bit
color, and resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200), at 85Hz.

I/O includes three USB 1.1 ports (two front, one rear), two PS/2 ports, one
serial port, audio I/O, VGA, and 10/100 Ethernet. Supported USB peripherals
include DiskOnKey, CD-ROM, floppy, and printers.

Rob Israel, of John C. Lincoln Hospital, stated, "The I/Ports are useless to
potential thieves since there is no data stored in the I/Port."

Availability

The I/Port I8820 is currently available, according to the company. Pricing
was not disclosed.

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