Industrie Thin Client

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Discover the industrial thin client from FORSIS

The industrial thin client solutions from FORSIS, together with the German market leader IGEL and its UDC3/OS11 firmware, offer an extensive range of local protocols, tools and software clients.

The industrial thin client solutions with the IGEL operating system become end devices that can be used universally and can be remotely administered uniformly, which enable access to different IT infrastructures, including Citrix XenApp / XenDesktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS), IBM Mainframe, VMware View and other software solutions, make possible. A local web browser also serves as an interface to cloud services.

With thin clients from IGEL, all settings can be made via the IGEL UMS. Thin client management is group-based using profiles. Common settings can be easily predefined and assigned to individual FORSIS terminals or entire device groups with just a few clicks. If necessary, automated firmware updates can be distributed over the network in a time-controlled manner so that they ideally take place during non-production times.

With the use of FORSIS industrial thin client solutions, you need less time for IT, which in turn means that you have more time to expand your business.

A thin client is a computer or program that performs its tasks with the help of a server. Thin clients are often also referred to as cloud clients, zero clients or universal desktops. The opposite of a thin client is a fat or full client that can perform tasks itself using its hardware and software. Compared to thin clients, however, these are usually more expensive and complex because they use too much computing power or energy to solve the tasks set.

Basically, the same requirements are placed on a thin client for industrial applications as on an industrial PC. This means that the industrial thin client must be able to adapt to its environmental conditions, such as temperature, vibration, protection, etc. However, less computing power is required, because the industrial thin client only represents the user interface - the data is processed by the server. The inputs are processed on the server or virtualized desktop and the output is sent back to the industrial thin client, which only has to display it.

Are there any restrictions? This question can be answered with a clear conscience with no. Users of industrial thin clients no longer have to accept any restrictions. Especially in the area of graphics and speed, a lot has been improved. Only in the area of multi-touch support is there clearly a need to catch up.

It should also be noted that not all software manufacturers plan to run their programs on remote servers - here customers must observe the relevant license terms or plan additional fees for the desired usage scenario. After all, industrial thin clients usually require a permanent network connection to the server.

Industrial Thin Clients from FORSIS are available in different versions. The boundaries between a slimmed-down computer and a full-fledged PC are fluid. In addition to stationary industrial PCs, mobile systems for use on mobile workstations or industrial trucks are also offered.

While mobile thin clients are already approaching regular PCs in terms of computing power and storage capacity, systems known as "zero clients" take the idea of the thin client even further. Instead of a complete operating system, only rudimentary firmware works on these systems, which is specifically tailored to the server platform of a provider.

The big advantage of an industrial thin client is its "simple" operation. Only the software that is required for access to centrally provided apps runs on the systems. The individual systems can be installed or changed accordingly comfortably. Meanwhile, users have access to an identical application environment at every workstation. Industrial thin clients do without error-prone moving parts such as fans, HD, and so on, and are therefore less prone to failure. Likewise, only limited computing power is required at the local feedback stations in the production environment, the systems consume less energy than fully equipped industrial PCs and achieve a longer service life. The FORSIS Industry Thin Clients also make use of these advantages. Here are the advantages at a glance:

  • Security: No risk of viruses (read-only memory) or theft of the industrial PC, as there is no local file storage
  • Simple operation, since only the software needed to access centrally operated applications is running
  • Very simple management through central or decentralized control systems
  • Greatly reduced administrative effort
  • Relief of the IT department through uniform remote management. IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) is included in delivery
  • Quick activation and deactivation of applications for the end user leads to a service advantage
  • Opportunity for the user to always have the same access to his personal user interface, configuration, directories and installed programs, regardless of which thin client workstation he is currently at
  • Fast roll-out through profile-based preconfiguration and automatic configuration when first switched on

Industrial PCs that are used as thin clients have a longer service life due to the low CPU load.

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Industry Thin Client - Industry Branch

Industrie Thin Client Min Logo

As the name suggests, the industrial thin clients come from exactly this environment. The entire device design is designed for use under these conditions. You will therefore find all important information on this on the subpages of the respective series.

IMPORTANT! All FORSIS industrial PCs can be used as IGEL OS11 industrial thin clients.

Industrial Thin Client - food and pharmaceutical branch

Industrie Thin Client Min Food

All stainless steel computers of the different EXPERT series are also offered as industrial thin clients. Follow each link for details on the technique.

  • EXPERT SBC
    Stainless steel computer with interfaces on the back - available as a single or multi-touch variant
  • EXPERT SE
    Stainless steel terminal with interfaces on the bottom
  • EXPERT BS
    Stainless steel computer equipped with special Binder connector

Industry Thin Client - Logistics sector

Industrie Thin Client

Easy service thanks to joint technology
The computer unit of the industrial terminal is mechanically connected to the display unit by joints. This enables simple and easy servicing, even when the device is installed.

The attachment points of the joints are outside the sealing area. The loosening of four screws is sufficient and the service can start if necessary.

Stephan Brenner Vertrieb

"Wir beantworten gerne Ihre Fragen."

+49 (0) 751 76 414 0

IGEL Technology GmbH (Intelligent Goverall solution in microelelectronics) is a German manufacturer of computer hardware and software that develops and produces thin and zero clients. In this area, IGEL is the market leader in Germany.

The IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC3) or OS11 is a Linux-based operating system that has been optimized for thin client applications. The UDC3 is also referred to as firmware and replaces the existing operating system.

Any computer with IGEL OS can be managed without restrictions using the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS). Devices converted with UDC3 / OS11 are managed together with IGEL thin clients with the same configuration profiles.

Of course, this applies to all of our products without exception. All FORSIS industrial PCs can be converted to industrial thin clients using the IGEL tools.

The operating system of the target system is replaced by installing the UDC3/OS11. For security reasons, the UDC3/OS11 is not installed together with the old operating system, nor can it be installed in a dual-boot configuration. However, if the operating system of the target system has to be retained, the UDC3 can also be installed on a bootable USB stick.

The UDC3 firmware is updated four times a year. The updates are not associated with additional costs.

The UDC3 license is based on the MAC address of the target system. Licenses can be installed either manually during the installation of the UDC3/OS11 or via the license management functions of the IGEL Universal Management System. Basically, all of this is done by us. You obtain an industrial thin client from FORSIS that already has OS11 as the operating system pre-installed.

IMPORTANT: The license is bound to the industrial motherboard in the industrial thin client. Therefore, in the event of service, it is necessary for us to also replace the motherboard.