Enterprise

 
Projector technology has evolved, now delivering better picture quality and expanded connection options. In addition to the traditional, wired (VGA/DVI/HDMI) connections, content may now be displayed from a thumb drive and wireless connections. Recent technology advancements have made wireless connectivity much simpler and powerful. A projector is a necessity of every business professional when presenting in the office or on the road. So don’t spend the first few minutes of your meeting locating and connecting the cables, jostling loose connections, or checking for bent pins. Instead, be presentation-ready with a wireless projector.

 

There are many benefits to using a wireless projector, which include:

• Presenters are no longer confined to a small area next to the projector. They now have the freedom to sit anywhere in the room, usually within 30 feet of the projector (line-of-sight is required to maintain the quality of the signal).


• The projector may be shared with multiple computers in the room, promoting team collaboration.


• By wirelessly connecting a presenter’s mobile device to the projector, he/she can walk about the room with his/her device to interact and engage with the audience.


• Presenters don’t need to bring along their connection cables while they travel.

Some factors businesses need to consider when using a wireless projector include:

 

• The wireless bandwidth required for video streaming presentation.


• The WiFi signal range necessary for a large-sized room.


• The wireless connectivity stability that can impact the image quality.

When all these aspects are verified, wireless projectors can deliver great conveniences for businesses, especially for mobile presenters.

 

Is your business ready to take advantage of the benefits wireless projectors have to offer? What other wireless solutions do you use in your business operation? Tell us on the blog.

 

Have questions on what’s the right wireless projector for your business? Learn more from our press release here.

 

ViewSonic has been a leading innovator of display technologies for over 25 years and understands the advanced features necessary for delivering a powerful presentation. ViewSonic offers one of the industry’s best overall projector warranty with 3-year limited parts, labor and LED light source, plus 1st year complementary Express Exchange® service. To learn more, click here.

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

With the advancement in video, camera, audio technology, and the ability to utilize standard web browsers within existing network infrastructures, videoconferencing has become a popular practice in the SMB environment. Videoconferencing has expanded into markets such as live e-support, video arrangement, engineering design reviews, quality assurance, and telemedicine and made 24/7 support across the globe possible. It is a low cost and effective mode of communication that SMBs are embracing. In fact, your customer and business partners simply expect it.

 

Wainhouse Research has reported that approximately 72% of SMBs reported that they use web conferencing to include participants who can’t attend in person; and 64% of SMBs use web conferencing for new meetings due to cost or timing constraints. The Australian government invested $18.4 million on high-def videoconferencing technology and saved $26 million in travel costs while cutting 7,000 tones in carbon emissions.

 

Videoconferencing is a natural evolution for businesses to increase productivity. It broadens and enables connections to anyone in the world while supporting a greener planet. If your company still hasn’t adopted this culture and are still paying high travel expenses, learn how you can implement videoconferencing here.

 

For videoconferencing solutions, checkout ViewSonic’s 24” (23.6” Viewable) all-in-one Windows® 8 certified LCD monitor, VG2437mc-LED, with integrated 2-megapixel webcam, mic and speaker, ideal for office applications, video conferencing, and executive offices and boardrooms.

 

How much has videoconferencing saved your business? Tell us on the blog.

 

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

Sources:

“A Whitepaper for Owners of Growing Businesses.” THINKstrategies, Inc. (2006): http://www.gotomeeting.com/images/ad/pdf/Citrix_Online_THINKStrategies.pdf

Taylor J. “Fed Govt’s telepresence reaches capacity.” ZDNet.com. CBS Interactive, May 28, 2012: http://www.zdnet.com/fed-govts-telepresence-reaches-capacity-1339338677/

The desktop display is poised for an amazing evolution as we shift towards the Post-PC era. Virtualization, software-as-a-service (SaaS), cloud-based storage and mobile applications are all becoming predominant in today’s business world as we migrate away from the traditional desktop of yesterday. The enterprise is looking to these zero/thin client solutions to reduce business operating costs, improve productivity and instantly connect to the cloud, the Internet, virtualized environments, web-based apps (such as CRM tools, multimedia presentations or digital dictation solutions), social networks and more.

 

According to a Gartner forecast, global shipments of thin clients are expected to nearly double between 2011 and 2014, while spending on SaaS products is projected to grow more than 50 percent by 2015. Thin client applications can be found in government, call centers, medical offices, schools, airline ticketing and manufacturing plants to enable centrally-managed scalable solutions while lowering Total Cost of Ownership (“TCO”).

 



While zero and thin clients can be cost-effective alternatives to traditional desktop PCs, it is important to note that these solutions are not one-size-fits-all. For instance, certain applications may still require individual desktop PCs for processor-intensive tasks. Multimedia production applications, for example, may require a greater amount of bandwidth that would make a zero/thin client solution cost prohibitive. To help business owners determine the best computing solution for their needs and the key distinctions between the zero/thin vs. traditional desktop PC (thick client), read on for a quick comparison guide from Webopedia™.

 

<emZero/Thin Clients                                               Traditional Desktop PC/Thick Client

 

Easy to deploy requiring no extra or specialized software installation	More expensive and time consuming for IT to deploy
Needs validation with the server after data capture	Data verified by client not server (immediate validation)
If the server goes down, data collection is halted as the client needs constant communication with the server	Only require intermittent communication with server, client/workstation equipped with robust technology and provides better uptime
Cannot be interfaced with other equipment (in plants or factory settings for example)	Can interface with other equipments independently
More potential downtimes	Less potential downtimes
Require less resources on workstation but more on servers	Require more resources on individual client/workstation but less on server
More portable in that All applications are on the server so any workstation can access	Not portable in that most resources are stored on individual client/workstation
Opportunity to use older, outdated PCs as clients	Individual client/workstation needs to be upgraded to newer and more advanced PC to increase performance.
Reduced security threat	Increased security issues

There is a tremendous growth opportunity in zero/thin client solutions afforded by the virtualization of servers, applications and desktops. ViewSonic recognizes this market trend and continues to develop innovative new display solutions to facilitate the cloud transition while offering support of industry standard cloud-based computing protocols including Citrix, VMWare, RDP, RemoteFX and PCoIP. Through these partnerships, any of our traditional desktop displays can be transformed into a smart connected network display and multi-client solution to support businesses and organizations in their efforts to deploy secure, scalable thin client configurations. Learn more from our white paper here.

 

What display solutions support your individual enterprise demands? Share your experiences with us on our blog.

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

Footnote: Gartner’s Global SaaS Spending Report, 1H12 Update (March 2012)

Is your business BYOD–phobic (ie. afraid of the implications around employees bringing their personal devices into the workplace)? We already know that BYOD increases employee satisfaction, boosts work productivity and decreases mobile device costs. We also know that IT security concerns can be addressed with security solutions available on the market. But if your organization is still reluctant to jump on the BYOD program because of the potential variable costs, read on.

Below we have highlighted strategies for businesses to reduce their spending around two key variable expense areas:



Monthly wireless/data plan bill:

• Establish a clear cost ownership and pay scale guideline for the dual-purpose mobile device base on job dependency.


• Pre-negotiate a discounted contract with a single network carrier to achieve cost savings of anywhere from 10 to 20 percent. This can also serve as a perk for employees who use BYOD on employee paid basis.

IT help desk cost:

• Say “no” to supporting and troubleshooting personal device issues that are not business related – for example, problems with non-business apps or network connectivity.


• Establish clear guidelines to determine if an IT problem is a device issue, carrier issue, or business app issue before straining IT resources.


• Allow self-service on routine activities such as policy acceptance, enrollment, adding new apps, etc.

Although BYOD programs consist of many variable costs, there are also many favorable hidden economic values that organizations should be aware of. According to Monica Basso, Research VP at information technology research firm Gartner, BYOD reinforces personal responsibility, as employees are more cost conscious when they are using their own device, including being more sparing when roaming and being less likely to lose their phone. In addition, employees are more willing to invest time to troubleshoot their personal device than to pass it on to the IT help desk, which has the potential to minimize IT help desk labor hours.

What is the right BYOD policy to support your enterprise culture? Share your experiences with us on our blog.

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

Digital signage solutions provide excellent revenue and margin opportunities for VARs who target the restaurant or QSR vertical. Nowadays, the VAR can benefit by selling signage as a total solution. This is due to the fact that there is margin opportunity in the hardware, installation, potential network configuration, service, and in some cases, content development.

The opportunity for digital signage sales has grown tremendously, and is broader than ever before. Here are just a few of the ways that your customers may be looking to implement these solutions:



Restaurants: We are especially seeing an increase in signage adoption rates by restaurant customers as prices come down and ease of use and simplicity increases. The most common restaurant application is the presentation of menu selections combined with government required nutritional information. This information can be updated in real-time with the use of simple digital signage content management solutions. In addition, promotional information can be added in the case of seasonal menu changes.

Employee training: New opportunities are becoming available with the use of network digital signage in the back office for employee training. Training content can be sent over the internet (WAN) for use by individual restaurant location. This adds benefits to the restaurant owners with lower insurance rates as well as provides the VAR another area of possible margin income.

Retail: Another growing opportunity as the prices and solutions become more affordable is retail. We are seeing smaller screen deployments as consumer information is moving closer to the display case. We have seen this at the POS cash out for some time, for example. We are also beginning to see smaller screen deployments such as 10-, 22-, and 32-inch in retail locations advertising product highlights and benefits. VARs can again benefit by targeting the retail signage vertical with a total solution that consists of screen, content management, network solutions — wired and wireless, and installation services. There are a category of VARs we call systems integrators that specialize in this kind of new business.

While these are the key areas driving today’s digital signage adoption, with the emerging array of add-on solutions (such as integrated mobile device credit card process and audience demography video analytics), the possibilities of digital signage are endless. To learn more about digital signage solutions, read here. How has digital signage helped to grow your business? What are your experiences with POP? Share with us here on the blog.

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

The face of digital signage is rapidly changing, and its advancements in technology are pushing progression right along. Have you heard the term Open Pluggable Specification (OPS)? OPS architecture ties the digital signage ecosystem together with standardized interoperable hardware interface to drive effective component design, development and simplified integration complexity for lower implementation, deployment and management costs. An initiative from Intel®, OPS is a new technology concept that emerged about a year ago.

 



The OPS architecture modularizes the development of digital signage display panels and media players, thereby minimizing the implementation time for installation and eliminating other system complexities. While this clean solution ultimately benefits the integrator and end users, so far, only a few companies have adopted OPS technology. This is likely because people are accustomed to using an external media player (or PC) to run their media content on the signage display. Until the integrators and end users become more and more familiar with the benefits of OPS and industry demand increases, we believe it will still take some time before manufacturers and display OEMs adopt this new standard. However, with a company like Intel serving as the driving force behind this technology, things look very hopeful. Intel has launched multiple scalable intelligent software applications to enhance OPS display capabilities, such as Active Management Technology (AMT), Audience Impression Metrics Suite (AIM), Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA) and Near-Field Communication (NFC).

 

Will OPS architecture adaptation become successful? Only time will tell, but we believe in the benefits it provides. To learn more about ViewSonic’s OPS-enabled touch digital signage solutions in 42”, 46” and 65” sizes, click here. Have questions about what digital signage solutions are easiest for your business to maintain and upgrade? Ask us here on our blog.

Are you a professional presenter or educator who reinforces onstage presentations with a laser pen? Do you find satisfaction from instantaneous interaction with your audience during your presentation? If so, you will be captivated by some of the unique features that current presentation apps on the market provide to help you engage with your audience while driving collaboration. Two noteworthy apps that we recommend for audience interaction are DisplayNote and Doceri.

 

DisplayNote is a software app that enables multi-user collaboration across any platform including smartphones, tablets and laptops; with support for more than 30 devices connected simultaneously. This app allows the presenter to share their screen while enabling instantaneous communication with other connected devices. In presenter mode, presenters or teachers can use their device to control the main screen, pass control to any other connected device, assign collaborative groups, send/receive private messages and view the individual screen of any connected device. In collaboration mode, the annotations and images on the connected devices can be displayed back to the main screen or viewed by other users. Furthermore, those viewing in collaboration mode can add their own private notes, underline or highlight what’s important, capture preferred slides, and save or email the presentation for later review. DisplayNote complements existing interactive projectors, whiteboards, and touch-screen devices, including tablets and smartphones running either Apple® iOS or Android™.

 

The Doceri® software app allows tablet owners to remotely control a PC or Mac that is connected to a display (e.g. projectors and monitors). A duplicate screen is displayed on the tablet to give the user total control and access to their computer desktop from their mobile tablet device. Doceri features interactive functions similar to DisplayNote, allowing the user to draw, write and annotate on the projected content with save and replay functions. Doceri currently doesn’t have the multi-user collaboration mode on their existing version; however this feature will be included in the next release. The existing version currently only works with Apple iOS, but an Android version is coming soon. 

 

Both DisplayNote and Doceri give users the freedom to instantaneously articulate their ideas during a presentation. Whether your need is for education or business, these powerful tools promote collaboration and audience engagement.

 

To learn more about interactive presentation solutions, read here. Have questions about what features you need for your specific presentation needs? Ask us here on the blog.

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

InfoComm 2012 has come to a close on Friday, June 15. Three days seemed hardly enough time for anyone to cover the entire show floor, with such a wide array of new products being showcased. For those AV professionals and enthusiasts who didn’t get a chance to visit InfoComm, we’ve highlighted some of the noteworthy technology trends below.

 

When it comes to projection, Laser/LED hybrid illumination technology was the hottest topic around the Pro AV industry. This new technology breakthrough enables the projector to manipulate light and images without using the lamp or a color wheel. This results in more saturated color at a reduced cost all while being environmentally friendly.

 

From a display perspective, touch capabilities are on a fast growth curve. It seems like anyone with a display in their booth had a touch-enabled offering. ViewSonic was no stranger to this trend, showcasing several touch-enabled devices including the eBeam Edge^® technology, which turns any display into a touch device.

 

Interactivity is made possible with the latest plug and play solutions that will change the way retailers develop and manage content. As delivering engaging content becomes even quicker and easier, retailers will be able to engage customers like never before.

 

Want to learn more about ViewSonic’s technology advancements from the show? Click here to visit our tradeshow landing page. What innovative solutions did you notice at the show? Share your thoughts with us.

 

 

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

What’s all the buzz about Laser LED hybrid projection? This new technology delivers better picture quality through higher contrast ratios, is lamp free and consumes less power for a significantly lower total cost of ownership. Designed for a range of uses including home entertainment, professional audio-video, corporate or education use. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of laser LED hybrid projectors to see if they make sense for your projection needs.

 

The Laser LED Hybrid illumination technology is a breakthrough in the way a projector manipulates light and images, resulting in superb picture quality with an ultra high contrast ratio of at least 10,000:1 for greater details, especially in dark scenes. The lasers and LEDs combine as a light source to create vibrant rich color, by generating a color spectrum far greater than that of normal mercury light projector which rely on a color wheel and may show ghost images and rainbow effects.

 

This eco-friendly technology is lamp free which saves anywhere from $199-$299 in replacement costs. No lamp means no mercury thereby eliminating toxic waste and no lamp also means virtually no maintenance to swap out bulbs. Laser LED Hybrid illumination technology delivers a longer light source life of up to 20,000 hours and is much more energy efficient utilizing intelligent power control, generating nearly twice as many lumens per watt as a lamp based projector. Furthermore, these projectors do not get hot to the touch, and are faster and quieter to switch on and off, as well as offering a more stable design.

 

Without compromising brightness, contrast or image quality, laser LED projectors lower TCO, are earth friendly and deliver rich, saturated color. You’ll save time and money, while enjoying a vivid and vibrant picture, year after year.

 

Have questions about what features you need for your specific projection needs? Ask us here on the blog.

 

*Light source life and energy savings may vary based on actual usage and other factors. Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^© 2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

Windows or Android? That’s one of the most common questions a potential buyer will consider when thinking about buying a tablet. Android-based tablets help users keep connected with family and friends and offer plethora of available entertainment apps. However, for those considering a tablet for business use, a Windows device can make all the difference when it comes to device security.

 

With Windows 7, businesses benefit from enhancements that help protect sensitive company information, including multiple active firewall policies to prevent malware and unauthorized access, and page file encryption for the safety of critical documents. There is also a Backup and Restore feature that makes it easy to backup and restore data and settings in the event of a system crash. Some of the most noteworthy additional Windows 7 security features as they relate to protecting tablet users include:

 

• Action Center: This feature alerts users to security threats such as an inactive firewall or outdated antivirus software.


• BitLocker Drive Encryption: To keep documents safe in the event that a tablet is misplaced or stolen, BitLocker automatically encrypts any data saved on a hard drive.


• AppLocker: This included tool gives IT professionals more options for managing applications and enforcing application standardization, while delivering sophisticated protection against Trojan malware.


• Microsoft Security Essentials: This software is available with a simple download and provides reliable, free anti-virus protection.


• User Account Control: Ensures that only an authorized administrator users can make changes to system configurations, while alleviating IT administrators’ stressors with User Account Control.


• DirectAccess: For those planning to use their tablet as a flexible work solution, Windows 7 tablets deliver remote users smooth and secure access to enterprise resources without the need to connect to a VPN.

 

For those considering a Windows 8 tablet, stay tuned. We will share an updated posting on Windows 8 and tablet security information once the OS is officially launched.

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^©2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

Virtualization has become critical for companies looking to maximize efficiency when it comes to sharing or collaborating on important documents, and protecting and backing up data. The beauty of cloud computing is that it’s device-agnostic, enabling vital company data to be stored elsewhere on a server in the cloud. While cloud-based services can be accessed from a computer or smartphone, a tablet delivers the best of both worlds, offering touch, mobility and a screen size that’s larger than a smartphone. Perhaps the accessibility of virtualized environments on mobile devices is a big contributor to Gartner’s 4 percent forecast for the growth of traditional PC sales this year.

 

When it comes to the cloud, tablets enable workers to benefit from the productivity boost that comes from being able to work remotely yet securely from anywhere, anytime. Connecting via the cloud also lets businesses ensure that should a mobile device become lost or damaged, its data is safely stored. Rachel Dines at Forrester Research echoes this sentiment by stating that the proliferation of mobile devices in the workforce offers the benefit of more flexibility for workforce recovery options.

 

While any Wi-Fi connected tablet can serve as a portal into a virtualized environment, there are several product features that companies should be aware of when considering purchasing tablets for use with cloud applications. These three features let IT departments check that the devices they let into their organizations are ready for mobile cloud computing:

 

• Certifications: Know what software certifications the tablet has and how that software will benefit your organization. For instance, a Citrix Ready certification gives the buyer confidence that a tablet will work seamlessly in a Citrix virtualized environment. Additionally, customers of VMware will want to ensure that their device is compatible with VMware virtualization technology.

 

• Operating system: Android or Windows? A Windows tablet is ideal for full-featured desktop computing functionality in a mobile device. However, if you need the tablet to run an assortment of apps, Android might be the better fit. If you’re worried about not having access to critical Windows applications, software such as Citrix Receiver can enable Android tablet users to work with virtualized Windows desktops and applications.

 

• Device enhancements: Take a look at the feature-set while thinking of what will maximize convenience and benefits for the user. For instance, an SD card slot can enable a device’s storage capacity to be expanded, lessening the need for frequent hardware trade-ins. Consider the environments in which a tablet will be used. Does the tablet have a USB port? If so, employees can plug in a full keyboard and mouse to create a mobile desktop experience.

 

How is your organization accessing the cloud? Let us know what devices your company uses to access virtualized environments now, and which devices do you hope to implement over the next six months?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With 25 years of display expertise, ViewSonic continually raises the bar to the next level of excellence in display technology. Our brand new 24” LED monitor takes innovation to the next level, with one of the world’s thinnest profile designs available for its size and class category.

 

At just one-quarter inch thick, the VX2460h-LED is a sleek and stylish widescreen display that pairs an ultra-slim design with advanced imaging technologies to reduce computer eyestrain after extended viewing. Partnered with a Full HD 1080p resolution, 2ms fast video response time, a high 40,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and touch-sensitive buttons, this truly is a state-of-the-art machine for consumers, gamers and discerning buyers alike who demand both world class performance and style. The dual HDMI® inputs also guarantee the highest quality high-definition audio and video. And with our ECO-mode feature, a 3-year standard limited warranty and the industry’s best pixel performance policy, you can feel good about making a long-term investment in this Energy Star® 5.1 certified display.

                                                          

The ViewSonic VX2460h-LED display is now available for an ESP of $199. For additional information on the VX2460h-LED, click here. Not sure if this is the right display for you? Just ask, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright^©2012 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved.

When should I upgrade my projector? This is a great question posed by CNET in a recent article on how to know when it’s time to upgrade, from a home cinema perspective. This got us thinking about the similarities and differences between consumer and business-focused projection offerings, so we’ve put together this guide to help businesses know when they are ready for a projector refresh. See how your company’s hardware stacks up:

 

1. Resolution within Reach – To avoid image distortion, make sure your projector has a matching aspect ratio to that of your content and/or source device so images stay in their native format. Most online content today is in wide format, as are many IT devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, etc. Companies will benefit from a widescreen WXGA projector with 1280x800 or 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Note however that for 4:3 format support, you’ll want a matching aspect ratio like an XGA with a 1024x768 resolution for ideal image projection.

 

2. Bigger Brightness – For corporate environments like meeting rooms and boardrooms, it’s important to use a projector with at least 2700 ASNI lumens brightness to compensate for space size without having to turn out the lights. Does the room you’re projecting in have windows and a high amount of ambient light? Then you’ll want to make sure your projector has a minimum brightness of 3000 ANSI lumens to compensate. And for an even larger space like a lecture hall, make sure you have at least 4000 ANSI lumens for optimal image quality.

 

3. Compare Connectivity – There’s a lot to consider when it comes to making sure a projector has the right connectivity options for your needs. Know the number of devices that will need to connect to the projector before you start shopping to make sure it has enough inputs. For instance, two computers will need two VGA/RGB inputs on the projector. If you need a digital connection, then you’ll want a DVI and/or HDMI input. As for use with a DVD or VCR, you’ll need S-Video and/or composite video connection, and it’s all about HDMI when it comes to Blu-ray/DVR players. And with these multimedia needs, multiple audio inputs are a must. Does your office have a LAN network? Would your company benefit from being able to control, manage and monitor the projector from a PC? Then a model with an RJ-45 port with a built-in web-based setting configuration menu may also be of interest.

 

4. Rev up ROI – If you evaluate the above points prior to purchase, you can expect to use a projector for at least 2-3 years prior to considering a replacement. And while the cost of projectors themselves have gone down considerably, there are other factors you’ll want to take into account to maximize ROI, such as product warranty, lamp cost and hours, as well as maintenance costs like filter replacement. To protect your investment, look for projectors with longer labor warranties (2+ years) to guard against costly repairs. Replacement lamps can also be an unforeseen expense at a street price of $200-$300 a pop, so make sure you’re informed about the lamp warranty (1-year is ideal), and the expected hourly lamp life. With this information in hand, a more expensive projector unit may end up saving you in the long run.

 

Did your company recently upgrade its projector setup? What’s your favorite new projection advancement?

 

Thin client computing offers significant benefits over traditional PC deployments. In fact, IDC found that thin client users (when compared to full PC users) experience a decline in hardware and software costs of 40 percent and a reduction in IT operations costs by 29 percent. In addition, IDC concluded that a thin client computing setup increases IT worker productivity by 56 percent due to a reduction of troubleshooting and repair needs, when compared to traditional PCs.

 

For organizations wishing to save acquisition and operating costs, enhance security and manageability, and promote green IT and sustainability, ViewSonic’s MultiClient solution puts thin client computing in reach for cost-conscious districts and SMBs.

 

Following its unveiling at ISTE 2011, ViewSonic is announcing new product bundles and software support today for the company’s MultiClient computing offering. This cost-effective, scalable solution lets educators and businesses easily create and manage their own private cloud computing environment. Enabling up to 20 independent user stations (with monitors, mice and keyboards) to be powered by just one host server, MultiClient significantly lowers the cost per seat, reduces energy costs and virtually eliminates compatibility issues and IT management needs.

 

Now two additional energy-efficient zero client VMA Series adapters are available, each with four USB ports, so users can connect their preference of peripherals. We enable users to select their preference of software licensing between Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™ and Microsoft® MultiPoint® WMS2011 for true customization.

 

To get started with a MultiClient setup, educators and businesses just need to connect the MultiClient Adapter box to a monitor with keyboard and mouse, and then plug into the host server. For more MutliClient information, click here.

 

Are you a thin client believer? What sort of benefits have you seen? We’d love to take your questions about thin client deployments within your organization. Share your experiences with us here!

With the surge in flexible work schedules and telecommuting in the workplace comes an increase in the use of mobile devices. From smartphones to tablets, the lines of personal and professional property are becoming more and more blurred. In fact, the occurrence of employees brining their personal devices into the workplace for professional use has been named ‘Bring Your Own Device”, BYOD for short (also known as IT consumerization). With this BYOD craze comes many questions, including those around intellectual property and device-related expense and company responsibility.

 

However we think a recent CNET article raised an interesting, less obvious point about what will happen to the use of traditional PCs within the workplace as BYOD continues to go mainstream. According to a recent global workforce survey conducted by Forrester Research, about 74 percent of information workers have used two or more personal devices for work purposes, and 52 percent had used three or more. Of these devices, 25 percect were mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

 

Although BYOD is definitely on the rise, there is also evidence that the workforce still prefers to use work-provided devices. In fact, IDC found that only two out of 10 employees want to use their own device for work and personal use. However, this is likely due to the fact that employees don’t want to feel like they have to use their own personal devices within a corporate setting from a financial perspective. In other words, it looks like CNET’s article has answered the question of what will happen to the PC as BYOD becomes more mainstream – as long as BYOD means turning a company expense into a personal one, the workforce will continue to support the use of business PCs.

 

Do you bring in your own personal devices into the workplace? Does your company have a BYOD program or policy? Does your company offer its employees business tablets? Let us know your thoughts around the growing trend of BYOD here.

 

Recent advancements in display technologies have made their mark on the television viewing experience. It’s hard to believe just how far we’ve come since only a few decades ago during the times of black and white TV. Over the years, TV sets have become larger in size, while becoming slimmer and sleeker in profile and overall appearance. Paired with display advancements such as a Full HD picture, “smart” Internet connections and LED backlighting, TV has never been more exciting – for both commercial applications, such as the hospitality industry and sports bars, as well as home entertainment.

 

However, with this new TV technology comes more inputs and hookup ports. For someone that’s not up on the latest technology, all these new shapes and types of connectors can be quite confusing. We think a recent New York Times article did an excellent job decoding today’s 21^st Century television with easy-to-understand descriptions and useful corresponding pictures to help you feel confident in hooking up your new television:

 

1. USB:  A data connection, often used to connect a wireless “dongle” that can get your TV onto your home’s Wi-Fi network. Once that’s in place, your TV can become a “smart TV,” pulling in Internet content (Netflix, Facebook) that you can access directly on the screen.

 

2. Optical Audio:  Also known as Toslink, this standard uses fiber optic cables to transmit high-quality audio from the display to a soundbar, home theater system or an amplifier. Some audio components have moved to the HDMI standard, but there are still many products old and new that use this cable.

 

3. HDMI:  The current standard for high-definition video and audio connections. HDMI cables carry high-definition video and surround-sound audio in one cable. The content is transmitted digitally, so there’s little to no signal degradation, even over long distances.

 

4. Component:  Before HDMI, this was the only way to send high-definition video from a device to a display. Component cables are divided into three plugs — red, green and blue — each carrying a part of the video signal. Component cables are video-only, so you still need an audio connection to hear anything. HDMI is rapidly replacing this standard.

 

5. Composite:  The most basic — and lowest in fidelity — video connection. Good for connecting older equipment like camcorders or game consoles that lack the newer, more capable standards. Composite video is often located next to stereo outputs (not to be confused with Component plugs).

 

6. Audio Out:  Also known as RCA jacks, these ubiquitous ports are either red or white, to represent the left and right channels of a stereo signal. They provide low-fidelity audio connections, in that they do not support surround sound.

 

7. LAN or Ethernet:  A connector that looks like a telephone cable, but is a little bigger. Used to connect to wired local area networks (aka “a home network”), the LAN jack is what you would use if you did not have Wi-Fi.

 

8. Ex Link:  Available on some TVs, the ex link connection allows you to adjust the angle of certain wall-mounted TVs by using your existing TV’s remote control.

 

 

9. Antenna In:  Also known as a coaxial cable connection. This threaded connection is used to attach an external antenna (to receive over-the-air broadcast signals) or, sometimes, a cable set-top box. Modern set-top boxes usually have HDMI or component connections for a higher-quality connection between devices, so it is unlikely you would use this port.

 

10. PC In:  Also known as a VGA connector, this is a way to connect a laptop or other personal computer to a television. This connection is video only, so you would need to set up an additional audio connection to hear whatever was coming out of your computer.

 

Did your TV set up confuse you? Would this guide have helped you keep all the new technology straight? Or are you planning to put this article to use in an upcoming television installation? Tell us about it here on the blog.

 

Images Sourced from:  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/03/21/technology/personaltech/hooking-up-a-new-tv-which-cable-goes-where.html

Chances are, you are likely using an LCD monitor setup for your home and business computing needs. You’ve recognized the benefits of replacing your antiquated CRT device to get up to speed with your desktop technology. But you might have only just started the battle.

 

Great benefits can be achieved by upgrading your current LCD setup for an LED monitor instead. If you’re not convinced, check out this list of the top five benefits an enterprise can expect from taking its monitor technology to the next level with LED:

 

1. Improved performance: Is your current monitor giving you eye strain? Are you getting headaches by the end of the day? With LED monitors, users experience even better flicker reduction over LCD for a practically flicker-free image. That means less computer eyestrain and vision fatigue.

 

2. Reduced power consumption: Even further reduction of power consumption over LCD, up to 60% in some cases, results in significant energy cost savings. In addition, up to 90% of the energy consumed by the average monitor is released as heat. That means powering an LED monitor will result in a long-term electric bill savings as well.

 

3. Improved image quality: Through LED backlight technology, monitor manufacturers are able to deliver noticeable color improvements over LCD, as well as impressive contrast ratios to achieve a brilliant picture quality. This means darker blacks and brighter whites for a wider color gamut and better color accuracy.

 

4. Greater environmental benefits: Even more environmental benefits from reduced emissions and hazardous materials include the elimination of mercury. A mercury-free monitor means a greener, healthier planet, and that’s great for everyone.

 

5. Cost savings: Still not convinced that LED is the way to go for your business? Give our TCO calculator a try. By filling in the number of monitors used in your workplace, the hours each device is in operation per day and the number of days per week, you’ll determine the money your company will save by making the switch.^[1]

 

Are you planning to purchase a new LED monitor? What benefit are you looking forward to enjoying most from your new display?

 

 

 

 

You may have sat at your desk, staring at your computer screen thinking, “It sure would be nice if I had two monitors.” In the following few words, we aim to give you irrefutable evidence to share with your management team about why adding another monitor to your desktop will increase workplace productivity.

 

Several studies have concluded that dual-monitor setups take productivity to the next level, including one done by researchers at Microsoft, who found that second monitor can boost productivity by up to 50% when it comes to tasks like copying and pasting[1]. A Jon Peddie Research survey also found that an extra monitor boosts output between 20-30%[2].

 

With a single monitor, every time a new window is brought up on the screen, your eyes and brain need to reorient themselves. These seconds of mental processing can add up. In fact, The University of Utah determined that workers could save up to 2.5 hours per day when using larger (24”) or dual monitors[3]. That means in an 8.5-hour workday, your employer will benefit from over an extra day of productivity per week from you, while you’ll enjoy more screen real estate and easier working. It’s a win-win.

 

Consider having your email up on one screen and a document you are working on up on the other. Do you IM a lot with coworkers about projects? Try reserving a screen for chats so you can still check email simultaneously. Or try using one screen to pull up websites or other documents you need to refer to, eliminating the need to print out materials. Simply sweep the mouse and files move from one screen to the other, enabling maximum efficiency.

 

If your boss won’t go for the argument that a dual-monitor set up will make you a happier, more productive employee, then suggest going with a larger screen next time your company is ready to upgrade. For instance, a 24” monitor is ideal for side-by-side dual document editing and viewing, and delivers about 50% more screen area than a single 19” model provides.

 

Are you using a dual-monitor setup at work? How do you feel it has impacted your productivity?