This is a guest blog post by Omar Kechrid, VP Business Development at ZeeTim.

Having been involved in the Citrix and end-user computing space for more than 15 years, I have been around numerous technologies that complement and add value to the Citrix experience, from monitoring to profile management to print optimization, and more. All these solutions play an important role in delivering a better experience for admins and users.

One key area for any Citrix project is the endpoint. Just like the underlying compute and storage infrastructure, the endpoint is a necessary element in terms of the overall solution and can determine strength of security, ease of management, and quality of the user experience.

I spent many years working for a distributor of virtualization technologies offering several thin-client options and supported Citrix partners and customers on these requirements. Through these efforts, I got a good understanding of available endpoint options, common misconceptions about thin-client endpoints, and what customers often overlook.

Let’s look at elements you should consider as you work to get you to your ideal thin-client endpoint.

A Secure, Linux-Based Operating System

A Linux-based OS is ideal for accessing Citrix Workspace. Linux-based endpoints require minimal resources, are extremely secure, come with simple management tools, have plenty of driver support, and can lead to a huge reduction in support overhead.  These Linux-based operating systems can vary from vendor to vendor. You do want to assess the security of the OS in question, and it should be read-only and have minimal app packages running that operate independently. There should also be secure communication among the different components of the thin-client endpoint solution (device, client, server, gateway, etc.).

Central Management from Anywhere

Citrix has enabled you to centralize the management of user workspaces, and so should the endpoint solution. You should have the ability to make configuration changes from anywhere. With many users working from home or in hybrid scenarios, many endpoint solutions now offer a gateway to securely manage and monitor those endpoints. The management tool should allow you to make all the configurations possible on the Citrix Workspace client. Some solutions will even let you make certain configurations usually done via command line in a simple GUI. These tools should also provide monitoring and reporting for visibility, and you should be able to get those data to other monitoring tools via APIs.

Endpoint Vendors Should Follow Citrix Workspace App Releases

Some vendors are quicker than others at updating their OS to support the latest Citrix Workspace app releases. Staying up to date ensures that you have the latest and greatest features, which is especially important if those updates involve security.

Simple System, App Updates

Some vendor systems require an update of the entire OS when an app like Citrix Workspace app is updated. Others can update only that component, making the changes simpler to implement. Choose a tool that allows you to select the time to update the app or OS and that can automate the entire process. Some tools send updates from device to device rather than all devices at once, which will have less impact on your network bandwidth.

All Peripherals Need to be Supported

Too often customers choose thin-client endpoints that can’t handle changing requirements, especially around devices connected to the endpoint like printers, scanners, and signature pads. Think about the current or future peripherals you will want to connect to your endpoint and make it part of your testing of any solution, especially when moving to a Linux-based OS. You should leverage the thin-client vendor’s support and expertise to ensure peripherals work.

Plan Your Hardware Choices for 10 Years Out

The refresh cycle for the thin client you choose should be at least double that of a normal desktop cycle. Many customers are surprised thin client prices can sometimes be higher than PCs. However, in addition to cost, you must account for their longevity. If you go with fanless, mini PC hardware, the energy consumption can be 10 percent of a traditional PC. Don’t just go with the cheapest hardware. Saving $100 to $200 now can haunt you down the line. I’ve seen many customers opt for a cheaper option only to find it would not satisfy requirements that arise later such as additional monitor support, additional applications, higher screen refresh rate, new peripheral devices, and more.

Repurpose Your PCs (Old and New)

Most thin-client vendors also offer the option to repurpose PCs. You could convert your PCs from running their current OS to a Linux-based operating system and take advantage of all the benefits that a thin-client endpoint solution can bring. In the case of PCs that your organization already has, you can extend their lives and save your company money. You can also opt to choose your own hardware vendor and repurpose those devices using the thin-client vendor’s technology. In either case the thin-client vendor should be able to advise on the ideal hardware specs as well as performance expectations.

A Licensing Model That Fits Your Needs

Vendor licensing of thin-client endpoint solutions can vary, so you need to find a vendor that fulfills your technical requirements and aligns with your licensing needs. Some vendors provide the OS and the management tool separately and at a cost. Some charge for different components of the management tool. Some provide subscription licensing with varying flexibility in terms of user count, and others have a perpetual license model. When it comes to repurposing endpoints, some vendors base their licensing on MAC addresses, while others have a more flexible central-licensing method. Licensing can also be per concurrent or per named device, depending on the vendor. There are a lot of options, so make sure you have these insights when you’re deciding.

Support from the Vendor

When opting for a thin-client endpoint solution, you are not simply buying new hardware and software, you are entering into a partnership. You should know by now that end-user computing isn’t always straightforward, and issues do come up. Your vendor should be attentive and provide the support you need. That’s why I recommend a PoC as part of the vetting process. Most thin-client endpoint projects require back-and-forth interaction between the client/partner and the vendor. It’s crucial for success. A proper PoC should support your long-term success. After all, you’ll likely have the thin-client endpoint solution in place 10 years or more. You should have a feeling that the vendor cares about your success and will give you the support you need when requirements change (which is common in end-user computing).

Get Started with ZeeTim Today!

These are some of the most important considerations you should make when deciding on the best thin-client endpoint for your organization. ZeeTim is a software vendor that, like many other vendors, grew out of a Citrix system integrator that supported real-world customer challenges. And like Citrix, ZeeTim is laser focused on security, ease of management, and a terrific user experience. While we specialize in endpoints, we do extend into areas such as print optimization and identity and access — all with end-user computing front of mind.

Learn more about ZeeTim today. Put these tools to the test via a product trial, and get started by repurposing endpoints with ZeeTransformer!