Pano Logic is a relative newcomer—founded in 2007 with the singular goal of offering a device that works with virtual desktop technology called the Pano Device. The concept behind Pano Device is relatively simple; replace desktop PCs with the Pano Device, run VDI in the server room and install the Pano Desktop Service software on the virtual machines. Management is done through the Pano Manager software.

Of course, there are a few prerequisites, such as virtual infrastructure from VMware; the company recommends using VMware’s ESX Server, and users will also need the backroom hardware to effectively run virtual desktops. This usually means high-end blade servers or multiprocessor servers. Luckily, these expensive prerequisites can be quickly offset by the cost savings of not having to buy desktop PCs, and the overhead costs of maintaining desktop PCs.

One other important requirement comes in the form of bandwidth; Pano recommends a direct LAN connection of 100M bps or more between the Pano devices and the supporting servers to avoid problems from network latency and bandwidth limitations. Pano warns against the use of Pano devices for full multimedia or graphically intensive applications, such as CAD/CAM or full-screen video. These limitations may impact the viability of the product in environments where PC-based VOIP, video conferencing and other popular services are used.

Pano Logic does achieve something unique with its device and software by eliminating the need for any proprietary hardware in the server room and reducing the client component to a small device that only uses 3 watts of power and supports USB connectivity.

Pano Logic’s starter kit ($1,954), which includes five Pano devices, five client licenses, a Pano Manger License and one year of support and updates, makes it easy to adopt this zero-client solution.