10ZiG & Cendio add ThinLinc for centralised Linux desktops

10ZiG and Cendio have formed a technology partnership focused on centralised Linux desktops and applications, adding ThinLinc support to 10ZiG endpoint products.

The partnership brings Cendio's ThinLinc server-based computing software to 10ZiG's broader endpoint range through direct integration with PeakOS and RepurpOS. ThinLinc will also run on Windows- and Linux-based 10ZiG clients.

It is aimed at organisations that want to deliver Linux desktops from a central data centre while keeping endpoint devices simple to manage. Target sectors include education, research, manufacturing, government and other large organisations with distributed staff.

The deal also expands the 10ZiG Ready ecosystem, which groups supported technologies and integration partners. For customers, that means ThinLinc can now be deployed as part of a full Linux endpoint setup using 10ZiG thin clients or repurposed hardware running its software.

Cendio's ThinLinc is a Linux-based server-based computing platform designed to centralise desktops and applications in the data centre rather than on local devices. The model is used by organisations seeking tighter control over applications and data, particularly where remote access and endpoint security are priorities.

By building the ThinLinc client directly into PeakOS and RepurpOS, the companies are pitching what they describe as a Linux-to-Linux desktop environment. In practice, that means both the remote desktop software and the endpoint operating system can run on Linux, while still allowing deployments that use Windows endpoints where needed.

Another part of the offering is 10ZiG Manager, its endpoint management platform, which is available at no extra charge. Combined with ThinLinc's centralised administration, it is intended to reduce the amount of hands-on device management required by IT teams.

Linux focus

The partnership reflects continuing demand for Linux desktop access in specialist and regulated environments. Engineering teams, universities, research bodies and parts of government often rely on Linux applications, but many still need a way to provide staff with access outside the office without moving data onto local machines.

Thin clients and repurposed PCs have long been used for this model because they can reduce the number of moving parts at the endpoint. In this case, 10ZiG describes its Linux operating systems as lightweight, read-only and stateless, a design intended to reduce the attack surface on user devices.

For customers with older hardware, the repurposing angle may also be significant. Rather than replacing every endpoint with a new device, organisations can use 10ZiG's software to convert existing machines into centrally managed clients that connect to Linux desktops running through ThinLinc.

Tom Dodds, Global Strategic Alliances Manager at 10ZiG Technology, set out the company's view of the customer demand it is seeing.

"Organisations continue to look for simpler, more secure ways to deliver centralized desktops while reducing endpoint management complexity," Dodds said.

"By integrating the ThinLinc client directly into PeakOS and RepurpOS, we're giving customers the ability to deploy a true Linux-to-Linux workspace while also supporting Windows-based endpoints where needed. The result is a secure, lightweight endpoint strategy that simplifies management without compromising flexibility."

Remote access

Cendio has positioned ThinLinc as a way to provide responsive remote access to Linux desktops while keeping applications and information in the data centre. That approach can appeal to organisations that want users to work from different locations without widening the footprint of sensitive data across unmanaged or less secure devices.

The partnership also gives Cendio access to 10ZiG's installed base of thin client hardware and software users. For 10ZiG, it broadens the range of technologies available through its partner ecosystem, particularly for customers whose desktop estate leans more towards Linux than Windows-based virtual desktop infrastructure.

Johan Igheimer, CEO at Cendio and ThinLinc USA, said the company sees the pairing as a way to package remote Linux access with purpose-built endpoints and management tools.

"ThinLinc has always focused on providing organizations with secure, reliable and efficient remote access to Linux desktops and applications," Igheimer said.

"Working with 10ZiG extends those capabilities with purpose-built endpoint hardware and management, giving customers a complete solution that is simple to deploy, easy to manage and built for long-term success."

The combined offering supports 10ZiG thin clients, repurposed devices, and both Linux- and Windows-based endpoints, with the core emphasis on centralised Linux desktop delivery from the data centre.