Month: July 2023

Summary: This article pertains to Dell ThinOS and Dell Hybrid Client (DHC) Customers using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). A software update is required to avoid service disruption by August 15.

Symptoms

Affected Operating Systems:

• Dell ThinOS
• Dell Hybrid Client

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Dell ThinOS and Dell Hybrid Client (DHC) users, running older versions of the operating system and Azure Virtual Desktop agent software, will experience frequent session disconnections after August 15. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC users are not impacted.

Cause

Microsoft has implemented Web Service enhancements to the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Linux SDK that require customers to upgrade their AVD agent. Starting August 15, older AVD agents will no longer be able to connect to Microsoft Azure Web Services (also known as Kestrel).

Resolution

To avoid service disruption, customers must update to the latest ThinOS 2306 or DHC 2.5 release and AVD agent package before August 15.

The latest versions can be found on Dell.com:

More information can be found at KB Article Number: 000216064
Thin Clients Using Older Azure Virtual Desktop Agents Will No Longer Be Able to Connect to Microsoft Azure Web Services

Dell released an update that will simplify the deployment of Dell value-added applications and
third-party apps on devices running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021.

What’s New
The newest and smaller packaged Dell application store and significant third-party application packages have been added to the WMS Cloud Repository. All apps have been placed in the Operator Cloud Repository as part of this upgrade, eliminating the requirement for you to store them in the Tenant Cloud Repository. This method ensures that you can easily access the necessary apps and deploy them throughout your network of endpoints.

The application list is shown below.

1. Custom packages that support silent installation through WMS
   • Citrix Workspace Application v23.3.0.55
   • VMWare Horizon Client v8.9.0.35399
   • Amazon Workspaces v5.9.0
   • Dell Application Store v23.06.0.2
2. 3rd party applications
   • Zoom VDI Plugin v5.14.10.23670
   • Cisco Jabber Softphone for VDI Client v14.1
   • Cisco WebEx VDI Meetings Plugin v42.2.6.11
   • Cisco WebEx VDI Plugin v43.4.0.25959

You may have noticed there are two ThinOS Horizon Client packages listed for download: ThinOS 2306 (9.4.2103) VMware Horizon package v2303.8.9.0.21435420.3 and ThinOS 2306 (9.4.2103) VMware Horizon Client SDK package v2303.8.9.0.21435420.16.

So what is the difference?

The demand for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has increased with the rise of remote work. While VDI is important, reliable audio-video communication tools are also crucial. However, integrating video-conferencing solutions in a virtualized environment can be challenging and may lead to network congestion. Media redirection and optimization can address this issue by moving video and audio communication out of the virtual desktop and onto the endpoint, reducing traffic and improving call quality for users.

VMware has invested in optimization packs for Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business and partnerships with other video conferencing application providers. However, WebRTC-based unified communications (UC) apps, which are becoming increasingly popular, are not supported by the existing SDKs. WebRTC is a technology choice for many UC applications, and customers are interested in leveraging it in VDI environments.

VMware announced the availability of the VMware Horizon SDK for WebRTC redirection in January 2023, enabling electron-based UC applications to implement media redirection. This SDK allows for a direct WebRTC media stream between Horizon endpoints and the media server, enhancing the audio-video experience. The announcement also invites unified communications providers to partner with VMware to deliver a great audio-video experience to mutual customers. VMware aims to support customers and UC providers in the UC space and ensure a positive experience in Horizon VDI.

Announcing general availability of VMware Horizon with SDK for WebRTC redirection article can be found here https://blogs.vmware.com/euc/2023/01/announcing-general-availability-of-vmware-horizon-with-sdk-for-webrtc-redirection.html and both 2306 Horizon clients are available for download at https://www.dell.com/support

The Need for Enhanced Remote Management Efficiency ===

In today’s technology-driven world, remote management is critical in ensuring the smooth operation of businesses and organizations. The need for efficient remote management solutions has become more apparent with the increasing complexity and ever-changing devices and infrastructures. Traditional remote management methods often require physical access to the device, which can be time-consuming and costly. To address this challenge, PIKVM (Peripheral Interface KVM) has emerged as a comprehensive solution that enhances remote management efficiency by providing remote access and control over PCs, thin clients, and servers. In this article, we will delve into the technical capabilities of PIKVM and explore how it can revolutionize server management.

Read more Enhancing Device Testing Efficiency with PIKVM: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

Dell Wyse ThinOS software is regularly updated to support new hardware platforms, fix issues, enhance performance, and introduce new features. Each release is tested and supported on current and recently discontinued hardware platforms. A version matrix in Dell ThinOS 2306 and 2303 Release Notes provides a list of supported platforms for each ThinOS release.

Support Platforms

The current release is ThinOS 2306 (9.4.2103), released in June 2023 supporting various Dell Wyse Thin Clients, including Wyse 3040, Wyse 5070, Wyse 5470, Wyse 5470 All-in-One, OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client, Latitude 3420, OptiPlex 5400 All-in-One, Latitude 3440, Latitude 5440, and OptiPlex All-in-One 7410. The previous release was ThinOS 2303 (9.4.1141), released in March 2023, and it supports the same set of hardware platforms as ThinOS 2306.

Firmware upgrades are supported from version 9.1.3129 or later to ThinOS 2306. If you have an earlier version, you need to upgrade to 9.1.3129 first before upgrading to the latest version. Downgrading to an earlier version requires the use of the ThinOS Merlin image.

Read more Dell ThinOS 2306

Dell Hybrid Client (DHC) is a desktop solution delivered through the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. It offers a hybrid operating environment that allows seamless access to virtual, cloud, or local applications and resources. The latest version, DHC 2.5, can be deployed on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating systems, with minimum memory and storage requirements.

NOTE: WMS administrators must re-configure the settings in Dell Hybrid Client 2.x WMS Config Policies from Dell Hybrid Client 1.x. WMS Config Policies, before and after upgrading from DHC 1.6 and DHC 1.8 to DHC 2.5.

Learn more about the world’s first client computing software with hybrid cloud management enabling seamless access to applications and data, whether in the cloud, in the data center, or locally, visit https://www.wysemanagementsuite.com/#/dhc

Read more Dell Hybrid Client 2.5