Displaylink USB Video Engine on HP USB Thin Clients

Thin client appliance has always been on the roadmap for Displaylink, notable for its USB video invention. Today, Displaylink makes a joint announcement with MS and HP to roll out its virtual graphics for Windows Multipoint Server 2010 and HP MultiSeat Thin Clients. Essentially, they all work together to make thin clients more appealing to cash-strapped schools, which are already struggling with a problem of replacing aging PCs.

MS Multipoint Server 2010 allows any PCs to become a server which is connected to a small group (max. 10) of HP MultiSeat Thin Clients via USB 2.0. Each appliance can have its own keyboard, mouse, monitor and audio. Oddly, the only peripheral connections on the appliance are PS/2, which is effective in preventing hacking by rogue students using USB drives. The package also includes TeachNow for easy system admin and SchoolCloud for tracking students' usage and managing their apps as well as data (e.g. homework). HP MultiSeat is expected to become available in early 2010. There's no word yet on pricing.