X Windows users sharing their desktop is a popular, but risky activity. FastX introduces a fast and secure day for users to collaborate.
StarNet Communications Corp, (http://www.starnet.com) a leading publisher of remote Linux desktop solutionstoday announced the release of the industry’s first X Windows terminal emulator capable of displaying a full remote Linux desktop over the Internet using only a standard browser.
“For 30+ years users were dependent on client applications to connect to their remote UNIX or Linux servers. FastX now gives users the freedom to connect from any device with Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari or other common browser already installed. No client software or plug-in are needed. The browser has become our client. Working on a remote Linux desktop has never been simpler or faster,” said Steven Schoch, StarNet Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Uniquely, users can now also use browsers on iPads, smart phones, large screen SmartTVs and other devices to connect to their remote Linux or Unix applications. “Outside the office, you often don’t have immediate access to a device with a PC X server installed. But most people do carry tablets and smart phones. Now they can check in on their Linux sessions using those devices as well,” Schoch said. “FastX vastly expands the range of devices for accessing Linux.”
Besides the browser, FastX also comes with a client that can be downloaded from the FastX Server. During its beta test phase, several StarNet customers reported that FastX performance through the browser was faster than any other solution they have tried and they no longer need to use a client even if it is somewhat faster. “For optimum performance, the FastX client provides un-equaled speed when connecting to Linux and Unix applications over the LAN or via VPN or other Internet connections. For many users the convenience offered by the browser outweighs the incremental speed increase of the client,” Schoch explained.
Browser access also offers great advantages to IT managers. They no longer need to install and maintain client applications on the many client PCs they manage. “Ensuring everyone is using the same client release can be a daunting IT task. Now only the FastX server needs to be updated in case of a new release,” said Schoch.
Besides the new browser functionality FastX also offer the fastest performance when connecting to Linux and Unix servers over VPN or other Internet connections. The product’s streamlined RDP-based protocol eliminates the data transmission bottleneck that has hampered the performance of band-width-heavy X11 and screen-scraper (VNC) solutions. With FastX you can now connect to Linux servers anywhere in the world and work productively.
FastX can be downloaded with a 30-day free evaluation license from the StarNet website. FastX lists at $295 in single license quantity. Volume, government and educational discounts are available. StarNet offers named-user and floating (concurrent) users licensing options. FastX can be downloaded for evaluation from http://www.starnet.com/fastx/download.php
StarNet Communications Corp., founded in 1989, develops and markets X Windows Connectivity solutions for Windows, Macintosh and Linux platforms for corporate, educational and government organizations. StarNet's family of products offers cost-effective, best-of-breed remote Linux and Unix display solutions. Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., StarNet is privately held. For more information about our X Windows connectivity solutions, visit http://www.starnet.com