Trilight Zone

[digital8]

By: Paul Teodorescu
Posted On: 5/24/2005

It sounds like a tale from our childhood – What is fatter than a thin client, but thinner than Windows XP? The Microsoft's forthcoming "lean" client, code-named "Eiger." Does it ring a bell?

I have recently read on a daily technical news that I subscribed to that 'Eiger' is the stripped-down version of Windows XP and has been designed for business users who want more security and manageability, but who aren't ready or able to upgrade to Windows XP. Now who would you include in this category of “not ready or able to upgrade”? It could be owners of older hardware that simply are not able to install Windows XP or ,according to Microsoft enterprise users who plan to move to XP (or Longhorn when becomes official). It is not a thin client in the traditional sense but an interim, "bridge" solution for a future upgrade.

If you are as curious as I am and “google” Eiger you would discover that it is the name of a mountain in Switzerland.
After carefully reading the multitude of blogs existent out there regarding the code -name Eiger, a new thought was born: what if Microsoft picked in Linux's back yard and seeing how light and resource less is may have realized that it is just about time to help those customers running old PCs and older operating systems. Could it be that Microsoft is using Eiger as a way to stall defections to Linux?

Most of the customers are primarily concerned about security, though some also are concerned about improving the manageability and TCO (total cost of ownership) of these systems. Let' s face it: aren't you tired of Microsoft regular maintenance announcements that simply discontinue support for a certain operating system? Why would I have to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 when my file server is perfectly tunned for Windwos 2000 Server?

Eiger will run on legacy systems with as little as 64MB of RAM, a Pentium-class processor and 500 MB hard drive that currently run either Windows 9x or NT 4 Workstation. So do not hesitate and let's get those old desktops from the closet! You could consider it as a gift from Microsoft that will preserve your investments in your older PC.

It is meant to use the following deployments methods: Unattended setup, Remote Installation Server (PXE/RIS),Systems Management Server. As for Boot Methods , you will be able to use either the Hard Disk, Flash or PXE/RIS.

As advertised by Microsoft, Eiger will bring these users up to par with the level of security provided by XP Service Pack 2, which is more than enough. Having Internet Explorer,Remote desktop connection capability, ability to Shutdown, and restart, land both local and Network Printing, users should be more than satisfied.

In the same time, be aware that you can't run games, office-productivity software (only Office viewers) or line-of-business applications. And say “good-bye” to Dial-up, VPN and wireless networking!

Since Eiger is not yet in beta, chances for you and I to try it on that old Pentium are reduced. One thing is for sure: I can not wait to get my hands on it!