CyberKnights

Modern tools.
Traditional dedication.

Console Based Thin Clients

CyberKnights can set up game consoles as full-featured thin client workstations. Equip a 12-seat office with pleasant-to-use workstations for about AUD$13,500+GST all up including broadband internet connection, file server, 16-port switch, intranet facilities and office software. (or add about $300 per seat for locally manufactured no-moving-parts fat clients.

Features

Full RDP5 (MS Windows Terminal Services) access
Full X11 access, including XDMCP
Full character terminal access (SSH, Telnet, RSH)
Flat screen, CRT monitor or low-cost television display options
Up to 4 USB devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner) without any expansion hardware
Ethernet networking interface
High-quality stero sound
Only one moving part
Local applications (e.g. web browser)
Can authenticate against LDAP, Active Directory, Yellow Pages or practically any arbitrary protocol
DHCP or fixed address
Any colour depth 8-24 bits
Can operate as a server for local USB devices (printer, scanner, camera, storage, modem)
Can operate as a "canary" or security monitor
Can operate as a print-to-PDF facility and do other automation.

Applications

Thin client terminal
Internet kiosk
Video kiosk
Point of Sale device
“Embedded” controller for advertising displays
Custom applications

Cost

Cost varies from application to application. We can field these for about AUD$900 each with a keyboard, mouse and 17” flat screen; about AUD$700 each with a cheap TV display. There is generally a flagfall for each batch of about AUD$1000, ranging higher for unusual customisations.

“A disgruntled ex-employee who was in charge of making sure we were Microsoft compliant turned us in to the Business Software Alliance,” [Ernie] Ball says. [...] “We were raided by armed Federal Marshals and completely shut down for a day. Then you have to swear you won't touch any data other than what is minimally necessary to run your business,” he says. “I don’t believe you should treat a customer that way.” [...] The company ended up paying a [USD]$90,000 settlement.

Ball [...] decided at that moment his company would become “Microsoft free.” According to Ball, “Everyone said we couldn’t do it. It took us about one year” [to convert to] a Linux-based network and UNIX mainframe.

“I haven’t had to buy XP, and I haven’t had to buy new computers.”

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