VMblog:  As a VMworld 2017 US sponsor, how can people find you this year? 

IGEL:  At VMworld 2017 US, IGEL will be in Booth #233 showcasing our powerful endpoint management solutions for the secure enterprise. Members of IGEL's Management Team including Heiko Gloge, IGEL's Founder and CEO; Jed Ayres, President and CEO, IGEL North America; Doug Brown, Global Technology Evangelist; and, Matthias Haas, IGEL's Chief Technology Officer, along with its sales and marketing team will be on-site to meet with customers and partners throughout the event. IGEL is a Silver-level sponsor for VMworld 2017 US.

Over the past three decades, IGEL has risen to become a world leader in endpoint management, delivering our power software solutions via our thin and zero clients and all-one-thin clients. At our core, it is our innovative software solutions that have driven our success and that of our partners and customers. Revolutionary in simplicity and purpose-built for the enterprise, IGEL software solutions are more intuitive, secure and scalable than any other solution on the market.

IGEL solutions that will be on display at VMworld 2017 include:

• IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS)
• IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC)
• IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG)
• IGEL UD Pocket micro thin client
• IGEL OS - powered thin and zero clients and all-in-one thin client solutions (including Samsung's TC2x2L thin client models) 

To schedule a meeting with an IGEL executive team member at VMworld US 2017, contact Nicole Simons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

VMblog:  Is there anything unique about this year's booth setup?  Do you have a theme?

IGEL:  For the first time at VMworld US, IGEL will have an Innovation Theater inside its booth where attendees will have the opportunity to experience live demos and presentations by IGEL's virtualization technology experts, and representatives from our ecosystem partner organizations including AMD, Caradigm, Flexxible, Imprivata, Lakeside Sofware, Nutanix and Samsung, as well as Platinum Partners Entisys360 and MTM Technologies.

During VMworld US 2017, one of the most important things that attendees will learn from IGEL is how to harness the power of our industry-leading unified endpoint management solutions to deliver a simple, smart and secure end-user computing experience. Key initiatives for many enterprises in the coming year include:

• Securing the endpoint
• Migrating to Windows 10
• Cloud onboarding 

VMblog:  Can you give readers a few reasons why your product or service is considered unique? 

IGEL:  There are several reasons why IGEL offers its customers a unique value proposition: 

• Only IGEL has a solution for ANY 64-bit x86 endpoint:
  • Thin and zero client devices
  • All-in-One thin client devices - we partner with Samsung
  • IGEL OS on a stick - plug it in to convert any PC into an IGEL-powered endpoint
  • PC Converter software (UDC) - install it to convert any PC into an IGEL-powered endpoint
• Only IGEL offers a secure OS with a custom partitioning (ask us why that is important at the show!)
• Only IGEL UMS enables enterprises to remotely control all of their endpoints from a single dashboard interface.
• Only IGEL offers endpoint management with more than 7,000 control settings and more than 100 templates to help IT improve productivity and speed time to value.

VMblog:  Why should a VMworld attendee add you to their MUST SEE list? 

IGEL:  Among the top reasons that partners and customers will want to connect with IGEL during VMworld 2017 US include: 

1.      Enter to win a Tesla P100D! This is your last chance to participate in the IGEL Tesla Sweepstakes, sponsored by AMD and Samsung. To qualify, entrants must complete a short survey at igeltesla.com using the code VMW17 and demo the IGEL solution by August 30, 2017 when the contest ends. The winner will be announced On Wednesday, August 30 during a cocktail reception at The LIGHT Vegas nightclub located in Mandalay Bay, featuring Sumit Dhawan, SVP and GM for VMware EUC; Jed Ayres, President and CEO, IGEL North America; and, Douglas Brown, Global Technology Evangelist for IGEL. The event will also be available for viewing online via live stream for those that are unable to attend in person. For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-tesla-giveaway-tickets-36556504489.

2.      Join IGEL and Doug Brown, Global Technology Evangelist for The Inside Track, an exclusive, invitation-only Blogger Meet Up for EUC/VDI VIPs sponsored by NVIDIA and Liquidware Labs on Sunday, August 27 at 4:00 p.m. To request an invitation from the event organizers, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-inside-track-for-eucvdi-vips-tickets-36009045023#tickets.

3.      On Monday, August 28 from 3:50 to 4:10 p.m., IGEL will be presenting in the VMware Solutions Exchange Theatre, located on the show floor on "Speed Deployment of View and Save Millions with IGEL's UD Pocket." During the session, IGEL will demonstrate how the IGEL UD Pocket can be used to radically simplify access to VMware Horizon View. As part of the demonstration, we will show the audience how an old PC, a Mac and a thin client can all be converted to IGEL OS and automatically configured to securely access VMTestDrive in minutes.

4.      IGEL will be hosting an exclusive "Eat.Drink.Innovate" Happy Hour with Login VSI and Nutanix at Border Grill Mandalay Bay on Monday, August 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. To register for this event visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-login-vsi-nutanix-exclusive-happy-hour-at-vmworld-2017-tickets-36009260668.

5.      IGEL will have two executive meeting Suites in the Four Seasons in the Mandalay Bay for private meetings with the IGEL executive and technical team. Interested partners and customers should contact Nicole Simons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

VMblog:  What do you like most about sponsoring VMworld?  Why was this a must sponsor event for your company this year?

IGEL:  Some of the top reasons why VMworld is a must sponsor event for IGEL this year include: 

1.     There are TWO big desktop virtualization events each year and VMworld is the biggest.

2.     This event brings together the leaders in the VDI space - our core target market.

3.     Many of our customers and partners are here, making is easier for us to set up meetings that help to drive our business forward.

4.     We have found that nearly every other company we talk to at this event is interested in virtualization, or some part of the desktop computing experience - an area where IGEL can add great value for enterprises.

VMworld is also an important event for IGEL this year in particular because as enterprises look to finalize their Windows 10 migration plans, VDI is becoming a very attractive option, and IGEL has the best solution for endpoint management - one that is simple, smart and secure. The fact is, Windows belongs in the datacenter where it can be managed effectively - you don't hear of WannaCry or Petya infecting Windows Servers, it always the Windows endpoint that is the weakest link. IGEL puts a secure, Linux-based IGEL OS on the desktop, so no malware or virus can infect the system. 

Last, but not least, one of the things we like most about sponsoring VMworld is that the VMware folks are fun to be with! 

VMblog:  Can you give VMblog readers a sneak peek as to what you will be showing off at your booth this year?  What should attendees expect to see and hear at your booth?

IGEL:  VMworld US 2017 is an exciting event for us, primarily because we will be announcing the winner of the IGEL Tesla Sweepstakes on Thursday, August 30 at The LIGHT Vegas nightclub in Mandalay Bay. Registration for the event is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-tesla-giveaway-tickets-36556504489. 

Visitors to IGEL booth #233 will also have the opportunity to learn about some new features and capabilities of the IGEL OS that we'll be unveiling at the show, hear about the benefits of becoming an IGEL Platinum Partner, and find out what's new with IGEL and our ecosystem partners, including Caradigm, Imprivata and Lakeside Software. 

From a technology perspective, what IGEL and Lakeside Software are doing to optimize performance, accelerate migration to VDI, and facilitate Windows 10 migrations is a must see.  Stop by our booth #233 to get an update. 

VMblog:  How does your company and product fit within the VMware ecosystem?

IGEL:  IGEL's unified endpoint management solutions, including the IGEL Universal Desktop thin clients, IGEL IZ-series zero clients, IGEL all-in-one thin client solutions, the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter and the IGEL UD Pocket can all be used to deliver VMware-based virtual desktops and virtual applications to end-users. 

VMblog:  What are you looking forward to most at VMworld this year?

IGEL:  This year, we are looking forward to connecting with our partners and customers and getting an update on the VMware roadmap so that we can identify new synergies between IGEL and VMware. 

We'll be launching the IGEL UD Pocket as an enabling/onboarding solution for VMTestDrive which we think will be of great interest to partners and prospects looking at VMware Horizon View, and who want to accelerate their adoption of the technology.  

VMblog:  How many times have you sponsored VMworld before?  And what keeps you coming back?

IGEL:  We've been attending and sponsoring this event for many years. What brings us back each year is the strong alliances we have with VMware and its ecosystem partners.  Several of our team can remember attending the first VMworld in San Diego back in 2004, it's a delight to see how things have progressed over the years.

VMblog:  How has exhibiting at VMworld helped your company's bottom line?

IGEL:   

• VMware Horizon View and Workspace ONE are maturing rapidly as a delivery platform for VDI and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS). We see more and more customers seeking to reduce IT hassles, and that is what IGEL focuses on.
• The IT connections and discussions we have at VMworld are invaluable to develop our customer relationships to ensure we are well positioned for the future.
• VMworld is a great event to learn more about the direction the industry is taking, so we can remain on the cutting edge.
• Core to the bottom line is sales and VMworld help us to accelerate and close large deals.

VMblog:  What do you think we need to do collectively as an ecosystem to strengthen the industry?

IGEL:  Major Enterprises are always going to run their own infrastructure - because they need and want the control that comes from being able to do that. However, for smaller organization, and educational establishments, VDI is hard work and IGEL believes that most SMB layers will migrate to Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS). We need to be working as an industry to simplify and enable customers' migration to the cloud for desktops.

VMblog:  What do you hope to come away with from exhibiting at VMworld?

IGEL:  A successful VMworld means that we will leave having had many conversations with partners, customers and IT administrators who currently face challenges when it comes to running their mixed infrastructure environments. We look forward to demonstrating our proven expertise in workspace management, and effectively communicating the benefits we offer for VMware-based VDI environments.

VMblog:  Attendees always enjoy a good trade show tchotchke.  Are you guys giving away anything special or interesting this year, besides the awesome Tesla, of course?

IGEL:  IGEL will be giving away IGEL UD Pocket Demo Sticks...while supplies last. We will also have a limited quantity of IGEL hedgehogs, available on a first come, first serve basis. 

VMblog:  Are you guys throwing or involved with any type of party during the week of the event?  Can you share the details? 

IGEL:   

1.      IGEL will participate in The Inside Track, an exclusive, invitation-only event for EUC/VDI VIPs sponsored by NVIDIA and Liquidware Labs on Sunday, August 27 at 4:00 p.m. To request an invitation from the event organizers, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-inside-track-for-eucvdi-vips-tickets-36009045023#tickets.

2.      On Monday, August 28 from 3:50 to 4:10 p.m., IGEL will be presenting in the VMware Expo Theatre on "Speed Deployment of View and Save Millions with IGEL's UD  Pocket.

3.      On Monday, August 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. IGEL will be hosting an exclusive "Eat.Drink.Innovate" Happy Hour with Login VSI and Nutanix at Border Grill Mandalay Bay. To register for this event visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-login-vsi-nutanix-exclusive-happy-hour-at-vmworld-2017-tickets-36009260668.

4.      IGEL will be announcing with winner of the Tesla Sweepstakes on Wednesday, August 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during a reception at The LIGHT Vegas nightclub located in Mandalay Bay. The event will also be available for viewing online via live stream. To register for this event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-tesla-giveaway-tickets-36556504489.

VMblog:  Every year, we talk about "this is the year of VDI."  But this year, things really do feel different.  Why is that?  

IGEL:  There are many good and obvious reasons why enterprises all over the world are moving to virtual workspaces. Easier management, lower running costs, better use of resources. Mobility, for example, is fast becoming a major driving force behind enterprise purchasing decisions, and a virtual workplace is very well suited to accommodating this trend.

Virtual workplaces are also better for the environment, with market analysts at Gartner estimating that the IT industry's share of global CO2 emissions is at 2 percent. Recent studies conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology in Germany, revealed that a combination of IGEL thin clients and virtual desktops based on VMware View proved to have 47 percent less of an environmental impact than a similar, PC-based environment.

Furthermore, a virtual desktop infrastructure is cheaper to purchase and cheaper to run than a standard desktop environment, with thin clients costing substantially less than their ‘fat' counterparts, and running at as little as 1 watt of power when idle. Thin clients on average use between 61 and 77 percent less power than PCs.

Still on the cost-savings front, an IGEL thin client running Linux also avoids Microsoft OS licensing costs, and there are no AV or weekly patch management issues to consider which makes administration much easier. So in essence, a virtual desktop environment running thin clients can offer mobility and convenience, as well as a cheaper, greener alternative to traditional desktop computing.

VMblog:  I think VMworld attendees are also going to be interested in thin client devices.  Can you spell out some of the benefits of thin clients in 2017 as we approach the show?

IGEL:  There are many reasons why a thin client, operating in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) deployment, offer a better way to work. Think easy-of-use, fast to install, cheaper to buy, remote management, automated security, just for a start. However, there are a whole host of environmental reasons as well, which have a lot of appeal for companies trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

For starters, a thin client uses a whole lot less energy than a traditional, or ‘fat' PC. Many use as little as 15 watts per hour, compared to the PC, which uses between 80 and 250 watts per hour. When they're asleep a thin client can use as little as 1 watt per hour, yet still boot up and be ready to go within a couple of seconds. Already that environmental footprint is shrinking, not to mention the power bill. But onward, because there is a whole lot more.

Since the thin client uses much less power, it does not need a fan to keep it cool, so it has no moving parts. Therefore, it tends to last longer, since there are fewer components at work inside each box. This means that there will be fewer new devices being manufactured in the world, and not as many production lines, using fewer materials and producing the unwanted by-products of assembly.

Moving on from that premise, there will be fewer planes, trains and automobiles on the road, using up precious resources and burning fossil fuels delivering hardware, so again our footprint continues to shrink. Since they are more reliable than PCs, there are also fewer technicians driving around fixing hardware.

Form factor also fills into the previous statement - since thin clients are inherently smaller than their ‘fat' counterparts, more can be shipped at one time, consolidating freight costs and saving more resources.

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Make sure to visit with IGEL while at VMworld this year to find out more!  And definitely make sure to grab one of those IGEL UD Pocket Demo Sticks, while supplies last. And you have to come by and see the Tesla... you did sign up for your chance to win already, didn't you?