Amazon Web Services Inc. today debuted the Amazon WorkSpaces Thin Client, a compact computer that workers can use to access cloud-based virtual desktops.

A virtual desktop is a workstation hosted in a data center rather than the user’s office. Workers use such machines in much the same way as a standard personal computer, except they log into the machines remotely over the network. At many enterprises, employees access their virtual desktops from a thin client, a low-cost computer specifically optimized for accessing cloud-based services.

“Today it’s complex to deploy the clients that folks like customer service agents or other people using our workspaces service use, it’s not as secure as our customers want it to be … and a lot of times they find those device walk out the door when the employees walk out the door,” AWS Chief Executive Adam Selipsky told SiliconANGLE in an interview.

The newly debuted WorkSpaces Thin Client is AWS’ entry into the thin client market. It’s a compact, rectangular device that workers can use to log into virtual desktops hosted on the cloud giant’s Amazon WorkSpaces service. Amazon WorkSpaces Web, a version of the offering that enables users to access virtual desktops from a browser, is supported as well.

The third cloud service with which AWS’ new thin client integrates is Amazon AppStream. It targets similar use cases as WorkSpaces, but diverges in the feature department. Companies can use AppStream to host virtual desktops, which typically contain multiple applications, as well as to make individual business applications available to employees from the cloud.

The WorkSpaces Thin Client is based on AWS parent Amazon.com Inc.’s Fire TV Cube (pictured), a streaming device originally designed for the consumer market. When attached to a TV, the device enables users to stream content from services such as Prime Video and Netflix. It can optionally double as a smart home management system. 

Under the hood, the Fire TV Cube features an eight-core processor with a top speed of 2.2 gigahertz. The chip is supported by 2 gigabytes of memory and a 16-gigabyte storage drive. USB and HDMI ports enable users to connect the device to home entertainment gear. 

The WorkSpaces Thin Client features identical hardware specifications as the Fire TV Cube, but an entirely different software stack. According to AWS, the device ships with an operating system, firmware and programs specifically developed for virtual desktop use cases. The onboard software is configured not to store files from a worker’s virtual desktop locally, which means there’s no risk of data theft if a WorkSpaces Thin Client is misplaced. 

“We built an entirely new software stack for that device and, since we didn’t have to design and build new hardware, we’re passing those savings along to customers,” said Melissa Stein, director of product for end user computing at AWS. “It’s the first time AWS has taken one of Amazon’s consumer devices and made an external hardware product for AWS customers.”

The cloud giant has also repurposed the Fire TV Cube’s onboard USB and HDMI ports. Instead of connecting the device to a TV, WorkSpaces Thin Client users can use those ports to attach a mouse and a keyboard. That enables workers to use the device like a regular desktop. 

Organizations can manage their employees’ WorkSpaces Thin Clients using the AWS Management Console. According to the cloud giant, the console provides controls for regulating which user may access what application and how. A complementary monitoring tool enables administrators to track which devices are actively used, as well as check if they’re running the latest available software or require patching.

“IT leaders can easily manage their entire organization’s device fleet centrally, and typically have an employee up and running in a few minutes, compared to hours or days with traditional laptops and desktops,” Stein said.

The WorkSpaces Thin Client will be available starting at $195. AWS plans to sell it via Amazon Business, a version of Amazon’s e-commerce marketplace that’s geared toward organizations rather than consumers. Procurement teams use it to buy office supplies, electronics and more specialized products such as auto parts.

“We think it’s going to be really exciting and attractive for customers who are using our Amazon WorkSpaces virtual desktop offering,” Selipsky said. “And this will be a great new choice for them.”

With reporting from John Furrier

Photo: Amazon