ThinManager
An overview of ThinManager's content delivery system and thin clients, including OnLogic's TM-Ready systems, update considerations, and compatibility.
ThinManager Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of edge computing, efficient device management and orchestration are paramount. ThinManager is a robust content delivery system designed to streamline the deployment and management of edge applications, addressing challenges of scalability, heterogeneity, and rapid deployment inherent in these environments.
It functions by distinguishing between Sources (content generators like Remote Desktop Servers, Virtual Servers, Workstations, or IP Cameras) and Content (the actual data delivered to users). ThinManager is capable of delivering a wide variety of content from these diverse sources.
Crucially, ThinManager doesn't just deliver content; it allows precise access control per device, user, and location, enabling effective management of content access. Endpoint devices can range from standard Android, iOS, or Windows devices running a ThinManager application to specialized thin clients.
What are Thin Clients?
Put simply, Thin clients are terminals without hard drives that connect to a server, offering several advantages over typical clients:
No Installation or Configuration: They don't require software installation, configuration, or updating, as all connected clients use the same application installation from the server.
Lower Cost & Maintenance: Reduced storage costs and simpler maintenance, as managing a few servers is easier than hundreds of distributed systems. Operating systems and storage drives are common failure points.
Automatic Failover: Thin clients can connect to multiple terminal servers. If one server fails, the client automatically switches to another designated server. They can even run two sessions simultaneously, instantly switching upon failure.
To learn more about ThinManager and obtain training on the details, you can visit https://thinmanager.com/training/
ThinManager Ready Series (TM Series)
The TM line from OnLogic comes pre-configured with a custom BIOS that boots directly to the Rockwell Automation’s ThinManager boot ROM. OnLogic is responsible for any hardware issues, while the Rockwell team can help with anything pertaining to the software, configuration, or setup.
For help with software or configuration issues, click here for Rockwell support.
Note on ThinManager Version 11
With the release of ThinManager Version 11, Rockwell Automation’s ThinManager software no longer boots from Legacy Boot Mode in the system BIOS. ThinManager now boots using UEFI Mode. In addition, Intel does not support Legacy Boot Mode on newer generation processors.
As a result, only the following OnLogic products support versions of ThinManager older than Version 11:
TM200
TM300
TM400
TM700
It is highly recommended by both Rockwell Automation and OnLogic that customers use the most up to date stable release of ThinManager.
Product Line Update (May, 2023)
Software updates frequently bring valuable new features and enhanced security to users, but they can also bring headaches to IT and OT teams who need to implement the changes. As a result, organizations may remain on a legacy version of a given software package for extended periods. However, inevitably, there ultimately comes a time when it no longer makes sense for organizations to support legacy versions of software.
ThinManager Software Updates
With the release of ThinManager version 11 in 2018, ThinManager switched to utilizing UEFI boot mode instead of a Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE). Users on legacy versions of ThinManager require hardware that supports PXE. However, only systems with Intel 4th generation Intel Atom processors (Bay Trail) and older support that feature and thus support ThinManager v10 or older.
These older platforms are reaching the end of their lifecycle and, as such, we are discontinuing them. We are here to help you understand what that means for your deployments and the benefits of migrating to a newer version of ThinManager.
ThinManager Update FAQ
What are the benefits of upgrading to newer versions of ThinManager?
Along with new features such as event-based delivery, REST API configuration, and container virtualization, the most important feature of the latest versions of ThinManager is DCOM Hardening patches to help protect your system against intrusions.
The biggest issue with legacy software is that without security patches, your system is left vulnerable to known exploits. ThinManagers version 10 and older no longer receive security patches making migration a priority.
ThinManager offers some additional resources:
To learn more about the life cycle status of ThinManager versions and what it means to be supported, see the Version Life Cycle Policy
To learn more about specific features with each released version of ThinManager, see the ThinManager History page
To learn about new features of 12.1 and 13.0, see the “New Features” product profile page
What should I upgrade first, my hardware or my ThinManager software?
You will need to upgrade your ThinManger Server first. OnLogic ThinManager Ready Clients that use legacy PXE boot are compatible with the latest versions of ThinManager. You will then have the ability to use newer OnLogic ThinManager Ready Clients that use UEFI boot.
I have OnLogic hardware that I used with earlier versions of ThinManager. Will it still work with newer versions of ThinManager?
If you are using a system from OnLogic such as the TM700 with a legacy ThinManager version between v6-v10, it will still work with the newest versions of ThinManager.
If you are using a firmware version older than v6, you should contact ThinManager for support.
I am unable to upgrade my ThinManager software. When is OnLogic discontinuing systems that support my legacy software?
The TM700 will remain available until February 2024. The last opportunity to purchase other legacy ThinManager Ready Clients including the TM200, TM300, and TM400, is June 28, 2023.
As always, our team is available to answer any questions that you might have about our ThinManager-ready thin clients.
Hardware Troubleshooting
The following sections give an overview of common hardware troubleshooting steps for each TM system.
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