Fuze Takes Meetings To iPad

StarNet Communications released iLIVEx, an X11 client designed to transform the Apple iPad into an X terminal for Linux and Unix mainframes and supercomputers.

The $14.99 app, available at the App Store, lets iPad users connect to Linux and Unix desktops and applications that are hosted on remote Linux and Unix servers. iLIVEx features an ultra-thin data-transfer protocol that delivers LAN-like performance over both 3G connections and securely encrypted secure shell (SSH) tunnels, according to StarNet.

The app includes built-in session persistency that lets users reconnect to their remote desktops if the iPad gets disconnected or turned off, or if the user switches temporarily to a different iPad application, the developer said.

"Engineers, technicians, system and network administrators can now access their remote Linux desktops and applications from outside their office, whether in a conference room or on a commuter bus or train. This takes remote X11 desktop access to a new level of mobility and significantly enhances end-user productivity," said Steven Schoch, StarNet co-founder and CEO.

In addition, iLIVEx gives non-Linux users the ability to run a remote desktop since StarNet gives iLIVEx purchasers a free Linux desktop account on a StarNet-hosted Linux server. With their remote Linux desktop, users gain access to capabilities not currently available on iPads such as viewing Flash-based websites and applications; multi-tasking by working on multiple office applications simultaneously; persistency so they can reconnect without losing work; and switching seamlessly their remote desktops between iPads, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh PCs, according to StarNet.

In addition, StarNet gives iLIVEx buyers a free six-month trial license for StarNet's X11 desktop client for the Windows, Linux, and Macintosh workstation platforms.

As of Sept. 1, 2010, there were 25,000 iPad-specific applications, according to Apple.