OSfOM

The Sun Ray 3i: A Modern Thin Client As the Sun Ray thin client line evolved, Sun Microsystems, and later Oracle, introduced newer models with updated technology and features. The Sun Ray 3i, released under Oracle's ownership, represented a more modern iteration of the integrated thin client concept, building upon the foundation laid by earlier models like the Sun Ray 170. The Sun Ray 3i continued the design philosophy of integrating the thin client hardware directly into an LCD monitor. It featured a larger 21.5-inch widescreen LCD display with a higher resolution of 1920x1080, providing a more contemporary desktop experience compared to the 17-inch, 1280x1024 displays of previous integrated models. Under the hood, the Sun Ray 3i was powered by a 660MHz RMI Alchemy Au1380 processor, a dedicated media processor designed for thin client applications. It included 256MB of DDR2 memory. Connectivity options were updated to include Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB 2.0 ports, and audio jacks. The integrated smart card reader remained a central feature, enabling the seamless hot-desking capability that was a hallmark of the Sun Ray system. The Sun Ray 3i operated within the Sun Ray (later Oracle) Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), relying on central servers running Sun Ray Server Software to deliver desktop sessions. This architecture continued to provide the benefits of centralized management, enhanced security, and simplified deployment. Released in a market increasingly dominated by other thin client solutions and evolving VDI technologies, the Sun Ray 3i represented Oracle's commitment to the Sun Ray platform for a period. It offered a modern form factor and improved display capabilities for users within the Sun Ray ecosystem. However, like the rest of the Sun Ray product line, the 3i was eventually discontinued as Oracle shifted its focus. The Sun Ray 3i stands as one of the later models in the Sun Ray series, showcasing the evolution of the integrated thin client concept with updated hardware and a larger, higher-resolution display for a more modern desktop experience.