Commonly asked Questions and Answers

Why do you use Linux for almost all of our products?
Do you have Windows products?
What is a SmartClient (Thin Client)?
Why should I use a SmartClient rather than a PC?
Generally, what are the basic steps to install a SmartClient?
My SmartClient won't boot - what do I do now?
My SmartClient is booting, but does not connect - what do I do now?
Can I print to a printer connected to the client?
What is a DATiX SmartServer?
What SmartServer types are there?
What is the purpose of DATiX?
What is the purpose of the APPLiX Suite?
Generally, what are the basic steps to (re-)install a DATiX SmartServer
Where do I get support?
Can I update SmartClients to a new firmware?
Can I update SmartServers to a new OS version?
What is the licensing policy on SmartFLeX products?

Why do you use Linux for almost all our products?
Without getting into the debate about what is better, Windows or Linux, Linux is providing us with a technology base that allows us to design products without strings attached. With fully unrestricted access to the source code of the Linux OS we can customize the OS to whatever we think suits us and our customers.

Do you have Windows products?
Yes, we offer Windows CE/XP-based clients as well, but they are not customizable and do not play well in non-pure Windows environments.

What is a SmartClient (Thin Client)?
A SmartClient is a Thin Client variant. It is basically a Thin Client with a set of added features to make the solution more user friendly, flexible and capable.

Why should I use a SmartClient rather than a PC?
A typical PC setup is a far to complex and overrated as a desktop solution. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is 50 to 70 % higher than a SmartClient device that has virtually no administration and maintenance costs. The HW cost of both devices is negligent when TCO of both devices is compared. On the HW side, the SmartClient provides a very stable, high quality and rugged device at a very reasonable cost, while a cheap PC is just that, a cheap PC with very high administration costs.

Generally, what are the basic steps to install a SmartClient?
Connect SmartClient to the network. Connect monitor, keyboard and mouse. Boot the SmartClient to its Desktop and enter the Setup. Provide network and device settings, and connection information of the server to connect to. Save setup - Reboot (only for certain setup chnages)

My SmartClient won't boot - what do I do now?
Check that power is connected to the unit via the AC cable and/or external power supply. Check if the Power Light comes on. Record any error messages (if there are any). Contact support.

My SmartClient is booting, but does not connect - what do I do now?
Check your network settings. Make sure the client has a unique IP address and that the server IP to connect to is valid and available. If DHCP is used make sure the server is available and accepts DHCP requests. If in doubt about IP settings, try to ping the client form the server or any other device within the network. Verify that the server accepts remote connections.

Can I print to a printer connected to the client?
YES ! SmartClients can use local printers for their own users printing needs or make them available to other users on the network.

What is a DATiX SmartServer?
A DATiX SmartServer is a SmartFLeX Linux-based server device that can easily be adapted to a variety of different functions. The function can be a single task or a combination of multiple tasks. All functions provided are embedded within the SmartServer's highly integrated operating system, which in turn is completely remote manageable via a browser.

What SmartServer types are there?
Currently we offer two SmartServer OSes: DATiX (Universal Thin Server) and the upcoming APPLiX Suite (Distributed Desktop Server (TM)). Both are available as Operating Systems on CD. In addition, DATiX can be purchased as a plug-and-play product as well.

What is the purpose of DATiX?
DATiX is a universal Server OS that is designed to handle data and/or act as a net-boot server for Thin Clients. The product is designed as a "behind the firewall" Small Businesses Server and/or as a Department Server.

What is the purpose of the APPLiX Suite?
APPLiX is a Distributed Desktop Server OS suite that is designed to distribute the user desktop and applications to the users client device. It is based on a commercial grade Linux OS with NX-Server and a Virtual Thin Client Gateway that brokers connections to the different terminal server enviroment.

Generally, what are the basic steps to (re-)install a DATiX SmartServer?
Verify that the HW is compatible and functions. Insert the Installation/Recovery CD into the CD-ROM drive. Set the PC's BIOS to boot from CD-ROM. Reboot PC and follow instructions on the screen.

Where do I get support?
If you bought your SmartFLeX product from a reseller, please contact your reseller for support first. If support questions cannot be answered by your reseller, you can call for installation support at +1-610-849-0186 or send e-mail to support@smartflextech.com.

Can I update SmartClients to a new firmware?
Yes, our SmartClients can be updated to new firmware revisions. Firmware updates without feature updates are free of charge and are made available on our ftp server by request. Firmware updates that include feature updates may be charged a license fee.

Can I update SmartServers to a new OS version? Yes, bug-fiXes are available free of charge. New release versions are maybe available at reduced upgrade costs.

What is the licensing policy on SmartFLeX products?
SmartFLeX products contain proprietary SFT- or Partner Technology and are therefore protected by applicable copyrights and patents. This is true for our HW and our SW products. It is therefore unlawful to copy and distribute our products without first entering a distribution or OEM agreement with us.