Siemens Virtual Client New! Now

The "Siemens Virtual Client" is not a single standalone product but a key architectural feature found in Siemens' virtualization and remote operation solutions, notably within SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS) and syngo Virtual Cockpit.

It allows users to access high-performance desktops, control systems, or medical scanners from energy-saving, low-cost "thin clients" or standard web browsers. Key Features and Capabilities

Centralized Resource Management: Processing power and data storage are consolidated on a central server, allowing multiple virtual clients to share hardware resources efficiently.

Hardware Independence: Users can access the Siemens environment (like the TIA Selection Tool) from any device, including personal laptops or dedicated industrial thin clients.

Zero Trust Security: Recent implementations integrate with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop to enforce strict security and clear separation between professional and private data.

Remote Expertise (Medical): In medical settings, the syngo Virtual Cockpit allows experts to remotely operate or assist with scanners (MRI, CT, PET) at multiple locations simultaneously.

Reduced Operational Costs: By using thin clients rather than full workstations, organizations save on energy, investment costs, and long-term maintenance.

Optimized Performance: Features like "Dirty Region Tracking" ensure that only modified screen sections are transmitted over the network, reducing bandwidth usage for mobile or remote connections. Common Use Cases syngo Virtual Cockpit - Siemens Healthineers USA

The Siemens Virtual Client is a core component of the SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS) platform, designed to modernize industrial automation by decoupling software from physical hardware. This technology enables operators to run critical SIMATIC PCS 7 components—such as engineering stations and OS clients—as virtual machines (VMs) on a centralized, high-performance server. Key Benefits of the Virtual Client

By shifting from traditional industrial PCs to a virtualized architecture, companies can achieve significant operational improvements:

Reduced Lifecycle Costs: Virtualization can lead to up to 80% less space required and 75% energy savings by consolidating multiple physical machines onto a single server.

High Availability: Integrated hyperconverged infrastructure ensures that systems remain operational without interruption; if a server fails, workloads are automatically shifted to maintaining uptime.

Centralized Management: IT/OT experts can remotely manage and monitor the infrastructure throughout its entire lifecycle, simplifying updates and maintenance.

Scalability & Flexibility: New operator stations can be deployed quickly using low-cost thin clients connected to additional VMs, rather than purchasing and installing new industrial computers. Core Architecture and Features

The Siemens Virtual Client ecosystem utilizes several advanced technologies to bridge the gap between IT and OT:

Virtual Machine Isolation: A hypervisor (typically VMware vSphere) manages hardware resources and dynamically allocates them to virtual machines, isolating the operating system and software from the physical host.

Remote Access: Operators access these virtual environments via VMware vSphere Client or remote desktop protocols (RDP), ensuring secure and efficient interaction from any terminal. siemens virtual client

Virtual PLCs: Technologies like the SIMATIC S7-1500V allow users to deploy hardware-independent controllers as Industrial Edge apps, further enabling software-defined automation. Industrial Use Cases

The Siemens Virtual Client is instrumental in several modern manufacturing strategies: Tecnomatix customer case studies - Siemens

environment. This setup allows users to run powerful 3D design tools on lightweight "thin client" devices or remote workstations by offloading the heavy processing and graphics rendering to a centralized virtual server. SIEMENS Community Core Concept: Solid Edge in a Virtual Environment

While Solid Edge is a desktop-based 3D CAD application, Siemens supports its use in virtualized settings under specific hardware certifications. SIEMENS Community Centralized Processing:

The "client" software runs on a virtual machine (VM) rather than the user's physical hardware. Graphic Requirements:

Successful deployment requires dedicated graphics processors (such as NVIDIA GRID

) within the VDI environment to handle 3D modeling and rendering. Remote Access:

It enables "work-from-anywhere" capabilities, allowing engineers to access high-end design environments via VPN or cloud-based connections without needing a high-performance local PC. SIEMENS Community Benefits of the Virtual Client Approach Resource Efficiency:

Large modeling projects can be managed on centralized servers, reducing the need for expensive, high-spec workstations for every employee. Data Security and Management:

Keeping files on a central server within the virtual environment simplifies data management and enhances security compared to local file storage. Collaboration: Integrated tools like Designcenter Solid Edge

(formerly Solid Edge X) leverage cloud and virtual capabilities to improve collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders by up to 20%. SIEMENS Community Use Cases in Digital Transformation

Introduction

Siemens Virtual Client (SVC) is a software solution developed by Siemens AG, a German multinational conglomerate. SVC is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution that enables users to access their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device, while maintaining high performance, security, and reliability.

Overview

Siemens Virtual Client is designed to provide a seamless and secure user experience, allowing users to access their virtual desktops and applications from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. SVC supports various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Key Features

Some of the key features of Siemens Virtual Client include:

1. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): SVC provides a centralized and virtualized desktop environment, allowing users to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device.
2. Device Independence: Users can access their virtual desktops and applications from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
3. High-Performance Graphics: SVC supports high-performance graphics, making it suitable for graphics-intensive applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering.
4. Security: SVC provides robust security features, including encryption, authentication, and access control, to ensure that user data is protected.
5. Scalability: SVC is designed to scale to meet the needs of large enterprises, supporting thousands of users and devices.

Benefits

The benefits of using Siemens Virtual Client include:

1. Increased Productivity: Users can access their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device, increasing productivity and flexibility.
2. Improved Security: SVC provides robust security features, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
3. Reduced Costs: SVC can help reduce costs associated with hardware and software maintenance, as well as energy consumption.
4. Enhanced Collaboration: SVC enables users to collaborate more effectively, regardless of their location or device.

Use Cases

Siemens Virtual Client is suitable for various industries and use cases, including:

1. Manufacturing: SVC can be used to provide virtual desktops and applications to manufacturing engineers, designers, and operators.
2. Healthcare: SVC can be used to provide secure and compliant access to electronic health records (EHRs) and medical applications.
3. Energy and Utilities: SVC can be used to provide virtual desktops and applications to engineers, operators, and technicians in the energy and utilities sector.

Conclusion

Siemens Virtual Client is a powerful and flexible VDI solution that provides a seamless and secure user experience. With its high-performance graphics, robust security features, and scalability, SVC is suitable for various industries and use cases. As the trend towards remote work and digital transformation continues to grow, Siemens Virtual Client is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of enterprises.

Sources

1. Siemens AG. (2022). Siemens Virtual Client. Retrieved from https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/software/siemens-virtual-client.html
2. VMware. (2022). Siemens Virtual Client Datasheet. Retrieved from https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/vmware/en_US/company/partners/siemens-virtual-client-datasheet.pdf

The Siemens virtual client concept primarily refers to SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS)

, a pre-configured solution that decouples industrial software from physical hardware. In this environment, a "Virtual Client" is a virtual machine (VM) running specific automation tasks, such as an Operator Station (OS) client or an Engineering Station (ES). Core Components and Architecture

The virtual client architecture is built on an industrial data center model that consolidates multiple physical systems into a single server environment. Virtual Machines (VMs):

These act as the virtual clients. They are pre-installed with SIMATIC PCS 7

software and are configured based on their role (e.g., OS client, web server). Hypervisor Layer: Siemens typically uses VMware vSphere (ESXi) or, in specific cases, Microsoft Hyper-V to manage the virtual hardware and resource allocation. Thin Clients:

Physical hardware used by operators to access the virtual clients. Remote access is often managed via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Networking:

Communication is segmented into various buses, including the plant bus (for automation systems) and terminal bus (for client-server communication). Key Benefits Impact on Operations Centralized Management

Reduces administrative costs by merging several systems onto one server. Hardware Independence The "Siemens Virtual Client" is not a single

Allows for easy transfer of virtual machines to new hardware, minimizing downtime during upgrades. Increased Security

Centralized rights management and reduced attack surface on thin clients enhance overall plant security. Lifecycle Services

Siemens provides a "single source" solution, including hardware, software, and long-term technical support. Specialized Virtual Clients

Beyond general automation, Siemens offers specialized virtual environments:

syngo Virtual Cockpit: Modality and Steering Client Scenario

* IT. * Radiographer. * Radiologist. * Technologist. * IT Specialist. * Radiology Technologist. Siemens Healthineers Academy

PCS 7 Virtualization - Project Engineering and Configuration - Support

Title: Unlocking the Future of Automation: A Deep Dive into the Siemens Virtual Client

Subtitle: How virtualization is changing the game for engineers, operators, and IT/OT integration.

Introduction

In the world of industrial automation, change is the only constant. Engineering teams are under pressure to reduce downtime, secure legacy systems, and enable remote work—all without compromising performance.

Enter the Siemens Virtual Client concept. Whether you are leveraging a SIMATIC Industrial Thin Client, a virtualized STEP 7 environment, or a cloud-based engineering workstation, Siemens is pushing the boundaries of what "client" means in Industry 4.0.

But what exactly is a Siemens Virtual Client, and why should your plant floor care? Let’s break it down.

8. Future Outlook (2025–2030)

Siemens is actively moving toward “virtual PLCs” and digital twins accessible via generic clients. The acquisition of Aveva (now combined software) and expansion of the Siemens Xcelerator platform suggests that the “virtual client” will evolve into a browser-based, zero-install portal for the entire industrial lifecycle – from design to maintenance.

Scenario 2: The Remote Engineering Hub

A global automotive manufacturer has engineering teams in Germany, China, and Mexico. Instead of replicating TIA Portal licenses across three continents, they host a central VM farm in Germany. Engineers in Mexico use SVC endpoints to access the German-hosted TIA Portal with sub-150ms latency, thanks to WAN optimization protocols.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Siemens Virtual Client Environment

For IT managers planning a pilot, here is the high-level workflow: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) : SVC provides a

1. Hardware Audit: Assess the required CPU/RAM for your specific Siemens apps (TIA Portal needs 16GB+; NX needs vGPU).
2. Hypervisor Installation: Deploy VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V.
3. Golden Image Creation: Build a Windows 10/11 LTSC VM, install all Siemens software (TIA, WinCC, Startdrive), and optimize the OS for VDI (disable animations, set power plan to high).
4. GPU Passthrough: Configure vGPU profiles (e.g., "grid_v100q-4q") to allocate 4GB of VRAM per user.
5. Broker Configuration: Install the connection broker (e.g., VMware Horizon or Citrix) and point it to the Siemens License Server IP.
6. Client Deployment: Deploy thin clients on the factory floor running the Siemens Virtual Client Agent (a lightweight wrapper for PCoIP).