The Siemens Virtual Client is a cornerstone of modern industrial digital transformation, bridging the gap between traditional operational technology (OT) and advanced information technology (IT). By decoupling industrial software from physical hardware, it enables organizations to achieve unprecedented flexibility, security, and efficiency in their automation environments.
Whether you are managing a SIMATIC PCS 7 system or implementing Windows 365 virtual workstations, understanding the virtual client ecosystem is essential for future-proofing your facilities. What is a Siemens Virtual Client?
At its core, a virtual client is a software-based interface that allows users to access industrial applications—such as HMI (Human Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), or engineering systems—running on a centralized server.
Instead of installing resource-heavy software on every local PC on the factory floor, the software runs within a Virtual Machine (VM). Operators then use a "thin client" or a standard laptop to connect to these VMs via a remote connection. Key Benefits of Virtualization in Industry
The shift from physical to virtual clients offers several strategic advantages:
Reduced Footprint: Virtualization can lead to up to 80% less space required for hardware and up to 75% energy savings.
High Availability: Through "hyperconverged" infrastructure, workloads can automatically shift if a server fails, ensuring your systems remain operational without interruption.
Simplified Maintenance: Updates and security patches can be applied centrally to a few server images rather than dozens of individual workstations.
Extended Lifecycle: By decoupling software from hardware, you can run legacy operating systems on modern, high-performance servers, avoiding the "hardware-bound" obsolescence of older PCs. Core Solutions and Use Cases 1. SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS) SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (V1.1 SP1)
The Siemens Virtual Client (often referred to as their Virtual Desktop or Cloud PC solution) is highly regarded for its deployment speed and scalability, significantly reducing the time to set up workstations from days to hours. It is primarily built on Microsoft Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop to provide a "Zero Trust" secure remote environment. 🚀 Key Performance Highlights
Rapid Deployment: Setup time for virtual workstations dropped from two days to under two hours.
High Performance: Proximity to cloud resources reduces latency, making applications feel as responsive as local hardware.
Scalability: IT teams can scale seats up or down instantly without major infrastructure adjustments.
Zero Trust Security: Offers a standardized, secure environment that meets strict corporate compliance and "Zero Trust" requirements. 🛠️ Common Technical Use Cases
While "Virtual Client" refers to the desktop infrastructure, Siemens also offers several Virtual PLC and Simulation tools that run within these environments:
S7-1500V (Virtual PLC): A native PLC that runs on standard hardware (like IPCs or VMware) without needing dedicated physical controllers.
Run My Virtual Machine: Provides a digital twin of CNC machines for 3D simulation and collision avoidance.
Active Workspace Client: A web-based client for Teamcenter PLM that users find robust for data management and complex workflows. 💬 What Users Are Saying Efficiency and Speed siemens virtual client
Professional reviews emphasize the transition to cloud-based clients as a massive productivity booster.
“With Windows 365, a virtual workstation is set up and available after a maximum of two hours. It used to take up to two days.” Hendrik Harder, Global Service Owner Virtual Client, Siemens” Microsoft · 7 months ago
“Users could order freely from us without our having to make any major adjustments. We got a lot of positive feedback.” Hendrik Harder, Global Service Owner Virtual Client, Siemens” Microsoft · 7 months ago Complexity and Support
Some users in specialized fields like Building Automation or PLM report a steeper learning curve and inconsistent support.
“Remote Notification setup... is convoluted. maintenance costs and first costs are exorbitant... the training is out of date.” Reddit user in Building Automation” Reddit · r/BuildingAutomation · 2 years ago
“Teamcenter is an absolute nightmare to set up and administer, and Siemens training and support are completely worthless.” CrowdReviews contributor” CrowdReviews.com · 2 years ago ⚠️ Potential Drawbacks
Implementation Complexity: While the client itself is fast to deploy, the underlying software (like Teamcenter or Desigo) can be difficult to configure and integrate.
Cost: High licensing and maintenance costs make these solutions more suitable for large enterprises (e.g., Boeing, GM) rather than small businesses.
Hardware Requirements: For graphics-intensive tasks (like Solid Edge CAD), you still need dedicated GPUs within your VDI environment to ensure full support. or Teamcenter?
Siemens Virtual Client concept refers to the software-based components and terminal access methods used within Siemens' broader virtualization ecosystems, most notably SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS)
. Instead of using high-powered physical workstations at every station, users access virtualized industrial software (like SIMATIC PCS 7 or WinCC) via lightweight terminal devices or virtual machines. Core Components and Ecosystem
Siemens virtualization replaces traditional physical hardware with a centralized server architecture. SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service (SIVaaS)
: This is the primary "turnkey" solution that provides a pre-configured, system-tested virtualization platform. It includes the server hardware, hypervisor (typically VMware), and pre-installed virtual machines (VMs). Virtual OS Clients SIMATIC PCS 7 environment
, the OS Software Client is released for use on virtual machines. These virtual clients perform exactly like real physical computers but run on a shared server. Thin Clients
: These are energy-efficient, cost-effective industrial terminal devices (like the SIMATIC Industrial Thin Client (ITC)
) used by operators to interact with the virtual clients running on the server. Key Benefits for Industrial Operations
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 The Siemens Virtual Client is a cornerstone of
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
A German automotive headquarters designing a drivetrain can spin up 50 identical virtual clients. A team in China connects to the exact same software version (e.g., NX 12) with the same service packs. No version conflicts, no file transfer delays.
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.
Looking forward, Siemens is positioning the Virtual Client as the gateway to the Industrial Metaverse (as promoted at Siemens Xcelerator).
The Metaverse requires rendering massive digital twins in real-time. A local laptop cannot process a digital twin of a city-block-sized battery factory. However, a backend server with 8x A100 GPUs can. The Siemens Virtual Client is the mechanism that streams that high-fidelity twin to the engineer's VR headset or standard monitor.
If you are not on a virtual client architecture today, you will be unable to run the immersive simulation software of 2027.
| Pros | Cons | | --- | --- | | Centralized updates & security | Requires robust network | | Extends hardware lifecycle | Learning curve for IT/OT teams | | Enables true remote engineering | Upfront virtualization infrastructure cost | | Fast disaster recovery | |
Should you deploy a Siemens Virtual Client today?
Yes—if you manage more than 5 engineering workstations or struggle with plant floor PC failures. Start small: virtualize one TIA Portal instance for a pilot group of three engineers. Measure the time saved on software updates and license transfers. The numbers will speak for themselves.
About the Author
[Your Name] is an industrial automation consultant focusing on IT/OT convergence. They hold certifications in Siemens TIA Portal and VMware VDI.
Call to Action
👉 Download the Siemens whitepaper: "Virtual Commissioning and Remote Engineering Best Practices" (link)
👉 Contact a Siemens distribution partner for a 30-day trial of SIMATIC Thin Client + TIA Portal Virtualization. About the Author [Your Name] is an industrial
Introduction
In today's digital age, the way we interact with technology is rapidly evolving. The traditional desktop computing model is giving way to a more flexible, mobile, and secure approach. Siemens, a global technology powerhouse, has been at the forefront of this transformation with its innovative solutions. One such solution is the Siemens Virtual Client, a cutting-edge technology that enables users to access their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device.
What is Siemens Virtual Client?
Siemens Virtual Client is a software solution that provides a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for users to access their personalized desktops, applications, and data from any device, at any time. It allows users to work remotely, collaborate with colleagues, and access their familiar desktop environment, while ensuring the security and integrity of the organization's data.
Key Features and Benefits
The Siemens Virtual Client offers a range of features and benefits that make it an attractive solution for businesses and organizations. Some of the key features include:
The benefits of Siemens Virtual Client include:
Use Cases
The Siemens Virtual Client has a range of use cases across various industries, including:
Technical Overview
The Siemens Virtual Client is built on a range of technologies, including:
Conclusion
The Siemens Virtual Client is a powerful solution that enables users to access their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device. With its range of features and benefits, it is an attractive solution for businesses and organizations looking to improve productivity, enhance security, and reduce costs. As the world continues to evolve and become more digital, solutions like Siemens Virtual Client will play a critical role in shaping the future of work.
Siemens is currently positioning the Virtual Client not just as a commissioning tool, but as a lifelong operational partner.
Once the physical machine is installed, the Virtual Client does not disappear. It remains connected as an Operational Digital Twin. By feeding real-time data from the physical PLC into the Virtual Client, operators can run "What-If" scenarios.
For example, if a factory manager wants to increase line speed by 10%, they can test the impact on the Virtual Client first. Will the cooling fans keep up? Will the material handling robots collide? The Virtual Client answers these questions without disrupting the live production flow.
Furthermore, this architecture enables predictive maintenance. By comparing the real-world behavior of a motor against the idealized physics model in the Virtual Client, the system can detect degradation and predict failures before they happen.
This is where the Virtual Client lives.