The concept of the virtual desktop was first pioneered back in the 1990s, but never got off the ground at the time. The main reason was sluggish Internet connections. However, in today’s era of widespread broadband and cloud computing, the idea is proving ever more attractive from both a cost and mobility perspective.

Now, though, the main concern isn’t speed but security, which is why Fujitsu’s Portable Zero Client MZ900 device could be a compelling proposition. Essentially, it’s a USB stick that provides secure access to a user’s virtual desktop from any machine — even those running malware that might log keystrokes or connection details.

Software on a read-only partition of the unit permits sensitive data (on an encrypted part of the device) to be accessed only when the unit is connected and authenticated. Then, once unplugged, it leaves no trace on the host machine.

The device is likely to make a major contribution to productivity in enterprises that have large mobile workforces, or are looking to create more flexible working practices among their employees.