A method for controlling the different power states of a ClientBlade™ from a remote desktop environment is described. The remote user's (device) connects his computer device (laptop or desktop) to the ClientBlade™ (at the Blade Center) via a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which performs minimal video compression and provides an Ethernet connection back to the Blade Center. The user inputs a pre-defined key sequence, which initiates a power state interface (or input screen). The power state interface allows the user to select one of several power states. Once the power state is selected, a TCP/IP packet is generated and transmitted from the computer device to the ClientBlade™. The packet invokes the selected power state at the ClientBlade™. Once the power state is activated, a completion message verifying the power state change is sent back to the end user's computer device.