Thin client computing is becoming more popular and not without good reason: The ever increasing cost to manage and maintain PC's (fat clients) is giving way to the large savings on support, hardware and upgrades realized by thin client networking. Our Ubuntu Linux based thin client solution saves you even more in expensive windows OS licensing fee's yet still allows you to run those necessary windows apps,
Thin clients are proven to be an easier way to manage your network and to be more reliable than PC's. Thin clients are based on the principles of server-based computing. Necessary applications are installed, managed, supported and run on the server, not the PC. This solves the problem of managing multiple applications on individual client workstations.
So what exactly is a thin client?
A thin client is a general term for a device that relies
on a server to operate. They provide a display device, keyboard
and mouse and basic processing power in order to interact
with the server. A typical thin client device contains no
moving parts such as fans or hard drives. They do not store
any of the data locally – it is very thin in features
and functionality – hence the term 'thin client'.
A thin client often does not contain local storage and requires little processing resources. Thin client hardware can be a converted old PC, a new dedicated thin client device or simply a new low cost PC with a thin client OS installed.
Thin clients present a user with the same look and feel of a traditional desktop and can run any software – Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mainframe, Java, etc. – allowing for easy integration with the existing IT solution.
How does a thin client network benefit my organization?
Saving money has to top the list. In a study conducted by Bloor Research (http://www.bloor-research.com/) they found that “Deploying thin client technology across enterprises can cut costs by up to 70%”. (http://www.2x.com/whitepapers/Thin_Client_Benefits_in_Practice_English_Version.pdf ) Another study titled “Thin-Client vs. Fat-Client TCO” Gartner concluded that "Thin client deployment also offers a quick return on investment (ROI) with a payback period of three months for thin clients.
Simple cost savings is not the only compelling benefit for thin clients. There are a myriad other benefits to server based computing.
Reduction of capital expenditures.
Thin client devices are cheaper to buy than a PC. The hardware
will last you longer, allowing you to get more value per
dollar. Thin clients last on average 6 years vs. 3 years
for your typical PC. You can also convert your older PC's
into thin clients. A PC running a Pentium II or better would
make a decent thin client in a lot of thin client networks.
Increased reliability.
No moving parts or fans means thin clients have an average
time between failures that is 7 times longer, according
to Gartner, Inc.
Increased security:
Properly run servers are more secure than a typical desktop
PC. Thin client computing removes the need for hard drives,
floppy drives and CD-ROM drives, administrators can also
restrict access to USB flash drives as well. This can help
prevent the leak of sensitive information as well as inhibiting
users from introducing unwanted viruses or spyware to the
network, which increases security and eliminates wasted
time cleaning workstations.
Access from any where in the world.
Productivity is increased for the world's ever expanding
mobile workforce. Thin client computing allows anyone to
work from anywhere in the world. They will have access to
the same desktop and applications in Hawaii as they do in
the office down the hall at work.
Administration and end-user support is greatly
reduced.
A central server with a single point to upgrade applications,
anti-virus and security patches eliminates the need to do
the same on every single workstation in the building, laptop,
or telecommuters PC. This single point of adminstration
reduces administration costs and saves the time required
to maintain thousands of PC's.
Additions and replacing is much easier.
Adding a new employee terminal takes minutes and restoring
a desktop is the same by simply replacing the failed device.
The cost is so inexpensive you can have a couple on hand
for emergencies.
Lessens the risk of data theft.
No longer is a lost notebook or a PC stolen by burglars
a data loss concern. Your company data is centralized and
secured on the company server. Home workers can be prevented
from transferring data between the office and home on flash
drives.
Disaster recovery.
One central location for data. No critical data on individual
PC's meaning the backup or image of the server captures
all the data in the event of an emergency restoration. Thin
client eliminates worrying if Bob in Accounting saved the
last fiscal years spreadsheet to the shared drive.
Energy savings.
Thin clients use a third of the power a typical PC workstation
uses. You do the math. :)
Who can benefit from thin clients?
It would probably be easier to define who would NOT benefit
from it. If you have a need for high performance graphics
(graphic designers for example) or local CPU processing
(engineers, etc...) then thin clients would not be a good
fit. A few examples of industries ripe for thin clients
are Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail/Wholesale, and the
list goes on.
What sets our solution apart?
Ubuntu Linux. A free Debian based Linux distribution with a solid company behind it. Ubuntu is rapidly taking over as the #1 Linux OS. You get a much more reliable OS without the thousands of dollars in software licensing costs. Yes, Ubuntu has the applications that allow you to perform your day to day business operations. Not only do you save thousands in server licensing costs but each individual workstation no longer needs to be licensed as well.
Then there are the maintenance costs associated with running a Linux based thin-client network or any Linux based network for that matter. Costs are less in comparision to the overhead and costs associated in running another OS based network. Linux servers just work. There's no BSOD's, no need for calling in a tech every other day to fix some wierd Windows error, once your network is configured it runs as it should.
Our solutions allow you to do what you do best. Run your
business.
Call us today at (509) 465-1234 for a no-obligation consultation.
