Many of you may have heard of amazing benefits from a new technology called thin client or server-based computing.
In an ever-growing world of technology options, it can be difficult to sort out the meaning of such terms.
In this article we explore the meaning, and the practical benefits, of this powerful new approach to computing, as well as a brief look at the two major players in the market.
Put Simply
In simplest terms, thin client/server-based computing describes a shift away from the complexities of the typical modern personal computer (PC)-based network.
While the PC started out as a simple tool which enabled individuals to increase their personal productivity, it has in fact become a rather complicated and bloated device.
New PC hardware and software are constantly being released, creating an endless stream of compatibility issues, both small and large. Just when you think you have your PCs working perfectly, new applications, devices, device drivers,Internet access, etc, are required, and each desktop computer needs to be individually upgraded, reconfigured, or even completely replaced. As a result, what started as a simple personal computer evolved into a rather complex "fat client" network device.
Thin client computing is a response to this constant PC desktop upgrade and maintenance cycle with its high cost and high manpower requirements disrupting the flow of business. A thin client is a "display-only" device, meaning it displays applications that run on dedicated servers rather than on the computer.
Perception
Many people can relate this approach to the experience of using an older style "mainframe" terminal.
These were very simple devices— plug them in, log on, and start working. No one really ever complained about their reliability, speed, or productivity. They tended to be extremely reliable and easy to maintain, with a very long operational life.
The only drawback was the lack of a graphical user interface (GUI) and the inability to run popular MS Windows compatible applications. This is precisely what a thin client does — provide all the benefits of centralised computing, ie powerful servers and simple terminals, with the ability to run modern Windows applications. While people tend to consider display terminals to be old-fashioned technology, think of how much simpler it is to have all applications and data in one place, a characteristic which allows any number of people to share them by simply plugging in a terminal.
What does this all mean? And how can I use Thin Client technology?
Think of how much simpler it is to have all of your applications and data in one place, and, to allow any number of people to share them by simply plugging in a terminal. With Thin Client/Server Based computing you get all of the productivity gains of modern software while at the same time reducing the complexity and cost of delivering them to users in your organization. In formal terms, the benefits are as follows:
1) Lower cost of ownership and maintenance
- reduce cost per user
- reduce manpower requirements
- easily upgradeable and expandable (without interrupting business)
- software updates and additions are done once from a central server and
- do not require desktop upgrades
2) Better reliability
- Server class hardware performs better and fails less often then desktop
- PC's and “consumer” operating systems
- User problems are easily resolved without requiring a technician to visit the desktop
- Simple procedure to replace the desktop device in case of failure
- No moving parts- ideal for rugged industrials environments or for “clean” areas where there should be no particles, dust or noise generated
3) Better Security
- Applications and Data are all maintained centrally
- Disabling a login account disables access to ALL company information
- Files can be prevented from being transferred to local hard drives and floppies
- All user computer activities can be remotely viewed and monitored
4) Remote access to all applications and data with high performance
- Users get the same applications and data regardless of where they physically log on from. No longer required to work from “my machine”
- Users can get the same applications and data performance whether they access information from the office, a remote office, dial up from home, connect via the Internet, etc.
- Sessions can be viewed or shared from any client device thereby allowing technical support to watch and interact with the user session. This can also be used to collaborate with other users and/or provide interactive training.
5) Simplified end user experience
- Simplicity of "plug and go" terminals- connect the cables, turn it on, log in and start working
- User does not need to be concerned with the complexity of a PC, i.e. no way to mess up the system
- Once a user is given a logon account, they have access to all applications they need automatically without the need for a technician to configure the desktop device or user environment
Want to know more
If you are interested in pursuing a Thin Client strategy in your organisation there are a wide range of Thin Client devices available today to choose from. However, it becomes apparent quickly that the desktop is the easy part, you still have important issues to tackle on the server side.
Server hardware choice, sizing and software configuration details become much more important than before and need to be carefully addressed. It is always important to remember that there is no “magic bullet” in this or any other technology solution.
While the benefits can be significant compared with legacy PC networks, you need to apply the same professional practices of research, pilot testing, re-assessment and phased deployment.
Citrix V’s Terminal Services
The two main players in the Thin client Market are Microsoft with their Windows Terminal Services Product and Citrix. Both solutions have their merits with Citrix offering improved functionality over Terminal Services.
Citrix the company that actually developed the underlying technology behind Windows Terminal Services, wisely chose not to rest on its laurels but to continue refining and enhancing their product line until today they have a compelling suite of applications called Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite.
This package consists of a handful of key products that run on Windows Server 2003 and go beyond what Windows Terminal Services itself can do. Citrix have developed a tool to help you calculate your potential saving and ROI with their solution. This can be used online here:- http://www.acecostanalyzer.com/
So do you need the Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite, or will Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services be enough?
Things to consider
- Time, money the benefits of each solution are some of the biggest considerations. Don't just jump on the bandwagon by thinking you can deploy a terminal server, keep your old desktop PCs, save desktop licensing costs and walk away a winner.
- Both Terminal Services and Presentation Server have their own licensing requirements and they're complex, so you really need to do your research to see which one is best suited to your requirements.
- Another factor to consider is that the hardware you use to run a terminal server on generally has to be top quality and pretty beefy. In fact, sizing the underlying hardware you need to meet your current and projected requirements is one of the key steps in planning a move to thin client solution.
Once all is said and done, Terminal Services (or Presentation Server) may be just for you or it may not. But it's just a tool anyway to help you get the real job done, namely, whatever business your company is in.
How can PSU IT Voice & Data Help?
It is highly recommended that you engage a consulting organisation to design and deploy your pilot projects. There are many specific skills and experiences required for successful deployments of Thin Client/Server Based solutions so it is important look for a company with a successful track record.
You will find that these skills will be naturally transferred to your staff IT department as they gain experience in the deployment and maintenance phases of the project. In summary, Thin Client Computing is the next generation of computing.
For the first time we have the luxury of taking the best aspects from each period of the history of computing and combining them into a powerful new approach which simplifies the infrastructure and lowers the cost and complexity of Information Systems.
PSU are a Solutions Provider with a great deal of experience working with customers to design and implement server based or thin client solutions. Our Sales staff have the experience to give you all the information you need to make the right decisions for you, and our engineers have proven experience in delivering whichever solution you choose.
If you are interested in finding more information regarding suitability and solutions available, please contact any member of the PSU sales team on
(0870) 112 1128.
