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Thin clients
are small network appliances that replace desktop and laptop computers
for easy, low-cost access to servers, server-centric applications
and the Internet. The idea behind thin-client computing is simple;
centralize computing power, data storage, and applications on servers.
Users connect to the servers from single-purpose thin-client appliances
for secure, consistent and reliable access.
Thin
Clients
Thin client devices are optimized to connect to servers over low-bandwidth
networks. They are small, quiet, and use 1/6th the energy of a regular
desktop computer.
A thin-client device consists of a small, single-chip solution featuring
reduced power consumption, maximum Internet compatibility, and intelligent
integration.
Application
Servers
Application servers are high-powered computers with enough processing
power and memory to run applications for all concurrent users. An
application server requires system software such as Citrix®
MetaFrame™ or Microsoft®
Windows 2000™ (or better), to enable processing on the server.
Centralized
applications and processing dramatically reduce the need for hands-on
maintenance. Upgrades, updates, and profiles are set at the server
and automatically deployed to every location with a client connection.
By grouping servers together in a server farm, enterprises can maximize
their return on investment through load balancing and performance
monitoring.
Security
Thin clients reduce the risk of equipment theft, tampering, and
virus infection. The IT department updates anti-virus software on
the servers to protect all computing assets.
Server-based
Computing
With server-based computing, all application processing occurs on
the server. The client sends mouse clicks and keyboard strokes up
the network to the server, and the updated screen image is sent
down to the client. This means that applications that run slowly
on an older computer work as fast as the server processors. Thin-client
devices are optimized for this system.
Server-based
computing operating systems may support applications for Windows,
Java, Unix, Linux, or some combination of these. (At this time,
server-based computing does not support Macintosh applications.)
User
Profiles
Server-based computing allows the IT department to assign application
access by user profile rather than hardware device. This means that
a core suite of applications may be available to everyone (one version,
one platform) By moving applications to the server, the IT department
can better track and comply with licensing agreements.
Flexible
and upgradeable
With computing power on secure servers, a business enterprise can
extend access from building to building as well as to remote locations
and homes without adding support staff.
Compared
to PCs, laptops, and hand-helds, thin clients provide a low-cost,
easy-to-use option for point-to-point access.
Application
servers provide a vast array of computing application options with
sophisticated graphic interfaces and robust security. Rather than
a standard terminal or an off-the-shelf PC, users can select from
connection devices to fit their functional needs.
For
more information on thin client computing, please contact us at
sales@atlabs.com
or by phone at 866-792-2647.
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