Thin-Client computing, also referred to as Thin Client Server
based Computing (TCSC), is a relatively new technology (having
only been around approx 8 years), however it works on a very
similar operational model to that of much older computer systems.
The basic concept of Thin-Client computing is similar to that
of Mainframes and character based Unix computing where all processing
is carried out in a central server, and dumb-terminals were
simply a method of input and output, with no local processing
or storage ability. The key differences between this and Thin-Client
computing are as follows:
- Thin-Client computing uses familiar Windows Interface rather
than a character-based terminal.
- Multi-Server implementations, using Citrix Metaframe, can
be built to make "Server Farms" where groups of servers are
combined together for performance and redundancy
- The Thin-Client servers are not generally the source/store
of the data being used; they are simply a method of connecting
and running the required applications.
- All server hardware, whether it be Thin-Client, Database
or File server ,are in the same geographical location.
Thin-Client computing works by connecting users, regardless
of location, to the server where all the processing take place
and utilising the device they are connecting from to display
output and take input from the keyboard and mouse. In the traditional
client-server implementation data would be sent to each users
PC where they would work with it and send it back to a server.
Due to the centralised processing nature of Thin-Client computing
it has many benefits for organisations.
At present there are two major providers for Thin-Client technology,
Microsoft using the Terminal Services product and Citrix Systems
using the Metaframe product. NETprotocol normally recommends
that implementations of Thin-Client technology include the implementation
of Citrix Metaframe as the extended functionality is in-valuable
in most cases. There are however cost implications for Citrix
Metaframe and so Microsoft Terminal Services alone can be implemented
where budgets are a major concern. NETprotocol at present has
Thin-Client implementations, of both types, for organisations
from 20 to 350+ users.
For a more in depth comparison of the different Thin-Client
servers and the Pro's & Con's of Thin-Client technology
click here.
