What is Thin Client Computing?

• What is Thin Client Computing?

During the late 70s, a “dumb terminal,” or a computer without a hard drive, was being used
They were similar to a thin client in that all processing was done from the CPU or computer they were connected to
Hosting information in the server data center and granting users’ access via what were called “dummy terminals”
A dumb terminal was simply an output device or display monitor that had no computational power to do anything besides display, send and receive text.
A thin client today is a compact piece of computing technology that accesses data remotely through a connection to a server and brings a virtual desktop to the user.

http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-education/what-is-thin-client-computing

• How Do Thin Clients Work?

Thin clients run an operating system locally and carry flash memory rather than a hard disk.
Since it has no hard drive or local storage, all applications and data are stored on a central server,
Thin clients allow for local printing, audio and serial device support, web browsing, terminal emulation and can combine local processing with network computing.

A major part of a thin client solution is the thin client management console.
The management console,is a virtual appliance that can be installed on your Server to remotely manage all of the deployed thin clients.
It then can create, clone, and push out the customized image to the deployed thin client devices.
This allows IT administrators to freely access any device that is connected to the server, as well as pushing through certificates, software packages, as well as upload full disk images.
http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-education/how-do-thin-clients-work

• Benefits of Using Thin Clients

1.Cost Savings

1.1 Thin Clients Reduce Multiple Costs
IT support costs
Upfront purchasing costs
Capital costs
Use of space in data center
Licensing costs
Total administration and operating cost reduction up to 70%

1.2 Reduces Energy Bill by 97%
Thin clients consume an average of 8-20 watts compared to a 150 watt PC
This reduces carbon footprint

2.Simplified Management

2.1 The Benefits of Thin Client Management are
All software and hardware upgrades, security policies, application changes, etc. can be made in the data center
IT personnel are not required (as they are with PCs) to fix individual problems at the end user desktop location
Less downtime, increasing productivity amongst End Users and IT personnel
Centralized and simplified back up of desktops, laptops, and other client access devices

3.Enhanced Security

3.1 The Benefits of Thin Client Security Include
Thin clients are protected from the use of unauthorized software or the introduction of viruses
Data cannot be copied to a disk or saved to any other location than the server
Centralized processing makes it easy to manage and monitor the system
Simplify security, protect intellectual property, ensure data privacy

4.Increased Productivity
4.1 Systems can be Virtually Preconfigured, Packaged and Put into Operation in Minutes
Quickens setup and enables flexibility, without needing a specialist staff
Productivity can increase, while standard PCs have long repair times that cause delays and higher costs
Access the same apps and data from virtually anywhere

http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-education/benefits-of-using-thin-clients

• Green Computing with Thin Clients

Thin clients consume an average of 8-20 watts compared to a average of 150 watt per PC.
Thin clients significantly lower a company’s environmental footprint by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions during use.
Cost savings from electricity can be reinvested.
Thin client computing also lowers operating and administration costs.
Because thin clients have a longer life span and are in built in a significantly smaller form factor,  they last longer and can be recycled.
Thin Clients are RoHS compliant. They meet the regulation regarding the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-education/green-computing