What is Thin Client computing?

Thin Client architecture explained
Thin Client computing is simply when you host all of your application and data on a central server and access it using a Windows Based Terminal (known as a Thin Client).

This is different from client - server based computing where applications and data are stored on different computers throughout an organisation.

Within a thin - client environment, the users experience is as good as using a PC without the disadvantages of a PC. This can also lower operating costs, increase and ease IT support whilst enhancing security, which overall delivers better Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

What can be accessed with a Windows Based Terminal?

Windows Applications

Your users can access the same standard Windows applications that they would do on a normal PC. This is done by simply installing the same Windows applications on the terminal server. This has obvious advantages as you only need to install the applications once, rather than a multiple number of times on PC's.

This type of architecture is known as Server Based Computing and is the most common way of deploying thin- clients.

RELISYS Window Based Terminals can be used to access server based Windows applications and Data.

Web based Applications

Web based computing is where applications are deployed using HTML, Java or a mixture of both. These web based applications are hosted on central servers and are connected over the internet.

Web browsers can then be used to connect to the applications and or access the data. RELISYS Window Based Terminals have built in web browsers for easy access to web based applications.

Legacy Applications
This type of server based computing refers to old mainframe, or Unix applications running centrally using ACSII text terminals.

All RELISYS Window Based Terminals come with Terminal Emulation as standard.

Advantages of Server Based Computing and Windows Based Terminals
Simplicity often carries many advantages. This is true of server based computing, the concept of server based computing is a simple one that carries with it many different advantages. These include:

Manageability - As applications and data are centralised and run on servers, rather than locally on PCs, firmware and software upgrades across the network can be deployed by an IT manager remotely with a click of a mouse.

Cost Savings - Not only are the initial purchase prices for WBTs much less than comparable PCs, but they are cheaper to manage and run than PCs. The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for WBTs is often quoted around 40% cheaper than a PC. Multiply that cost saving across how many PCs run an organisation's system and the end result can be quite staggering.

Security - As WBTs have no storage capabilities and run no applications or data locally they are much less of a security risk than PCs. With no facility to load external data (or take confidential data) or viruses onto the network, via a WBT, this massively reduces the risks of stolen or corrupt data occurring. It also frees up resources so that security can be focused in one area (around the central server) rather than spread across the network.

Reliability - With no moving parts, there is less that can go wrong, and with no software loaded onto the WBT there is no opportunity for software glitches.

User Flexibility - WBTs allow access to the central server and data. So remote workers can operate from any workstation, at any office location, any time.

Virus Protection - With more and more viruses being both developed and spread maliciously and accidentally organisations need to continually spend further resources protecting against attacks. WBTs have built-in virus resistance as they eliminate local storage of data and so eradicate routes to infection.

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