What is Thin Client?

As the name implies “thin client” services are network services that only require a “thin” network connection to operate. Thin Client services can operate very successfully using a simple modem connection or any type of network or Internet service. Since the advent of the LAN (Local Area Network) network, operating systems and programs have required more and more bandwidth to operate. As newer versions of programs are introduced with more features, the network requirements have continued to escalate. Thin Client services completely changes many of these requirements. Over the past 10 years it has become the norm to expect to upgrade or replace computer stations or entire networks every 2 to 3 years.

The key difference with thin client networking is where the actual processing of programs and data takes place. In a traditional LAN, the processing of data takes place on a server or a client/workstation. In many cases it will occur on both the server and the client/workstation, hence the popular network term client/server application. With thin client networking ALL of the processing for programs and data takes place directly on the server in a session that operates in the resources of that server. The only data going back to the client are screens and keystrokes. This model is similar to a Unix based mainframe with terminals to access data and programs.

With ALL program and data processing occurring on the server, the hardware and software requirements for the client have been dramatically reduced. The requirements for thin client sessions are very minimal. There is no hard drive or other mass storage device required in the client. In fact, the most popular Windows Terminal devices run on Windows CE with as little as 16 Meg of RAM. Any existing PC with any Windows based operating system from Windows for Work Groups 3.1 to the most recent versions of Windows 98, Windows Me and 2000 can all function as a thin client Windows Terminal. With the extreme advances in server hardware over the past few years it is possible to build very economical thin client servers with enough power and resources to support up to 100 sessions or more on a single server.

With the latest version of Windows 2000 terminal services it is now possible to access the FULL functionality of a Windows desktop over the Internet in an Internet Explorer Browser session. Yes, with a standard Internet connection and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher installed, you can login to a Windows 2000 Terminal Server and run any application loaded on that server in your Internet Browser Window. (demo here) This latest enhancement in thin client connectivity brings all of the functionality and resources of the customers LAN and combines it with the flexibility of the Internet.

Thin Client services are very secure as well. All communications between the Windows Terminal and the server are encrypted. Thin client services provide secure, fast, and flexible access to network programs and resources. Thin Client Windows Terminals stay in service until they literally wear out. Obsolescence is no longer a factor where the client is concerned. On the server side, being able to build scalable network server platforms that can grow with the customer’s business requirements protect the customer’s investment in hardware. By preserving the investment in the server portion of the LAN and removing the need to constantly upgrade workstations, thin client networking not only saves dollars it makes sense. It truly is technology that saves money while delivering incredible performance and the latest in application software.