Thin client computing – is it the right choice for your business?


Thin client computing is one of the options businesses have when upgrading their desktop computers. If you are unfamiliar with the term, thin client computing is where basic computer terminals rely mostly on another computer - a server - to perform their tasks. Thin clients are connected through a network to a server where most of the processing occurs. Because it has no hard drive, a thin client terminal can’t operate without being connected to the server, unlike a thick client where the computer does the processing.

This configuration offers several advantages in the right business environment. Let’s examine the benefits and what to consider when determining if thin client computing is right for your business.

The environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of thin computing has become more important as companies look for ways of decreasing environmental impacts. A thin client terminal uses from between 6 and 50 watts, compared with 150 to 350 watts used by a PC. One study of a conversion of PCs to thin client terminals, including the required server and cooling infrastructure, showed a 24 percent reduction in power use with a corresponding 23 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.

Thin clients have been shown to outlast PCs and laptops by at least three years. Besides lowering costs, this means that thin client terminals require fewer resources to manufacture. Without the hard drives and other parts, thin client terminals involve less hazardous materials to produce, less packaging during transport and create less waste when discarded.

Thin client computing provides enhanced security and reliability. With data and applications stored on a backed up data centre server, there is no security problem if a terminal is lost, damaged or stolen. In the event of a natural disaster, business continuity is assured because the data and applications are located offsite in a secure location. In industrial environments, with dust and other contaminants or lack of space, thin client terminals can be ideal.

With processing carried out by the server, thin client computing is more manageable. There are fewer things that can go wrong, and viruses and malware aren’t a problem when you don’t have separate hard drives throughout the business. The simplicity of thin client terminals makes it easier to diagnose and fix problems. It also makes installation quicker and easier compared to PC-based computing.

The range of benefits of thin client computing translates into a lower total cost of ownership. A study by consulting firm Gartner, comparing the total cost of ownership between PC-based and thin computing, found annual savings of up to: Although the benefits can be substantial, you need to consider your computing environment and the potential shortcomings of thin client computing.

If you use computing intensive applications, such as video editing and CAD, thin client computing is not suitable because it can be too slow. Thin client computing is also constrained by connectivity. If the server goes down, users cannot access basic applications such as word processing, databases and spreadsheets.

Employees who are accustomed to PCs will lose their personalised configuration and control with a thin client terminal. Not having access to downloads, plugins and other personal applications might be good for the business, but can decrease employee satisfaction.

Before you make a decision you also need to look at how your computers are used. Thin client computing is ideal for environments where many users need to perform similar tasks. If your computing needs are diverse and complex, thin client computing will not be suitable.

It’s best to seek the opinion of an IT specialist who can help you analyse your needs and the potential benefits to determine if thin client computing is the right choice for your business.

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