What is a Thin Network Client?

Centralized server

Thin Client PC

Processes + Stores all data, files, and applications

Displays information + Allows user inputs

Functions:

DISADVANTAGES - Security:             Client requires less powerful hardware - Server Cost:             "Buy-in" costs of high performance server can be high. - IT Training Costs:              The reboot methodology has to be replaced with new support procedures.  IT staff needs to be comfortable with registry manipulation. - Potential Single Point of Failure:              A single server can be a SPOF.  However, if multiple servers are used, they can be associated to one IP address by running Domain Name Services.   If one server goes down, the clients will log into a second server transparent to the user. - Client Enhancement Limitations:                 The clients can not be booted in DOS, have PCI cards added to them, software installed on them, or have the serial/parallel/usb/ethernet ports changed by users.  This could be a disadvantage for advanced users and users with special needs.

ADVANTAGES - Decreased Client Hardware Costs:                  Small client footprint / profile requires less powerful and therefore less expensive hardware.  Hardware upgrades are kept to a minimum because the clients' profile stays the same and the server changes. - Increased system stability:             Fewer problems with clients because of minimal amount of processing done on client.  Seperate servers can maintain application and user related data in 3-tiered approach eliminating single server point of failure. - Easy Software Upgrades:            They only have to be done once for each server.  This allows upgades to be done more often if necessary.  Also, there is less inconvenience to user during upgrades because it is transparent to them. - Decreased Service Costs:             Service is easier and less time consuming because most of it is done on the server.  User support and education can be done remotely.

VENDORS - Citrix Systems, Inc.:            WinFrame and MetaFrame.  Single and multiple server software (respectively) that use Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) protocol. ICA is efficient, allows shadowing, the use of local printers, and load balancing over multiple servers. - Microsoft:             Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition.  It uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to communicate over TCP/IP. Its main benefit is that it is cheaper than other products. However, using Citrix Device Services with Terminal Server allows ICA to be used. - Sun Microsystems SunRay - Wyse Technology

Read on to learn about their advantages, disadvantages, and the vendors who sell this solution...

References + Interesting Links Thanks for checking out my informational web page.  You can e-mail me with any questions or comments at mattpfortier@hotmail.com. Page last editted 12/7/01.