Some of Mother’s Managed IT services clients have recently converted to thin-client technology, and we're getting more questions about what these things actually are!  No, this is not some diet, or worse, a weird new difficult technology. 

 Thin Clients are like stripped down computers; they have a processor, memory, a screen, keyboard and mouse.  They are generally very inexpensive - $200 to $500.  The user’s computer applications, storage and desktop interface – generally speaking the entire computer session – is run elsewhere on a server.  Why?  Why not run the computer the regular way – with all applications stored and running locally? 

The main reasons for switching to thin clients are management and performance. To demonstrate these reasons, two examples:

1. Remote Users.  Acme Bunn Warmers has manufacturing plant in downstate Illinois. The managers must access the ERP systems in HQ.  They currently use a VPN tunnel, but it is slow.  Each time they try to generate a production report, they take a coffee break and return 10 minutes later. The same report takes seconds in HQ. The cause? Communications speed. The possible solutions? An expensive data pipe upgrade, or a thin-client for each user. The thin-client only moves the display picture across the wire – small amount of data – rather than all the information the remote user is accessing.  Result?  Performance the same as if they were working in HQ.
2. Standard Users.  Acme also has a large group of telemarketers and customer service employees.  These users run basic applications to perform their work.  Currently, the employees experience slow machines and there have been viruses infecting some of their machines.  The Cause?  Employees are randomly installing software like iTunes, and surfing the internet, attracting viruses and gobbling up bandwidth.  The Solution?  A thin-client that allows for no user installation of applications, standardizes how their system operates, and limits where they can navigate.  Result?  Fast inexpensive workstations for the employees with simplified management and administration.

There are key events to think about migrating to Thin-client.  Technology refresh – replacement of those old machines, etc.  If you are thinking about replacing a significant percentage of your workstations, give Thin-clients consideration. From a network management perspective, thin clients are simple to manage and reduce your risks. It's not the right solution for every company, but Mother is happy to explore it with you. Just contact us.