Thin Client" and "Terminal Server"

Thin client and terminal server technologies redefines the workstation concept.

Terminals are an uprising solution, being one of the most essential elements in IT revolution at the beginning of this century, that it is based on integrating IT network with teamwork.

In order to understand the terminal server concept, imagine a computer that has attached multiple monitors and keyboards from where it can be operated simultaneously. This computer is the terminal server (it executes all the processes) and the monitor and keyboard are the terminal (which can only display and input data).

Due to the fact that the terminal itself has only this function, it could be a low-performance PC that only needs a network card. Using terminals is an efficient and cheap method of reducing the costs of solutions that require new hardware.

Advantages

For server

  • it is necessary the existence of a server managing all the terminals instances;
  • software updates are made only to server as the terminals don't require software installation;
  • hardware updates made on server have a direct influence upon applications performance performed on terminals;
  • it is the only component that requires protection measures: UPS, possible hardware failures (RAID systems);
  • it's enough to install an antivirus software on the server in order to protect the entire network;
  • simplified and centralized networking administration. All interventions are made to the server, as the terminals do not posses their own software. Administrator's workload is significantly decreased and there's no need for him to move from terminal to terminal.

For terminals (clients)

  • the terminals do not have moving components, such as hard-disks or fans; thus increasing their lifetime, decreasing the risk of malfunctions and generates no sound;
  • no need for hardware performance (CPU at 400 mhz, 128 MB memory are more than enough);
  • no need for hard-disks. The terminal boots from the server;
  • The terminal doesn't have any installed software, the server is the one that provides the operating system and executes the user's programs;
  • While general CPU consumes 250~400 watt, the low power consumption CPU never exceeds a maximum;
  • of 60 watt, which saves almost 90% on the electricity bill;
  • There is no additional maintenance cost for the fans when broken down and there will be no damage from the
  • system shut down when overheating cause by a failing fan; it will be easily replaced without the need of reinstalling the software. (because the terminals doesn't need any software packages);
  • smaller price comparing to desktop computers;
  • small dimensions;
  • inexpensive software licenses;

Restrictions. This solution doesn't performs very well for:

  • audio/video editing;
  • 3D games;
  • image editing applications;
  • audio streams.

The reason for this is that large network transfers, transmitted simultaneously to many users, overloads the physical network (communication channel, switches)

A few questions before investing in this solution

  • Do you need the workstations to have dvd-roms/cd-roms?
  • Is there a need of installing the same programs on each workstation, and not on the server which offers high redundancy for data and protection against hard-disks and power failures?
  • Are your hard-disks and storage spaces used efficiently?
  • Is it a normal situation for a computer to become deprecated?
  • Is it normal to annually upgrade the systems in order to keep up with new technologies and programs?

Where does this solution fit?

These technologies are suited primarily for offices using Office, CRM etc applications, for Internet caffees, banks, commercial centers, data collection centers, production facilities, school laboratories, software development laboratories.