Understand Thin Computing

What is Thin Computing?

Thin computing is a computer system where the terminals or PC have very little or no processing power and hard disk capacity. Information and applications are stored on one central computer that can be accessed via the internet or through the company’s network.

The idea of thin computing is similar to the days of the mainframe computer in the 1960s and 70s before the development of the PC. The big difference today is that the latest PC applications work on a thin computer (also known as a thin client) so that organisations get the benefits of a PC, plus the benefits of a centrally managed and maintained system.

A PC (also known as a desktop computer) has a screen, keyboard, mouse, processor (the brain which gives the PC the ability to access information and makes calculations) and hard disk, which allow personnel to work with applications and information such as word processing, email and spreadsheets.

While PCs are relatively inexpensive, it is important to note that as more PCs are required, the cost of supporting and maintaining also increases. This involves keeping them up to date with the latest security software so that your business is protected, backing up the data and dealing with any problems they have. In addition, if your business depends on PCs to operate, the business cost of a faulty PC can be significant.

Thin Computing is a very Green, very ROI based technology and there is a battle going on to become the worlds leading Thin Client vendor. Wyse have for many years been recognised as the global leader. However, HP with its acquisition in 2007 of Wyse competitor Neoware could reasonably argue they are now the number one vendor if you base the argument on volume sales. Wyse, not to be outdone have taken marketing’s 4 P’s and ventured into the Cloud with their 3 C’s that being Cloud Client Computing - so the battle rages on. Other vendors competing in this market segment are: Ericom, Netvoyager, 2x and VXL. An interestingly new vendor offering zero clients as part of their green computing message is SUNDE, who are making a play in the SME sector.

The Future of Thin Computing

Like most business technologies, thin computing can help reduce costs. Another benefit is increased security. Rather than having desktops with sensitive data available to any person within an organisation, systems can be secured in an area where people can not gain access.

"Many companies that may use contracted help can have dozens of contractors come in and leave throughout the year," said Mark Margevicius, Research Director at Gartner. "Client security eliminates the hunting down of critical data and information. There is no chance for data to disappear or be stolen."

Thin computing works particularly well for organisations with a number of office locations. Having to send IT staff to remote sites to maintain PCs or fix problems is costly, and it also means that remote staff could be without the systems they need for some time.

With thin computing a faulty terminal can be easily unplugged, and a spare put in its place. This means the user can be up working again within a few minutes.

Types of Thin Computing

The most common type of thin computing is where PC applications are stored and run from a central server.

Another type that can work for some organisations instead of using PC applications is where access to applications and information can be made via a web browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Salesforce.com and Sage have versions of their software that can be accessed in a web page.

The server (or servers) required for a thin client system can be located in an office or in a dedicated data centre.

If you have skilled IT staff they can manage the server, or your IT supplier could do this. Also, some suppliers now offer a service whereby a computer can be rented on a monthly basis. In this situation the supplier will host your applications and records in a secure data centre, and provide the thin computing terminals.

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