In what sort of environment do thin-client machines shine

thin-client

Are the use of thin-clients an appropriate substitute for full workstations? Are they meant for small-company IT use, or are they only useful for large implementations. What are the perks and disadvantages for implementing such a solution in the workplace?

Best Answer

Major benefits of thin clients include:

  • No need to upgrade machines in order to get more processing power
  • Software upgrades and licenses are handled centrally
  • User data, work products, are all centralized - no need to suffer loss when an indivdual PC goes out
  • Virus issues, and many other factors, are better controlled from a central location
  • Ease of maintenance - replace a single box, no data transfer, done.
  • Much more strict control over employee usage of computer

Disadvantages to using thin clients:

  • Additional network load
  • One server down means reduced performance, and possibly loss of usage, for more than one user
  • If new software is needed, more work to install centrally even if only one user needs it
  • Performance on a per user basis is poor - adequate for normal use, but power users will be very disappointed
  • Certain usage models (compiling, CAD, etc) that require a ton of data simply won't work, or will work very poorly

So a thin client shines in situations where the work done is of a simple office nature (mainframe, data entry, filing, telemarketing, etc) - where performance per PC is low.

In those cases the benefits (lower maintenance, more control) outweigh the slightly higher cost relative to performance - in other words, you're paying a bit more per mip on thin clients than you would for a regular computer, but the regular computer has way more power than what's needed, so you'll still save money going with the thin client.

In cases where the user needs higher performance, regular computers will often be the best bang for the buck. Otherwise you'll end up buying a hugely overpriced server for each few users, plus the thin clients on top of that.

-Adam

Related Topic