Understand Thin Computing

About 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.... [Read More]

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... [Read More]

Why thin computing? - There are significant benefits to be gained. According to an IDC report from 2005, thin computing users studied by IDC experience significant business benefits from a thin computing environment... [Read More]

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... [Read More]

The benefits of thin computing - Thin computing has several benefits. This may make it sound like it’s ‘too good to be true’, and indeed there are some limitations that you should be aware of, but all the following benefits have been realised and proven by businesses during the past ten years... [Read More]

Disadvantages and potential pitfalls - Reliance on the server. In a thin computing system the terminals rely completely on the server for information and processing capability, as there is no other way of storing it locally (as there is no hard drive available for storage as there is with a PC). So, if there is a problem with the server or it is unavailable, users with terminals won’t be able to access any information... [Read More]

Download and Go! - If you don't have time to read the whole Understand section online you can download the content in our ebook as a pdf and read on the go.

Buying and installing thin computing

Five steps to successfully buying a thin computing system – A ‘How to’ guide for purchasing the right system... [Read More]

Ten simple steps to installing a thin computing system - It is most unlikely that you will install a thin computing system yourself, but by understanding the following steps you will be aware of what the process is in order to achieve a fully functioning system... [Read More]

Thin computing case studies

Growing call center capacity while cutting costs - The challenge for management at Hilton Reservations and Customer Care Group is to provide high-quality customer service to the growing number of travelers inquiring about reservations, as efficiently as possible. The company wanted to increase its quality of customer service while decreasing its call center costs, and realized that a work-at-home program for its call center staff could address both requirements. [Read More - pdf]

Challenge: Planning the 21st Century University - Information resources and applications that are fully accessible anywhere anytime are essential for how students and staff work and learn more productively. The problem is standard PCs consume too much power and pump out too much heat to run in large numbers without air conditioning. [Read More - pdf]

An infrastructure that’s made-to-measure - The adoption of thin computing using Wyse thin clients has enabled McArthurGlen to streamline the processes and support of its data communications. It has overcome a number of logistical difficulties in delivering consistently improved communications to all users as well as providing value-added services such as in-store e-learning for tenant staff in areas such as customer service, sales, visual merchandising and outlet retailing. [Read More - pdf]

Keeping with the programme - The adoption of Wyse thin clients in its pathology department has enabled the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust to become more compliant with the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT) and allowed its staff to operate more efficiently. Consequently they are better able to serve the information needs of GPs and nursing staff across four hospitals, in turn contributing to the Trust’s aim to continuously improve services and facilities for patients, staff and visitors. [Read More - pdf]

Questions and answers

What is thin computing? - The fundamental difference between a PC and thin computing system is that with a thin computer, the user has a terminal comprising of a screen, keyboard, and mouse, but no storage or processing capability... [Read More]

How does it work in practice? - The thin computer is connected through a network, or remotely, and can access all the applications and information stored on the main server... [Read More]

What happens if I can not access the internet? - This is one of the down sides of thin computing because you need access to the internet every time you want to connect to a remote server.. [Read More]

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In summary about thin computing

There is a great deal of evidence to support the use and demand of thin computing. It does show that significant savings can be made as well as achieving other advantages that cannot be monetised but that are of value to an organisation.

The main downside is that remote users will have access to their documents and applications only if they have internet access and there are no issues with the server or electricity supply. Should, for example, a user lose a broadband connection then they will not have access to any information.

While the chances of this are slim, you need to pay attention to your organisational and individual user requirements and so it may be a case that you allow some users PC access rather than installing a 100% thin computing system. Naturally, it can be argued that a remote user with a PC who has a hard disc failure or other technical issue will be in the same position, but this still needs to be considered.

Overall, the potential benefits will probably outweigh any disadvantages, but be very sure before you buy.

Glossary of terms

1) ASP (Application Service Provider). - An organisation that rents applications to companies. The users of the applications are then charged a monthly amount rather than having to pay for software in one go. The applications are normally accessed via the Internet. One of the well known business applications is Salesforce.com.... [Read More]

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