Thin Clients

Business Situations That Warrant Thin Client Computing

Is thin client technology right for your organization? Maybe . . . and maybe not. Although you'll need to make up your own mind about thin client computers, here are some common business situations that may warrant thin client computing.

Thin client computing is the latest wave in business technology designed to maximize user performance without sacrificing security or efficiency in the workplace.

Rather than equipping each workstation with its own PC or laptop, employees use thin client terminals to access applications and data from a central server. The thin client terminal is incapable of functioning on its own; it's a computing "shell" that relies on another computer (i.e. your server) to run applications and access information.

Once they understand how thin client technology works, companies of all shapes and sizes use it as a way to reduce costs, limit security risks and improve the efficiency of their IT environment. Thin client computers aren't the right solution for every workplace. But are clearly a number of business situations that warrant thin client computing -- including the following:

• Geographically diverse workforce. Thin client solutions can be especially helpful for companies with multiple locations or a large number of field personnel. Applications and data can be securely maintained in a central location, alleviating concerns about data breaches or outdated applications.
• Virus exposure. Viruses and computer bugs can threaten your entire operating system. Companies that employ thin client technology focus on securing their server without the risk of viral exposure from independent computing platforms.
• IT integration. If for some reason your company is running multiple IT environments, thin client computers give you a quick and easy way to integrate them into a single operating environment. Instead of running their own systems, users log into a central, stabilized platform.
• Security threats. A thin client platform is capable of providing one of the most secure operating environments for businesses. They give IT personnel the ability to focus their security initiatives on server functions rather than tracking down security threats on dozens of independent computers.
• Application rollouts. Another benefit of thin client computing is that it gives your company a tool for rapidly rolling out new applications. Simply upload the application to the server, set user access levels, and you're off and running.
• IT maintenance issues. IT departments are possibly the biggest beneficiaries of thin client technology. Thin client terminals have a reputation for being sturdy units with few moving parts. This translates into fewer service and repair requests, and frees your IT staff to focus on more important tasks.

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