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What is Thin Client Computing?
Many people have heard of amazing benefits from a new
technology called thin client or server-based computing. In an ever-growing
world of technology options, it can be difficult to sort out the
meaning of such terms — and even more difficult to make informed decisions
about whether or not to consider using these technologies in your
organization. This article explores the meaning, and the practical benefits, of
this powerful new approach to computing. In simplest terms, thin client/server-based computing
describes a shift away from the complexities of the typical modern personal
computer (PC)-based network. While the PC started out as a simple
tool which enabled individuals to increase their personal productivity,
it has in fact become a rather complicated and bloated device. New PC
hardware and
Thin client
computing is a response to this constant PC desktop
Many people can
relate this approach to the experience of using an older style "mainframe" terminal. These are very
simple devices— plug them in, log on, and start working. No one has ever
complained about the reliability, speed, or productivity of using a simple
computer terminal. They tend to be extremely reliable and easy to maintain,
with a very long operational life. The only drawback has been the lack
of a graphical user interface (GUI) and the inability to run
popular MS Windows compatible applications. This is precisely what a
thin client does — provide all the benefits of centralized computing, ie
powerful servers and simple terminals, with the ability to run modern
Windows applications. While people tend to consider display
terminals to be old-fashioned technology, think of how much simpler it is to
have all applications and data in one place, a characteristic which
allows any number of people to share them by simply plugging in a
terminal.
The first computers were, in essence, automated counting and calculating devices. Series of number patterns were fed into these counting devices by setting the positions of switches or contacts. The sole purpose of the computer was to calculate according to the set of instructions and data it was given. There was no real-time interaction machines as we know it today, just a string of number going in and coming out. The process of getting information into, and out of, these machines underwent a gradual evolution from switches and contacts, to hole-punched cards, paper tape, magnetic media, and, eventually interactive typewriter style terminals.
These early terminals were comprised of a keyboard for input and a text based CRT display for the computer output. Due the high cost and complexity of early computer hardware, there was an inherent assumption that multiple users would share a single computer. When more users needed access to the computer it was logical to add more terminals, rather than more computers. The power (and cost) of the computer could be centralized in one place while "dumb" terminals provided a way for multiple users to use the system at the same time. This concept has grown to become the character based terminals we associate with Mainframe (also "Mini" and "Midrange") computers today.
Enter the Personal Computer
A completely different approach arose with advent of low cost microprocessors and the rise of the Personal Computer. It soon became feasible for an individual to have access to a computer that was used by them alone, and, it could be operated in a standard office or home environment! While having in common the keyboard input device and text output device of the "dumb" terminal, these units had their own local processing power and storage. The availability of dedicated processing power for each computer user allowed new types of applications to be developed. It was in this era that spreadsheets, word processors and graphical computer games were fist developed. The Graphical User Interface (GUI), which followed shortly afterward, represented a quantum leap forward in ease of use and introduced ordinary people to computing on a massive scale.
As a result businesses and individuals began adopting Personal Computers at an amazing rate. With a minimal up front investment, people could take advantage of the productivity gains offered by these new systems.
While the Personal Computer brought these incredible benefits to millions of people, it still lacked the most important characteristics of centralized computing systems such as reliability, low maintenance, security and the ability for everyone to share applications and data easily. As a result, the Personal Computer has undergone numerous revisions with each version adding additional “layers” to it’s feature set. From humble beginings as a single tasking “stand alone” device (i.e. MS-DOS), the PC has become a complex, multi-tasking “super computer” (i.e. Windows NT). To replicate mainframe like functionality, the PC needed to communicate with other computers. This led to the development of data networks, i.e. groups of “Client” computers accessing the shared resources of “Servers”. The rapid development and adoption of the “Client-Server Network” paradigm offered yet another level of productivity boost and a wide range of tangible benefits for most organizations. However, these very same developments brought with them the high price of increased complexity, expanding maintenance requirements, and, ever increasing costs.
The Personal Computer becomes a "Fat Client" "640K
ought to be enough for anyone" Quote from Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO, 1981 By the 1990's a typical PC network required so many specialized devices and layers of software to function that industry observers began referring to the typical business PC as a bloated “Fat Client”. Studies were done and analysis published about the true cost of PC based computing and the results were shocking. Businesses were spending inordinate amounts of money on never ending software and hardware upgrades. Productivity gains were increasingly being diminished by problems with reliability and compatibility. Manpower requirements had escalated due to complexity and special skills required to make it all work together, and, to keep it running effectively. However, it was not possible at this point to go back to the “good old days” of centralized computers and dumb terminals. Millions of people were getting real productivity benefits from the wide range of powerful applications that had evolved only on Personal Computers. These applications simply were not available in the old paradigm, that is, until Thin Client/Server Based computing came along.
In simplest terms, the phrase “Thin
Client/Server Based Computing” describes a shift back toward centralized
computing while maintaining the benefits offered by the Personal Computer
revolution. Whereas each PC requires a dedicated hard drive, display, and, it’s
own set of software applications, a Thin Client is a display-only terminal. A
Thin Client does not have a hard drive,
it needs no software loaded on it locally, and, it stores no data. Instead,
applications are executed on powerful servers while the Thin Client simply
presents the screen display and gives you a way to operate the keyboard and
mouse. Thin Clients are very simple
devices, you simply plug them in, log on to a server and start working. A Thin
Client need only have sufficient power to render the display of your user
session, therefore it does not need to be replaced or upgraded as new software
and hardware versions are released. Thin
Client/Server Based Computing is
defined by the fact that applications are executed on dedicated servers
while the desktop device only needs to provide the display. What does this all mean? And how can I use Thin Client technology? Think of how much simpler it is to have all
of your applications and data in one place, and, to allow any number of people to
share them by simply plugging in a terminal. With Thin Client/Server Based
computing you get all of the productivity gains of modern software while at the
same time reducing the complexity and cost of delivering them to users in your
organization. In formal terms, the benefits are as follows: 1) Lower cost of ownership and maintenance a) reduce cost per user b) reduce manpower requirements c) easily upgradeable and expandable (without interrupting business) d) software updates and additions are done once from a central server and do not require desktop upgrades
2) Better reliability a) Server class hardware performs better and fails less often then desktop PC's and “consumer” operating systems b) User problems are easily resolved without requiring a technician to visit the desktop c) Simple procedure to replace the desktop device in case of failure d) No moving parts- ideal for rugged industrials environments or for “clean” areas where there should be no particles, dust or noise generated
3) Better Security a) Applications and Data are all maintained centrally b) Disabling a login account disables access to ALL company information c) Files can be prevented from being transferred to local hard drives and floppies d) All user computer activities can be remotely viewed and monitored
4) Remote access to all applications and data with high performance a) Users get the same applications and data regardless of where they physically log on from. No longer required to work from “my machine” b) Users can get the same applications and data performance whether they access information from the office, a remote office, dial up from home, connect via the Internet, etc. c) Sessions can be viewed or shared from any client device thereby allowing technical support to watch and interact with the user session. This can also be used to collaborate with other users and/or provide interactive training. 5) Simplified end user experience a) Simplicity of "plug and go" terminals- connect the cables, turn it on, log in and start working c) User does not need to be concerned with the complexity of a PC, i.e. no way to mess up the system d) Once a user is given a logon account, they have access to all applications they need automatically without the need for a technician to configure the desktop device or user environment
If you are interested in pursuing a Thin Client strategy in your organization there are a wide range of Thin Client devices available today to choose from. However, it becomes apparent quickly that the desktop is the easy part, you still have important issues to tackle on the server side. Server hardware choice, sizing and software configuration details become much more important than before and need to be carefully addressed. It is always important to remember that there is no “magic bullet” in this or any other technology solution. While the benefits can be significant compared with legacy PC networks, you need to apply the same professional practises of research, pilot testing, re-assessment and phased deployment. It is highly recommended that you engage a qualified consulting organization to design and deploy your pilot projects. There are many specific skills and experiences required for successful deployments of Thin Client/Server Based solutions so it is important look for a company with a successful track record. You will find that these skills will be naturally transferred to your staff IT department as they gain experience in the deployment and maintenance phases of the project. In summary, Thin Client Computing is the next generation of computing. For the first time we have the luxury of taking the best aspects from each period of the history of computing and combining them into a powerful new approach which simplifies the infrastructure and lowers the cost and complexity of Information Systems. Steve Greenberg is the founder and President of Thin Client Computing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has designed and implemented mission critical solutions for clients such as Motorola, Lucent Technologies, and, Chase Manhattan. Email Steve at: steveg@thinclient.net This article was the cover story feature in the July 11, 2000 issue of For the Record magazine
Copyright 2000, Thin Client Computing |
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