What is a thin client computing?

Thin client computing, often referred to as Server-Based Computing (SBC) is where applications are deployed, managed, supported and executed from central server farms. Screen, keyboard and mouse information is exchanged between the client and the server farms. No applications actually reside and execute on the desktop client. SBC delivers instant access to business-critical applications and data at this central point.

SBC is similar in operation to legacy systems such mainframe and mini-computer systems where simple terminals connected to these central systems and accessed applications that ran on these systems with screen and keyboard information being exchanged between these central computer systems and the terminals.

Download our technology brief here.

Why use thin clients?

Server based computing has a very different architecture to a client-server architecture of PCs, where some data and applications are stored locally on PCs spread throughout the organisation.

Server based computing and thin clients can save organisations huge amounts of time and money.

There are numerous benefits that organisations can derive from implementing thin clients and server based computing. Learn more about the advantages of thin clients here.

Which thin client do I need?

All thin clients are basically diskless computers connected to a server-based computing network. Users of thin clients experience the same level of productivity and flexibility as PC users. All mouse clicks and keystrokes are passed from the thin client to the server, and screen views are based back to the thin client using either Citrix's Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) or Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

But which device is right for your need?

Download our easy to follow guide to help you take the first steps in determining what's right for you here.