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The thin client: Rethinking the corporate desktop

The thin client: Rethinking the corporate desktop. Webcast Goals:. What is thin-client computing? Benefits Risks Getting an ROI. Dan Farber. Editor in Chief, ZDNet. Martin Reynolds. Vice President of Research Gartner. Thin client in context.

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The thin client: Rethinking the corporate desktop

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  1. The thin client: Rethinkingthe corporate desktop

  2. Webcast Goals: • What is thin-client computing? • Benefits • Risks • Getting an ROI

  3. Dan Farber Editor in Chief, ZDNet

  4. Martin Reynolds Vice President of Research Gartner

  5. Thin client in context A thin client shifts processing and data storage from the client system to the data center.

  6. PC replacement choices • Extend the life of an old PC • Buy a new PC • Try the thin client model

  7. Thin client characteristics • Move storage and apps into the network • Administration shifts to centralized location • Work is more secure and stored on the network infrastructure

  8. Thin client in context Typically, a thin client includes a CPU, memory, keyboard, peripheral ports, mouse and monitor and possibly flash card memory. They also lack a fan and storage devices.

  9. Are there “smart” thin clients? • Some additional functionality, such as CD-ROM drive or flash memory modules • Choose between fat or thin client • Some applets can be stored on a thin client

  10. Thin-client software • Accesses operating system environments– ranging from Windows-based terminals to Linux and Unix systems • Provides local printing, audio and serial device support • Offers remote management software for support and administration

  11. Thin-client pricing • Cuts hidden management and administrative costs • Costs can be similar to a low-cost desktop PC depending on configuration • Thin client device vary in price depending on the components required for an application

  12. Thin-client pricing • Don’t expect to save significantly on capital acquisition • Pick one that will last 5-7 years • Choose a model that fits well with application needs • Make sure it is quiet and cool

  13. Thin-client pricing • Operations cost high • Determine need and usefulness

  14. Coming Up …. More benefits Risks ROI

  15. Thin-client benefits • Cost of ownership/administration • Save money by buying lower cost desktop configuration • Save money on administration costs • Gartner: thin clients can save an IT department 80 percent in support staff costs.

  16. Thin-client benefits • Central administration and management • Move virus protection to data center • Thin client can be more secure • Performs software distribution over the network • Patch management easier • Eliminates desktop hardware upgrades

  17. Thin client Shipments of thin clients will reach 3.4 million units worldwide in 2007, up from just 1.5 million in 2003. Source: IDC, 2003

  18. Thin-client applications • Call center • Data entry • Insurance claims • Banking applications • Healthcare applications

  19. Types of workers • Fixed function • Paid hourly • Part-time • Factory floor

  20. Data center hardware costs • Addition computing capability needed in data center • Costs can be up to 10 times higher than desktop hardware • Companies only utilizing 15 percent of server capacity • Some extra bandwidth to utilize

  21. Risks • Some employees will not accept thin clients • Inappropriate for mobile workforce accessing servers from non-corporate locations • Cost of PCs still attractive, despite the administrative costs • Lack of awareness about thin clients

  22. Thin-client future The market for thin clients is expected to grow at an annual rate of 22.8 percent over the next five years. Source: IDC, 2003

  23. Deploying thin clients • Evaluate users • Determine employee satisfaction • Analyze work loads of user • Examine applications workers use

  24. ROI: Energy costs • 25 percent savings over a desktop PC with monitor • Data center could absorb more energy costs

  25. ROI: Space savings • Improved office space efficiency via smaller footprint

  26. ROI: Noise • Thin client build for quiet operation • Desktops louder because of fan noise

  27. ROI: Support • Rapid deployment of applications and patches • Cut transit time and telephone time of IT staff • IT staff workforce can be reduced • PC environment: one support person is needed for every 100 PCs • Thin client environment: one support person is required for every 500 client devices

  28. Tablet PC and handhelds • Large market for thin applications • Power saving • Battery life increased • Run sophisticated applications

  29. Thin-client summary • Saves costs • Increases productivity and uptime • Choose the right applications • Flexible for mobile computing scenarios

  30. Dan Farber Editor in Chief, ZDNet

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