The rising costs of desktop maintenance for routine functions such as updating software and installing security patches, plus the need to control security threats from both outside and within the organization is prompting a renewed interest in thin-client computing. This technology has existed for over a decade and is really a revival of the centralized mainframe computing of the 1970's and 1980's. This by no means is a revival of old technology. This concept has been extended to the 21st. century to provide a robust server-centric solution that attacks these issues and makes secure remote access to network resources a snap.

Unlike traditional PC's, or 'fat-clients', thin-client desktops rely on servers to provide the processing power. Thin-client systems also differ from 'fat-clients' in that they do not run programs locally. These self contained units with no hard disk, ram or modem, can at managements discretion have printers connected. When attached to the network, the only data that passes through the network to the server are the screen updates. All application processing is done on the server. With web browsers, thin clients can provide all of the necessary functionality most users require, with none of the distractions.

As a result, they have a much lower cost of ownership and can also limit users' ability to steal data from other machines or accidentally introduce viruses. As opposed to PC's, where IT managers must make sure all patches are installed on each desktop, this server-centric technology requires that only the servers themselves be patched. For an enterprise with hundreds or even thousands of users, this time savings can result in a cost saving of hundreds of thousands per year in personnel costs. In addition, the potential for sensitive data to be copied to the desktop and then removed or lost is virtually eliminated.

Planning a move to thin-client architecture does have its challenges. First you have to determine if a specific user base and their applications can function efficiently in this environment. Then you have to properly size your servers to provide enough server capacity and memory to handle the load. And most importantly, a decision must be made on the underlying O/S and remote access software.

Amdex, together with Microsoft's Windows Terminal Server platform, delivers a strong foundation for building these efficient networks. Built on the Microsoft platform, you'll realize...

• Hardware costs savings - Thin-clients a simply less expensive the PC's
• Software cost savings - All workers do not necessarily require a full set of business and productivity tools, and desktop virus and backup software is eliminated. This translates into fewer licenses and hundreds of dollars in savings per user.
• Decreased management costs - Deployments are simplified and desktop management can be performed remotely by fewer personnel
• Software deployment savings - Delivery of applications can be performed remotely, allowing faster and more easily controlled solutions
• Increased scalability - Solutions can be scaled across the entire network, by simply adding more server and storage capability in the data center

The key to a successful deployment is the proper planning and sizing of the data center infrastructure required. Trust Amdex to show you how we are 'Making IT easy' to implement thin-client computing.