Features and Benefits

Lower costs

The most obvious benefit to thin computing is the cost savings. The development and protection of a complete in house computer network structure is extremely costly. Below is a list of the most obvious cost saving points.

• The total cost of ownership will come down in terms of investment. No need to purchase or upgrade server hardware, expensive desktops are not needed.
• Support costs will fall in terms of administration, large reduction of hours to run and maintain network.
• Software updates and additions are done on a central server. No need to do desktop upgrades.
• Reduced software costs of Microsoft Office suites and licensing.
• Reduce or eliminate office space.
• Improve business efficiency and scalability.

Bloor Research (http://www.bloor-research.com) shows that Deploying thin client technology across enterprises can cut costs by up to 70%. 

Better security

• Thin clients can be designed so that no application data ever resides on the client (just whatever is displayed).
• Enterprise class malware, virus protection and firewalls.
• Central servers located in a high security data center. 24/7 guarded access with video surveillance.
• Nightly data backups.
• No data loss due to theft of thin client systems such as laptops, netbooks and desktops.

Improved reliability 

• Redundant Enterprise servers housed in a Tier 3 data center.
• Thin clients have no moving parts or fans and are far more reliable. Resulting in a better MTBF (meantime between failure) compared to a normal PC. Reported average thin client MTBF is about 175,000 hours, compared to 25,000 hours for PCs.
• Replacing failed desktops is a simple plug and play procedure. No need to spend hours on installing software on a new desktop.
• Controlled user experience. Users are prevented from making critical system changes resulting in downtime.
• User issues can be resolved centrally without the need for an on site technician.

Easy scalability 

• Expanding enterprises, businesses and organisations can rapidly deploying thin client systems.
• Remote offices or new retail outlets can be setup and ready to go in minutes.
• Central servers can easily scale up or down to your usage needs.

Remote access anywhere in the world 

• Users can access their data and applications anywhere at anytime.
• Non platform-specific, users can access from XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Linux, BlackBerry, Smart Phone.
• Ensured business continuity with disaster preparedness such as a flu pandemic or severe weather.
• Employee teleworking options with all critical data residing on the central servers.

Lower carbon footprint, It's Greener!

• Thin clients consume much less electricity.
• Reduced travel to the office by implementing teleworking days and improve employee moral.
• Thin clients take up much less space and can last 7 times longer than PCs.