A boost for server-based computing

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There's nothing particularly "new" about server based computing, it's been around since the early eighties and is also referred to as thin client computing because of its ability to replace conventional desktop PCs with simpler "thin client" devices.

These, typically diskless, terminals appear to run ordinary Windows desktops and applications but, in reality, the processing is all done remotely on a shared, multi-user, application server. Indeed all the local terminal does is accept user input and display the results, much like the old text-based terminals used on mainframes.

Thin clients were once proposed as replacements for the desktop PC but that never really happened. Instead they're mostly used by task oriented workers - people like help desk operators who only need to run one or two applications - for kiosk deployment and large publicly run organisations like schools, colleges and hospitals.

The benefits

As they are less complex, thin clients are usually (although not necessarily) cheaper than a standard PC. They're also quieter (no hard disks or cooling fans) and inherently more secure, with no local data or program storage, making them a popular choice for kiosk deployment.

Another benefit is simplified management and support, with no need to visit client PCs to make changes when operating system patches or new applications are rolled out. Plus with no local operating system to tinker with, most problems can be fixed by re-booting. Hence the popularity of server based computing in schools, colleges and hospitals.

On the downside you have to factor in the cost of the server hardware and additional software licensing. Added to which, thin clients don't sell in the same volume as ordinary PCs so the capital cost savings tend to be slight.

However, it's worth noting that you don't have to deploy thin client hardware to benefit from server based computing. Indeed it's possible to host individual applications rather than full desktops, and "publish" them to ordinary PCs. An approach that, in practice, is far more prevalent than all-out thin client deployment.

Implementation

The most popular vehicle for server-based computing is the Terminal Services software included as part of Windows Server. Based on technology originally developed by Citrix, this provides the necessary multi-user extensions to Windows to enable it to host multiple client sessions. In addition, however, most users opt to run Citrix Presentation Server (formerly Citrix MetaFrame) alongside, to add hosting of individual applications and for the more granular management provided by the Citrix software.

At the client end users can be equipped with thin client terminals from companies such as HP, NeoWare and Wyse, or they can run thin client software on ordinary PCs. The Windows Remote Desktop included in XP, for example, can be used for this purpose, with Citrix Program Neighbourhood popular when it comes to hosted applications.

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