How is thin client works?

Thin client is an excellent solution for virtualization of workplaces in the office. The client communicates with the server through terminal access, in the same way receives all the data for work. A typical example of a thin client can be a computer with a browser that works with remote applications.

For the most part, a thin, low-power computer without a hard disk that runs on specialized versions of the operating system (for example, Linux WTWare) is used as a thin client. The rest of the thin client is not much different from a standard workstation - there is a system unit, a display, input devices, network access (via LAN or using a modem).

The principle of operation of the thin client provides for a continuous terminal connection with a special server on which not only the working data of each user is stored, but also the working programs are launched, with which the client interacts. Downloading the client is possible using external media (for example, CD or Flash-drives), as well as through a LAN network, if the network card supports the Bottom option.

Options for the implementation of thin clients in the office

More often than not, a thin client is a computer truncated in functionality - without a hard drive or other drive. Such workstations can be purchased ready-made or assembled independently. To start, you also need to equip a terminal server - it is the clients that will be connected to it, and it will perform basic calculations, as well as store data. Previously, in offices they preferred to install a physical terminal server, today, with the development of cloud technologies, they are increasingly taking it to the cloud. A terminal server can be a separate powerful computer with the appropriate OS and running application programs, or a whole cluster if the requirements for processing information are great, as well as the number of simultaneous connections.

To equip the office on the basis of thin clients, it is necessary to achieve uninterrupted access to the network, because without direct communication between working machines and a terminal computer, work will be completely impossible - autonomously thin clients are most often inoperative. A high-quality, high-uptime cloud provider usually completely solves this problem.

Key Benefits of Terminal Access

Initially, the principle of terminal access and thin clients was developed with one single goal - to save money. Such an infrastructure model can significantly save on equipment - the cost of workstations is much lower compared to full-fledged PCs for work. In addition, there is an opportunity to save on software - there is no need to buy licenses for each workplace, you can buy one license and install it on the server. The cost of system administration is also reduced, since maintenance is mainly required only by the terminal server.

Over time, with the development of technology and the decentralization of work, other advantages of this solution became apparent:

1. the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection;
2. simplicity and scalability - the configuration of the working environment can be easily changed without affecting the performance;
3. storing all data in one place guarantees their safety and availability for each employee;
4. security and data protection - in most thin client implementations, the user does not have the ability to save locally or copy work files and data. To this can be added traffic encryption and the ability to completely disable the server if necessary.

There are practically no drawbacks to this solution. The only thing is the requirement for a constantly working and working network connection, but today this is not a difficulty.

Where thin clients are used

The simplicity and convenience provided by terminal access quickly won a significant number of fans in various fields of activity:

1. increased security and closeness of the system has been actively used in the banking sector - for example, working with ERP systems, online banking;
2. the convenience of teamwork, the preservation of labor results and the speed of access to software have made thin clients indispensable in large offices - terminal interaction with office suites, 1C accounting system, various additional programs, Internet access, corporate mail, etc.
3. in the educational environment, terminal clients are also used - they allow you to effectively organize the educational process, reduce the cost of computer lab equipment, simplify remote education, testing;
4. there was a use of technology in medicine - safe data storage on the clinic’s servers and convenient access to the database allows you to quickly resolve issues and make management more efficient;
5. warehouses and especially large warehouse complexes are increasingly being transferred to terminal access with the unloading of management and accounting programs into the cloud. 

In addition, systems for the interaction of power with the population (“electronic government”, housing and communal services, online document management, etc.) serve as potential directions for the development of thin clients.