The thin client: Rethinkingthe corporate desktop

Webcast Goals:

What is thin-client computing?BenefitsRisksGetting an ROI

Dan Farber

Editor in Chief, ZDNet

Martin Reynolds

Vice President of Research

Gartner

Thin client in context

A thin client shifts processing and data storage from the client system to the data center.

PC replacement choices

Extend the life of an old PC Buy a new PC Try the thin client model

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Thin-client pricing

Operations cost high Determine need and usefulness

Coming Up …. More benefits Risks ROI

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.

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

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

Thin-client applications

Call center Data entry Insurance claims Banking applications Healthcare applications

Types of workers

Fixed function Paid hourly Part-time Factory floor

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

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

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

Deploying thin clients

Evaluate users Determine employee satisfaction Analyze work loads of user Examine applications workers use

ROI: Energy costs

25 percent savings over a desktop PC with monitor

Data center could absorb more energy costs

ROI: Space savings

Improved office space efficiency via smaller footprint

 

ROI: Noise

Thin client build for quiet operation Desktops louder because of fan noise

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

Tablet PC and handhelds

Large market for thin applications Power saving Battery life increased Run sophisticated applications

Thin-client summary

Saves costs Increases productivity and uptime Choose the right applications Flexible for mobile computing scenarios

Dan Farber

Editor in Chief, ZDNet