Thin clients are lightweight computers optimized for remote connections to server-based computing environments. They have several advantages over traditional thick clients like lower costs, greater security, reduced maintenance needs, and longer lifespans. Thin clients rely on centralized data storage and processing on servers. Various types of thin clients are described along with major providers like Dell and HP. Performance comparisons show thin clients boot and load applications faster than managed PCs but slower than desktop PCs. Thin clients could be a viable replacement for desktop PCs in business and enterprise settings where security, manageability and costs are priorities.

1. Thin Clients
A viable replacement for
Desktop PCs?

2. What is a Thin client?
In computer networking, a thin client is a simple
computer that has been optimized for
establishing a remote connection with a server-
based computing environment which is
commonly called as Virtual desktop
infrastructure(VDI).

3. Internal Use - Confidential
Different types of Thin Client’s
• Thin Client
• Hybrid (lean) Client
• Ultra Thin Client
• Managed PC
• Legacy Thin Client
• Zero Clients

4. Internal Use - Confidential
Thin Client Vs Thick Client
S.no. On the basis of Thin Client Thick Client
1. Basic Thin client is a lightweight computer that
relies on the resources of the host
computer.
The thick client relies lightly upon the server
and provides rich functionality.
2. Datastore In thin client, data is stored in servers. In thick client, data is stored locally.
3. Network Latency In thin client, a fast and robust network
connection is required.
It can work with a slow network connection.
4. Offline working There is no offline working. Offline working is possible in thick client.
5. Deployment & Data validation The deployment is easier in thin client and
the data verification is done at server side.
Unlike the thin client, the deployment in thick
client is expensive and the data verification is
done at client side.
6. Local resources It generally consumes less local resources. Unlike thin client, it consumes more local
resources.
7. Security In terms of security, they are more secure
than thick clients as they have fewer
security threats.
In terms of security, they are less secure than
thin clients as they have more security threats.

5. Internal Use - Confidential
Initial Advantages
• Better Security
• Lower Power consumption
• Greater Productivity
• Cheaper
• Quieter and Cooler
• Less maintenance
• Less desirable for theft
• Longer Life span

6. Internal Use - Confidential
Leading Thin Client’s Providers:
• Dell Wyse
• HP
• IGEL
• ThinSpace
• VXL
• Sun Microsystems
• SafeDesk
• N-computing
• Recycling Legacy PC
’
s

7. Internal Use - Confidential
Operating Systems/Platforms
Thin OS
Thin OS PCoIP
Thin Linux
Windows 10 IoT LTSB
Windows 10 IoT LTSC
Windows CE ( Legacy OS)
Windows Xpe ( Legacy OS)
Virtualization allows Running of virtually in any operating system
remotely on a server.

8. Overview of Tech Specs
Thin
Client
Managed Pc
(Lean)
Desktop Pc
(Compact)
Supplie
r
Dell
Mode
l
Optiplex
755
Cos
t
~£25
0
CPU
Frequency
2 x
1.8GHz
CPU
Power
65 W
Memor
y
1024
MB
Unit
Dimensions
Hardware Specifications
Sun Microsystems SafeDesk
Sunray 2 SafeDesk MiniPC
£192.39 £140
500 MHz 1.6 GHz (HT)
500mW 4 W
0 MB 1024 MB
28mm x 122mm x 205mm 65mm x 205mm x
210mm
90mm x 250 mm x
250mm

9. Internal Use - Confidential
Performance
Office Work
Performance
Boot up
time
~0.5
sec
~ 6-7
min
~ 35
sec
Login
time
~ 4
sec
~ 45
sec
~ 5
sec
Load word
processor
~ 2
sec
~ 5
sec
~ 1
sec
Load spread
sheet
~ 2
sec
~ 3
sec
~ 3
sec
Typing
lag
Non
e
Non
e
Non
e
Cell dragging
lag
Jitter
y
Slo
w
Non
e
Thin
Client
Managed Pc
(Lean)
Desktop Pc
(Compact)

10. Internal Use - Confidential
File Handling
File
Handling
Small file
(44KB)
~ 0.5
sec
~ 6
sec
~ 0.5
sec
Large file
(152MB)
~ 2.5
sec
~ 37
min
~ 5
sec
Several files (50 x
44KB)
~0.5
sec
~2min
s
~ 0.5
sec
Many files (1000 x
44KB)
~4.5
sec
~35
min
~ 7.5
sec
Thin
Client
Managed Pc
(Lean)
Desktop Pc
(Compact)

11. Internal Use - Confidential
Backed by all major software brokers
To add even more versatility, each thin client OS is fully
validated with the leading virtual desktop brokers: Microsoft,
Citrix, VMware and AWS.

12. Internal Use - Confidential
Conclusion
• PC's are still best for home users
• It could become viable forinexperienced users
• Thin Client’s are acceptable for business use
• Thin Client’s could potentially be used in
education sector, healthcare and in
enterprise industries.
For further information:
https://www.dell.com/en-
in/dt/wyse/index.htm