This document discusses thin client technology. It defines a thin client as a low-cost computing device that works in an application server environment and does not require powerful local processors or storage. A thin client network allows users to access applications, files, and other resources stored on centralized servers. Setting up a thin client system requires server hardware, terminal services software from Microsoft or Citrix, and low-powered thin client devices. Thin clients offer advantages over traditional PCs such as lower total cost of ownership and easier management and security. However, they may have disadvantages for multimedia or software that requires local processing power.

1. THIN CLIENT
Presented by..
Nishikanth Podduturi
IT Operations Supervisor
ALPS Software Technologies Limited

2. What Is A Network?
Branch
Offices Windows
Terminals
and NCs
Remote
Computing
WinFrame &
MetaFrame
Server Farms
Cross-
Platform
Desktops
Wireless Terminals
Web and Information
Computing Appliances
 A group of computers working together.
 Peer to Peer Network, Client/Server, Internet, etc.
 Most common Technology in Networking:- Client/Server .

3. What are Different Types Of
Clients.
 Client:- is a computing device/software that retrieves information from a server.
 Thick Client:- is a computing device that includes a software operating system, a
powerful processor and a wide range of applications that can execute on the
computing device.
 Thin Client:- is a low-cost computing device that works in an application server
environment. It does not require state-of-the art, powerful processors and large
amounts of RAM and ROM.

4. What Is A Thin Client?
NO…
 An emaciated Library Patron.
 A Program To Purge Expired Patron.
 An Anorexic Library Budget.
So Then What Exactly Is A Thin Client?
 A Hardware/Software that runs application on a server, not on
desktop.
 Key strokes and mouse click are sent over network to the server to
process and give back the result…… (screen).
 Clients can be a low powered PC or a Thin client device.
 They Don’t Have HDD, FDD, CDROMS, Cooling Fans, Very Low
Processing Power.

5. What Makes A Thin Client Network?
Ideal For 30-40 Clients running common OPAC`s,Internet,Office software,etc
HARDWARE SOFTWARE
• Power Full Server with dual • Citrix Meta Frame
processor,1gb Ram,10
MBps Network. software
(Compaq Proliants, HP Netserver & • Windows 2000/2003
IBM NetFinity )
Terminal Services.
• Thin Clients
(IBM,Neoware,WYSE, SUN , OR
Compaq,NCD etc..)
OR • Windows CE,XP,NT.
• A Low Processing PC.

6. How Does A Thin Client Work?
 About 1/3 Size Of PC.
 Works In A Same Way And At Same Speed As Desktop PC.
 Supports GUI And Windows Environment.
 Can Be Configured On As Low As 16Mb Of RAM.
 Same Feel As Working On Any Windows Based OS.
 Remote Computation….Server Takes Care Of All The Processing.
 Works On either Citrix`s ICA Or Microsoft's RDP Protocols (Both
Require Only 20Kbps Speed Over Network To Work).
 User Logs On TO The Server Via Web Portal And A Familiar
Windows Base Environment is Replicated On TO Users Screens
With Access To Application, Internet, Mail, Drives, Printers, Etc.

7. Who are the Main Players ?
• Microsoft – NT/2000/2003 Terminal Services (RDP)Remote Desktop
Protocol
• Citrix – MetaFrame(ICA)Intelligent Console Architecture
ICA
RDP

8. Advantages Over Desktop Pc`s
 Dramatically Decreases The TCO by 54% to 57%.
 Decreases IT Cost By 80% Through Reduced Staff And Centralized
Software Management. (Does not Crash, NO Help DESK)
 Greatly Simplifies The Software Upgrade Over The Network.
 Eliminates The Hardware Upgrades On Client Side.
 Increases End User Productivity. (Limited Access To Authorized Applications & Storage)
 Increased Life Time Of Client. (NO Moving Part ,Less Power Usage)
 Provides Higher Security. (Authentication, virus protection, data on server, theft).
 No Access To HDD, FDD, CD-ROMS. (Avoids Downloads, installations, Junk Data on to the HDD)
 Thin Clients Are Virus Proof. (Since No OS And HDD Resides On It)
 Reduced Power Consumption.
 Centralized Backup. (Home Directory Mapping)
 286,386,486 PCs Can Be Converted To Thin Client And Can Work At
Speed Of 800Mz Celeron Processor.

9. Potential Disadvantages of Thin Clients
• Entry costs are high for servers and installation expertise.
• More bandwidth is required; multimedia, project-based
learning applications run very slowly.
• Thin-client doesn’t allow the flexibility to load software on
the spot, constricting the “teachable moment.”
• PC’s are coming down in costs, and many educators believe
users need the fully-functioning capabilities of a desktop.

10. Comparison ..
Personal Computer Solution Thin Client Solution
Server: $6,000 Server: $8,000
Win2000 Server Software Academic 90 Win2000 Server Software Academic: 90
Win2000 Client License Academic 5 Win2000 Client License Academic: 5
Win 2000 Terminal Server Client 31
License Academic:
Security & antivirus software 100 Lexitech Browser: (using free Public 200
Web Browser would eliminate this cost)
Mid range network ready PIII PC with 15” 1,200 IBM NetVista N2200W with 15” IBM 790
monitor black monitor
Total cost per unit for 1 user (not including 1,300 Total cost per unit for 1 user (not 1,116
server) including server)
With:Total cost per unit for 1 user 7,295 with:Total cost per unit for 1 user 9,116
Total cost per unit for 15 users Total 1,700 Total cost per unit for 15 users Total 1,649
cost per unit for 25 users 1,540 cost per unit for 25 users 1,436

11. Comparison cont..
Key usage factor/unmet need Thin Client PC's
(User Benefit) (Centralised Approach) (Distributed Approach)
Low total cost of ownership Yes
Rapid Application Deployment Yes
Support for windows applications and
Yes Yes
graphics
Easy for end-users to use Yes Yes
High security Yes
Low initial cost Yes
Support for legacy applications Yes
Support for java applications Yes Yes

12. What Services Can We Deliver Through
Thin Clients.
• Access To Internet Through Common Browsers Like IE.
• Access To Subscription Database.
• OPAC Browsing.
• Microsoft Office.
• Audio.
• Several Application Software.
• Printing.

13. What Services Are Not Suitable For
Thin Client
• Streaming Video.
• Video Games.
• DVD Movies.

14. Look & Feel….
Only restricted
application can be
used
Internet Explorer

15. What does a Thin Client Look Like?
Conventional PC Thin Clients

16. What kind of expertise is needed to set up a thin client
implementation like this?
•A librarian with good technical skills will be able to maintain the system, as long as
there is support from a Microsoft Certified Professional if problems arise.
•A Microsoft Network Administrator is needed to build a Thin client network.
•Once the network is developed it take only one person to take care of
(installation,hardware upgrade,Software upgrade,helpdesk) 100`s of PC.Common PC
skill would be enough to manages the whole network

17. Major Developers of Thin Client
Technology
• Citrix and Microsoft • Sun Microsystems
partnership • Wyse Technology
WinFrame and • Acer
MetaFrame • Compaq
• National • Dell
Semiconductor • IBM
• Gateway

18. List Of Thin Client Users
Other Libraries Thin Client Implementations
Library Project Contact Person Email Address
W.E.B. Du Bois Sun Microsystems Marilyn B. Hanley mhanley@library.umass.e
Library Umass Sun Ray appliances du
Amherst
J. Bourne Public Citrix/NT Dianne Ranney dranney@clams.lib.ma.us
Library
UMass Dartmouth Citrix/NT Boundless Charlie McNeil cmcneil@umassd.edu
Library Technologies
Memorial Hall Library Citrix/2000 server James Sutton webmaster@mhl.org

19. Cont….
Bond University NAME: Stephen Tonna
EMAIL: Stephen_Tonna@bond.edu.au
Griffith University NAME: Paul Kirn
EMAIL: P.Kirn@mailbox.gu.edu.au
Central Queensland University
James Cook University
Queensland University Of Tech NAME: Sarah Fredline
EMAIL: s.fredline@qut.edu.au
Southern Cross University NAME: Neville Moon (Systems Support, Library)
EMAIL: nmoon@scu.edu.au
State Library of Queensland
University of Queensland NAME: Michael Manning
EMAIL: m.manning@library.uq.edu.au
University of Southern Queensland NAME: Mark Bizzell (Systems Administrator)
EMAIL: bizzell@usq.edu.au
University of the Sunshine Coast

20. Growth OF Thin Client Popularity
•Growth Of Last Years Market by 18% where else Desktop Pc`s remain flat round the
world.
•Standard Growth Of 3% Of Over All PC in market,expected to reach to 5% by next year.
•If Technology is so good why do people don’t use it?
•A Lot more people know about its existence.

21. Summary
• May extend Life of Current PC’s by 2-3years
• Large upfront costs – Infrastructure and Network
Costs (possibly Licensing)
• Management, Support, Application Deployment,
Security, etc. far easier
• Will reduce Base Line Support costs over 3 to 5
years

22. Supporting Information References
- http://www.citrix.com/solutions/
- http://www.tweakcitrix.com/
- http://www.thethin.net/
- The Skinny on Thin-client Technology
http://208.201.97.5/pubs/fcw/1999/0315/fcw-techbrief-3-15-99.html
- Thin Client Computing Defined
http://www.thin-world.com/thindefined.htm
- Thin Clients
http://www.gcn.com/vol19_no29/guide/3040-1.html

23. Thank You!!…