A thin client is a simple graphical computer that relies on a powerful central server for most of it's processing. These devices send input like keyboard entries and mouse movements to the server, and receive output from the server in the form of what you see on your display and printer jobs.

Standard computers could be referred to as "fat clients" in a typical business system. Fat clients and most applications do as much processing as possible on the local computer - only interacting with servers for communication or data storage.

Thin clients have many advantages over traditional "fat client" computer workstations. According to Zona Research*, increased worker productivity and overall IT cost savings are some of the biggest benefits:

Up to 80% lower IT support costs - Thin clients are easier to maintain since they get their Windows desktop and are managed from a central server. Malware like viruses and spyware are no longer a problem because thin clients are highly restricted "stateless" devices

25% lower capital costs - Thin clients do not contain a hard disk or cooling fans, they do not contain a standard CPU and large amounts of application memory. Reducing the number of internal parts reduces the cost. Thin clients are usable much longer than regular PCs too... over 6 years in most cases.

Easier to secure - Thin clients do not store any data on themselves, only rendering screens for display. Security is completely handled at the server level, physical data theft from a thin client is impossible. Since they get most or all of their applications from a central server, thin clients are unattractive targets for theft. Thin client computing solutions are an ideal choice for any company that is facing increased regulatory compliance laws such as HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley.

25% productivity increase - Downtime is minimized through the rapid deployment nature of thin client workstations - setup new from the box in under 10 minutes. Users are unable to install their own software or use media devices like CD players or iPods... keeping them focused on the job.

Better for the environment - Thin clients typically cost about 23% less to power and cool compared to standard PCs.

CORE Desktop's centralized model relies on thin clients to deliver an easier, better, and more affordable IT system to small and medium business.

We have partnered with HP, now the number one producer of thin clients for centralized Windows computing with their recent acquisition of Neoware.

* Source: Zona Research, Intelliquest, META Group Study