 | | Client-Based vs Server-Based Computing |
|  | |  | | On a traditional old-fashioned computer network (fat client), each client
runs software using its own processor and, usually, from a local copy of the
program. This has a number of downsides. Software must be installed
individually on each computer. This can take a significant amount of time and
because software versions and settings may vary, it may run differently on
each computer. Because the software is running on the local processor and
with local memory, the speed of the software is completely linked to the
speed of the computer. Older computers will run software slower or even need
to be replaced or upgraded to allow them to run the latest software.
Imagine being able to break out of a continuous cycle of upgrades,
time-consuming maintenance and unreliability. By moving the software from
clients to fast central, secure servers, you can! Server-Based Computing
(SBC) revolutionises how computers are used, maintained and purchased. As
software is run centrally (not just stored centrally), the speed or
age of the client is unimportant. Looking after an SBC network takes a
fraction of the time compared to a traditional network and furthermore,
offers better performance at a lower cost. | | |  |  |  |
Read our "Why Thin-Client?" whitepaper (PDF)
Windows Application Serving
With a powerful server running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, it is possible to provide the latest Windows applications across your network to a variety of client machines (e.g. old PCs or thin-clients). This will allow applications to be installed only once onto the server with no client administration at all. Each server will run between 40 and 60 clients depending on the software being used.
If you have bought PCs which are showing their age or perhaps proving unreliable and difficult to maintain, turning them into thin-clients will allow them to run the latest software extremely quickly (quicker than new PCs in many cases!), yet will mean that they can be looked after entirely from the server. ThinIT will allow you to easily convert PCs into thin-clients
Like Microsoft, we recommend that the Windows Application server is not used as a general purpose file server, domain controller or Internet server (beware other providers who ignore this in an attempt to provide a cheaper solution). The NetManager is an ideal second server in this situation.
Easy management
As the software is only installed on the server(s) and not on the clients, this means that looking after the network is much easier. You do not need to travel round your site problem solving on local PCs. Moreover, your server can be remotely managed by Precedence Technologies as part of a support contract.
Licensing
Each client that connects to your terminal server(s) will need a Microsoft Terminal Services Client Access License (TS CAL). N.B. Each client will be given a personal TS CAL which it will retain, i.e. this is not based on simultaneous connections, instead each client that connects will need a licence.
We can provide TS CALs at educational prices and also advise on Microsoft licensing programs and bulk Internet connector packs.
Why Precedence?
Precedence Technologies has been installing thin-client systems since 1996 based on a variety of technologies and products. We have unrivalled experience in applying such technologies to education and small businesses. We have developed many management tools to make life even easier and allow you to capitalise on your network.
Future expansion
The in-built Microsoft RDP protocol provides a cheap entry-level introduction to server-based computing. For high performance, more features and compatibility with larger networks, you should consider adding a Citrix® Presentation Server™ product.
Precedence Technologies Ltd, 120 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, UK | Tel: 08456 446 800
Revision:1.5 Thu Jan 24 12:15:58 2008 |
