Why Thin Client Computing?

A Thin Clients strategy uses the smallest possible boot image, meaning that a full operating system is not required on the Thin Client device. Using this strategy means that a much simpler implementation can be deployed and the infrastructure management can be more easily maintained, resulting in:

• Lower hardware costs. Thin Client hardware is cheaper because it does not contain a disk, application memory, or a powerful processor. They also have a longer period before requiring an upgrade or becoming obsolete.
• More secure. Thin Clients usually have no or very limited application data residing on the client. Applications and data resides on the server and is centrally managed, thereby having a single point of control.
• Lower Power usage. Thin Client hardware has much lower energy consumption, which reduces energy costs.
• Not prone to theft. Usually no expensive components are found in the Thin Clients which reduces component theft. The Thin Client devices are also not designed to operate stand-alone, and are therefore deemed useless outside a client-server environment.
• Simple hardware upgrade path. Instead of replacing an entire work station when additional resources are required, a simple process to add another rack to a blade server (be it power, processing, storage), boosting resources to exactly the amount required with a Thin Client technology. The existing Thin Client devices will not be effected with upgrades and can be continued in service alongside new and existing devices.

ThinLinX's Thin Client Solution

ThinLinX's Thin Client Terminals are more than a cost-effective alternative to standard PCs. End-users run their Windows®, Linux and mainframe applications directly from data center servers, enabling centralised application management, network plug-and-play conveniences, higher security and reliability, and much lower IT support costs.

ThinLinX’s Hot-e® is an embedded Linux Thin Client computer that can be used to substitute the standard PC. The Hot-e®, when used in conjunction with our server software, provides the same look and feel as a traditional standalone PC, but at a fraction of the purchase, maintenance and support cost. The Hot-e® Thin Client is a very low power device consuming approximately three watts of power, is totally silent and generates negligible heat.

This diagram above shows a number of our Hot-e® devices connected together on a Local Areas Network (LAN) via a switch. A server can be situated on the LAN or anywhere else in the world that is accessible via the Internet. The Hot-e® devices will then display the applications locally, even though they are actually running on the LAN or Wide Area Network Server.

Solar Panel Schools Project

Solar Schools is an exciting grassroots program designed to raise awareness about sustainable energy usage by donating solar systems to schools.

This project uses a ThinLinX Hot-e® TLX150 device to log data that is uploaded on a daily basis.

The following diagram illustrates how a ThinLinX TLX150 Hot-e® collects its data from each of the Schools involved.

ThinLinX recommends Windows Server 2008 R2 for the highest performance experience, including rich media and 3D applications.

(when used in conjunction with the TLX400-M Hot-e scheduled for release in mid 2010)

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Website

More Information on Windows RemoteFX technology

Microsoft Virtualization Team Blog - Max Herrmann's blog

Remote Desktop services - Partners

X2go Server

X2go Server enables any business to deploy Thin Client technology. To read more about Thin Client architecture, using a centralised approach to applications, go to Thin Clients

X2go software solutions enables transportation of X-Window and RDP remote desktops even over low speed connections...