Thin client computing explained

Thin client computing in terms of hardware is known today as any device used to connect to a remote server. The server handles all processing of activities, and mainly focuses on conveying input and output between the user and the remote server.
Thin client computing is growing for many reasons. It’s solving the growing management problem of PCs (fat clients), and is introducing huge savings on support, hardware and upgrade costs. Furthermore, it is allowing employees to telework more easily. Businesses are reaping the benefits, reporting huge cost savings, as well as increases in reliability and productivity.

Thin clients are proven to be more reliable and easier to manage than PCs (fat clients). They rely on the principles of server-based computing (SBC) - a technology whereby applications are deployed, managed, supported and executed on the server and not on the client - solving the many fundamental problems associated with managing the applications on the client itself.

All being said, this does not preclude the use of PCs as thin clients as well. Although not as efficient, the use of your existing investments (fat client PCs) allows for cost effective use of current computers as your organization or business transitions over to thin client technology. The recent introduction of the popular "Netbooks" makes for a very interesting alternative to dedicated thin client devices.