The principle behind Terminal Services is that most network users do not require the functionality of full PCs, but can instead work with a keyboard, mouse and display linked to a central server which handles all program execution. This arrangement, similar to that employed by mainframe computers, has many consequential benefits which reduce the total cost of ownership of a network.
Key advantages of Terminal Services include simplified application deployment, a reduced risk of unauthorised or damaging software being installed, and the ability to use dedicated thin clients which require little or no management. For users who primarily run office productivity and Internet software, Atomwide continues to promote solutions based on Terminal Services as a realistic, effective and secure alternative to fully-featured PCs.
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"We have used terminal clients in our school-wide network in order to minimise installation and maintenance costs, and they have proved to be a robust and cost-effective way to manage heavily used computer suites."
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Terminal Server clients are only responsible for sending key presses and mouse movements by network to a central server, then displaying the screen updates which are returned. The system requirements are thus not particularly demanding, and compact, purpose-designed ‘thin clients’ can be used. Available models include the HP Compaq T5000 series favoured by Atomwide, which fully supports remote management and has no moving parts, and so offers the benefits of reliability and cool, silent operation.
Another possibility is that a site’s ageing PCs can be given new leases of life as thin clients, although they will need to be reliable and suitably specified in order to bring a management saving.
