Characteristics and Advantages of Thin Client Server Based Networks: Achieving Server/Desktop Flexibility Using server-based computing to drive interoperability in heterogeneous IT environments.For as long as there have been servers and clients, there has been debate about how much power should be granted to each constituent. On one hand, server proponents argue that manageability and security can be improved by taking power from the desktop and granting it to the network. Meanwhile, client advocates protest that some applications require local horsepower and certain users need to access applications when disconnected from the network. And they point out that most enterprises require a mix of operating systems and computing devices — all of which may stymie efforts to move entirely to a server-based environment.

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Achieving Server/Desktop Flexibility

Using server-based computing to drive interoperability in heterogeneous IT environments

For as long as there have been servers and clients, there has been debate about how much power should be granted to each constituent. On one hand, server proponents argue that manageability and security can be improved by taking power from the desktop and granting it to the network. Meanwhile, client advocates protest that some applications require local horsepower and certain users need to access applications when disconnected from the network. And they point out that most enterprises require a mix of operating systems and computing devices — all of which may stymie efforts to move entirely to a server-based environment.

The essential problem is that the debate over thin or fat clients has too often cast in binary terms — the power should reside entirely on the desktop or the server — when heterogeneous environments require flexibility.

What Users Want