A thin client is a general term for a device that relies on a server to operate. It provides a display device, keyboard and mouse and basic processing power in order to interact with the server. A thin client device contains no moving parts such as fans or hard drives. It is very thin in features and functionality – hence the term 'thin client'.

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.

What are the benefits of using Thin Clients:

NO more  licensing: Our integrtaed solutions are licence FREE!!! for NGOs. This involves the operating systems and all applications.

Worldwide access to work files and enterprise applications: Workers are guaranteed secure and instant access to enterprise applications and personal data, from any device and over any network speed.
 
Reduced administration and end user support: Thin clients are far simpler to manage since the thin client OS is deployed centrally and only includes a remote terminal client. Having a single point of administration reduces overall administration costs and saves on maintenance time.

Adding or replacing thin clients is far easier:  In a server based computing environment, adding desktops for new recruits can be done in a matter of minutes. Also, should a thin client device fail, the desktop can be restored in minutes simply by replacing the thin client device.
Increased reliability:  Thin client devices don’t have moving parts or fans, and therefore have a MTBF (meantime before failure). The average thin client MTBF is about 175,000 hours, compared to 25,000 hours for PCs.

Increased security:  Less risk of viruses - A server operating system is proven to be more secure than a desktop OS. Thin clients do away with hard drives and floppy drives and administrators can restrict the access to USB sticks and CD ROMS. This in turn prevents users from loading foreign applications onto the devices, thus increasing security levels and virtually eliminating viruses. 

Lessens the risk of data theft:  Having all data stored on central servers eliminates the risk of important company data falling into the wrong hands should a fat client or notebook be lost or stolen.

Disaster recovery: Data is more secure and easier to backup - If a terminal fails: important data isn’t lost since it is stored on the server. Having a centralized storage system allows for faster and easier backups as well as efficient disaster recovery.

Lower power consumption: Save on electricity and heat generation - A thin client device uses only a third of the power a PC uses and generates far less heat and noise, resulting in substantial savings.

Smaller footprint - Save on space:  Thin client devices are usually smaller than PCs - the size of an external modem or small VCR. Their compact size allows thin clients to be hidden under desktops or even mounted on walls or under desks.