Advances in networking technology has enabled thin client workstations to come of age and companies around the world are rapidly switching on to their cost-effectiveness and productivity benefits in select work environments.
According to the International Data Corporation`s latest NC survey, 73% of organisations who implemented NCs in the past, are looking to replace PCs with thin client workstations at deployment time.
Brian Bogaard, general manager of Acer Africa attributes this to the fact that complaints by early adopters of thin client or NC technology that local and wide area networks (WANs and LANs) couldn`t handle its processing demands have now been resolved.
"Modern networks are so advanced that they can easily cope with this architecture. All processing is done at the server and not the client, so large application files are not being sent across the network, slowing it down," he explains.
"However, the thin-client workstation is not suitable for all environments. It is most effective in corporate departments with limited application requirements such as order entry and e-mail which don`t require a PC with 8,4GB hard disk drive, incredible processing capabilities and versatility. The thin client workstation offers a cost-effective alternative as it comes without a hard drive or high-end processor.
"The thin client architecture allows a company to drive down the total cost of ownership (TCO) as IS managers to take full control of the workstations in the network. It also enables centralised management of the workstation which application upgrades implemented only once at a central point.
"It`s also more robust than the PC because it has a limited number of moving parts. It`s therefore ideal for dirty and dusty environments," he adds.
In line with growing demand for thin client workstations, Acer Africa has announced the launch of its new workstation in SA.
The Acer workstation utilises smart card technology to boost system security and user flexibility. The Smart card, like a SIMM, is effectively a portable miniature hard drive which enables the user to `configure` the system to his or her own requirements without impacting on the rest of the network.
"It can be transported between different workstations on the network, enabling users to instantaneously personalise a workstation in another office or another city. The smart card can also be programmed to restrict the individual user to pre-determined data and applications available on the network server, increasing corporate security," Bogaard concludes.
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