Sometimes products or technologies are just ahead of their time. A prime example of this is Apple's Newton, which was the first practical PDA. It launched in 1992 to a resounding thud. Several years later in 1996, the Palm Pilot, similar in concept but with better handwriting recognition software, was a resounding success. The HP iPAQ soon followed. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The same thing is true about the thin client. Conceptualized as a minimal PC which was more of a network terminal than a workstation, client/server computing has been around for more than a decade gathering a huge enterprise following without making much of a ripple.
The advantages and mechanics of thin client technology
While thin client computing, which stores applications and files on a server rather than a workstation, is well established, what's changed is that many smaller businesses have found this approach to be very practical and affordable. Servers are inexpensive, and keeping critical files and applications in one place makes it easier to protect these mission-critical components from intruders, malware, and accidents and disasters. And keeping the files and applications off of the mobile platform keeps vital client and company data safe from prying eyes, sticky fingers, and forgetful travelers.
What does a thin client look like? Pretty much like any other Notebook PC. Most thin clients, whether for desktop or mobile use, have Ethernet and often provide Wi-Fi as well.
It's not until you boot the thin client up that you start noticing the difference. A thin client notebook boots up considerably faster than a standard notebook. That's because a thin client doesn't use a standard electro-mechanical rotating hard disk drive. Instead, it has flash memory which serves to temporarily store data that you are working on. The operating system, usually Windows XP embedded or some form of Linux, is contained in ROM or in a protected part of the system's flash memory
The application itself is downloaded and runs from the server over Ethernet (if you are in the office or some other place where you can access the office from) or by using Wi-Fi over the Internet.
If you are going strictly by specifications, you might be telling yourself that this sounds more like a half-complete notebook, rather than something worth considering.
Consider this, however. With no hard disk, there's no chance of a hard disk crash if the thin client is dropped or jostled during a read or write operation. The Flash Memory also draws a lot less power than an electro-mechanical hard drive, so you should wind up with a longer run time.
As mentioned earlier, confidential data and applications are stored on the thin client only when you are actually using them, so when the thin client is turned off, there's no chance of losing important and confidential data if the laptop is lost or stolen.
Finally, the price is right. Depending on the vendor and the configuration, a thin client desktop or laptop can cost under $400. Client/Server based computing isn't right for every practice or business. But if it's a good fit with yours, a mobile thin client can save money while safeguarding important files.
Rick Telberg is the most widely-followed commentator in the finance and accounting profession. He has helped launch and develop several industry-leading businesses, including the magazines Accounting Today, Accounting Technology and Practical Accountant magazines, and the websites WebCPA, SmartPros, and CPA2Biz. He serves as Editor At Large for the AICPA Insider family of e-newsletters and blogs at www.cpatrendlines.com.
Any views or comments expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and not necessarily those of any other organization. No person quoted or cited has any known connection to or interest in Hewlett Packard, and their appearance here should not be construed as an endorsement.
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