Thin Client Technology Analysis - Assignment Example

Running Head: THIN CLIENT TECHNOLOGY Thin Client Technology Name Institution Date Table of Contents Thin Client Technology 3 Introduction 3 Abstract 4 Security of Information 5 Reduction of virus threat 5 Improving central data storage 6 Alignment with Processes 7 Criticisms 8 Analysis 11 One of the advantages that can be accrued from implementation of the thin client technology is that the aspect reduction of virus threat. The thin client technology reduces the amount of entry points of viruses into the computer system of any particular organization. Therefore in order to safely store the records of the collage without virus threat, the collage should implement this particular technological system. 12 Summary 13 References 14 Thin Client Technology Introduction The thin client technology or also known as computing system that is server based is a wide computer infrastructure that facilitates clients with the ability to share the same server in their computations. The thin client technology can be perceived as a service of computing that occur across various user-interfaces. This particular technology can typically be described as a computer program that is designed to perform varied activities such as information processing and data processing on behalf of the client. A thin client has features of a display which include the mouse and keyboard, merged with sufficient power for processing. Every operating and application system code is performed on the server. The client does not require the use of a disk (Lai & Nieh, 2002). In simple terms, thin client technology computing illustrates a change from the complex modern typical individual computer (PC) associated network. The PC was initiated as easy tools that made it possible for people to enhance their personal productivity; however it has turn out to be a rather bloated and complicated device (Richardson, et al. 1998). New PC software and hardware are frequently being released, resulting to a never ending stream of issues of compatibility, both large and small. In the midst of such complexities the thin client technology can actually be an essential solution. The technology may also be described as being an application of software that runs within the personal computer (PC) standard, which basically offers access to applications that are remotely hosted. In contrast to the (PC) Which performs tasks such as processing, hosting applications and locally stores files, a thin client performs more functions than the transmission of mouse and keyboard input. Abstract Many individuals and organizations have achieved benefits from the thin client technology. In the ever expanding world of technology, taking up this particular technological advancement in any institution can actually be essential. This report or article explores the practical benefits that are associated to the conversion of ILC laptops to thin client architecture within the collage computing system (Richardson, et al. 1998). Security of Information Reduction of virus threat The security of information in the institution can be maintained through the reduction of the frequent threat of the existence of viruses that affect the computing system of ILC laptops. Many installed Laptops in various sections are usually ridden by the threat of viruses. The thin client technology reduces the amount of entry points of viruses into the computer system of any particular organization. Computer worms or viruses are transmitted in various ways, including through files that are infected that may exist in the floppy or hard drives. Unlike the ILC system, the technology of thin client does not posses the floppy or local hard drives, therefore viruses can not be transmitted in these ways .The devices within the thin client are virtually virus resistant. Secondly the thin client system posses the CE also known as the local window operating system which is locally stored in the flash memory or a memory system that is non- volatile. On the other hand the operating system of PC is stored typically on the hard disk. The thin client system does not allow the writing of information on the memory of the flash, except on circumstances were changes on the configuration are made by the user. If for instance infected files from attachments by emails are opened involuntarily, the virus on the sever may actually not be spread when using the thin client technology. The collage can thus avoid the costs associated to repairs and purchase. Concerning the boot up, the confined operating system utilized in thin clients is filled up from flash memory to the RAM, where it afterwards executes. In the secluded circumstances where a virus has contaminated the system of operation in the RAM, the thin client system can basically be switched off and then on again in order to return the initial local system of operation that is stock up in flash memory. Improving central data storage Central data systems such as those that exist in libraries can be improved by using the thin client technology. Through the implementation of thin client windows terminals, access of information can be made easier and much more flexible. Furthermore storage of data is also performed much faster, for instance within the library internet services. Therefore by integrating the thin client technology into the collage system benefits such as students and staff will be able to access full library browsers and a varied range of library resources. Library network has advanced to an environment of Web/Windows, which mirrors trends that exist in other higher education institutions and also the corporate world. In the context thin client technology, Internet provided by the Windows environment, central computation network linked to the WT model, provides libraries with leveraged option to ILC. The second aspect is that thin client technological devices maintain the privacy and safety of data. Unlike the ILC thin clients do not posses media that is locally removable such as the CD or the floppy drives .As a result sensitive and valuable data and information can not be out of an organizations records, through the thin client system. This is due to the fact that backups for data found in the thin client software act by keeping data safely during reception and transmission. Alignment with Processes When it comes to the aspect of reduction of costs we find that the collage can be advantaged by using the thin client system is that the collage can reduce the amount of money used to pay for upgrading, to as much 30-40%.This is due to the fact that upgrading is done at the rate of 6-7 years as opposed to the average traditional computers which are up graded at the rate of 3-4 years. The thin client system requires the upgrading of the central application, as opposed to upgrading every single laptop. Therefore the use of the thin client is a process that is less likely to have errors and it is also less costly (WebDT, 2006). The increased life span attained by the technology reduces maintenance costs this is due to the fact that replacement of floppy drives, hard drives or modems does not frequently occur, this is due to the fact that the frequency of breakdown due to attributes virus infection can easily be dealt with by the thin client technology (Lampson, 1983). Lower ownership costs are also associated to this particular technology due tot the fact that there is a reduction in the expandable and upgrading costs , decrease cost per user and a lower rate of manpower requirement . When it comes to the aspect of maintenance, studies have indicated that that client who use the thin client technology experience a reduction of requests of tech support and maintenance .Improved operations of the computer system and yields arise in the productivity of the organization. Furthermore the saving costs from support overheads and decreased hardware costs associated to thin client reduces the spy way programs and antivirus result to effective management solutions. (Martin & Corl, 1986). From the environmental stand point the thin client technology is actually a dynamic improvement of the traditional laptop and desk top computers .The thin client technology can actually be used to replace the laptops present in the collage as an effective maintaining strategy for the information system of the institution. In order to reduce and eliminate the need for recycle responsibly the various machines after each few years the thin client system can realize the potential aspect of saving the amount of consumed energy (Shneiderman, 1997). Criticisms After the organization , in this context the collage puts into application thee thin client technology in place their it must make sure that the quality of network does not fall below the limits This is due to the fact that the addition of the bandwidth is usually moderately easy however the reduction of latency is much more difficult . Network jitter can additionally further worsens the problem .Studies also indicate that the jitter further results to reducing the productivity and a rise in user errors (Addison, 2002). The delays in the transformation of the technology in terms of the length of the path of software add latency on the private networks Knowledge of the quantitative bandwidth gives a performance that is clear and sometimes ambiguous. The stateless thick client gives an indication of the introduction of a new IT infrastructure within any large organization however this implies that their will be greater attention that is put management system of the thin client system .It can however not be estimated how much impact will be is associated to the total ownership costs. The thin client technology on the other hand has a model which can exhibit security threat within the model, this is because the software becomes confined entirely to the server. Therefore only a few numbers of laptops can be secured rigorously, as compared to securing each single client laptop. Furthermore any services of denial that attack the server, remains harm to a large number of clients. The implication of this is that everyone will loose their data that is very volatile. Incase one users laptop is infected with a various, the effect is that the entire server will in tern be affected ( WebDT, 2006). The thin client technology has good response which enhances interaction within a particular working session, which contributes to satisfaction when using the technology .The anxiety among users is correlated with poor time response. The impact of the thin clients technology in time of time response is usually outweighed to the user .This sluggish interaction may tern off the user. The thin client technology usually sensitive to the computing environment that is external. Due to this particular fact the technology incurs delays at computer servers that are shared. For instance some proposed designs use a server that has a set blade which caterers for a large number of thin client. However the delays can be eradicated by a server by ensuring that each server is used by one client however delays in queuing can not be eradicated. This is actually a value that is intrinsic. The infrastructure of thin client is also linked to a frustration or a disadvantage in the aspect that there is lack of adequate knowledge among developers in terms of understanding the variations of the architecture of the thin client technology .The implementation of this particular technology is actually quite complex due to the fact that it translates to much more complexity in terms of more resources and skills (Addison, 2002). Analysis The performance of the thin client under varied network conditions can best be suited in the collage. Aspects such as the collection of data can be easily made suitable within the thin client framework. The process of data collection involves the use of a replay tool and a Xnee record which play the role of capturing three varied input traces. The traces capture the actions of the mouse and the key board of a person working on the word processor, presentation creator and application o photo editing. When the input of the user was replayed, the server transferred the information to the desktop at a depth of 16 bits per pixel. When making an analysis of the traces of the clients input, replies were and requests were transferred from the server. The thin client technology has a major aim of satisfying the requirements of the users and the IT department of any particular institution. This is due to the fact that it increases the goal of hardware centralization. This model utilizes the blade server that serves the needs of each user. The work station of this particular technology puts into use a bus known as a virtual PCI that connects each component in the system. The use of this infrastructure eliminates a situation were one the users can affect the other users due to a crush or a lockup. Reasons for implementation of the thin client technology into the collages information system. There are tangible advantages that are associated to the thin client technology. The implementation of this particular strategy can be useful in the elimination of the challenges being faced by the institution when it comes to data storage and maintaining of good records and not forgetting finding information from the internet. One of the advantages that can be accrued from implementation of the thin client technology is that the aspect reduction of virus threat. The thin client technology reduces the amount of entry points of viruses into the computer system of any particular organization. Therefore in order to safely store the records of the collage without virus threat, the collage should implement this particular technological system. The second important feature is that thin client technological devices maintain the privacy and safety of data. Unlike the ILC thin clients do not posses media that is locally removable such as the CD or the floppy drives .As a result sensitive and valuable data and information can not be out of an organizations records, through the thin client system. This is due to the fact that backups for data found in the thin client software act by keeping data safely during reception and transmission. The implementation of this technology will be of benefit to the collage. It is also important also to take note of the fact that the advantages associated to this technology are of more of valid benefits as opposed to the critic associated to the technology, as highlighted in the body of the analysis or essay. The thin client technology should thus be implemented into the collage’s information system. Summary When evaluating the approach that can be used in quantifying the impact that is associated to this particular network in terms of improving the IT alignment of the collage process. It is important to note that the computing system of the thin client highly depends on the quality of network and the application. If the networks conditions are have good qualities that is high bandwidth and low latency the result will be that the thin client will provide a computing system that is good. Therefore improvement on network quality implies that performance will also be improved or advanced. Tasks that are tightly coupled such as editing and graphics can therefore be well performed. The needs of the collage will be effectively be met satisfactorily A thin client has features of a display, mouse and keyboard, merged with sufficient power for processing and memory for network communication and graphical rendering, together With a server that is compute which uses a protocol that is specialized. Every operating and application system code is performed on the server. The client does not require the use of a disk. In conclusion the thin client technology can be termed as an efficient computing system that can be used in an educational institution. References Addison, W. (2002). Windows terminal services. New York: Thomson Learning. Lampson, B.W., (1983). Hints for Computer System Design. Proc. Operating Systems Principles, New York: ACM Press. Martin, G.L. and K.G. Corl, (1986). System Response Time Effects on User Productivity Behaviour and Information Technology. McGraw Hill. Sydney. Richardson, T. et al. (1998). Virtual Network Computing: Internet Computing. New Haven: Yale University Press. Shneiderman, B. (1997). Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction. Retrieved December 22, 2009 . Lai, A. & J. Nieh (2002). Limits of Wide-Area Thin-Client Computing ACM Sigmetrics Int’l Conf. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. WebDT. (2006). Products and Solutions: Thin Clients/Embedded Controller. 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