What Is Thin Client Computing?
A thin client is a lightweight computer with no hard drive. Thin clients are centrally managed, with most of their memory, applications, and data stored on a server. This may be a cloud server or an on-premises edge server.
The difference between a thick and thin client is that a “thick” or “rich” client is a full-featured computer, while a thin client computer relies on a server to handle most of its workloads.
Thin clients enable a virtualized business environment, which often delivers cost savings, security, and scalability benefits. By creating an architecture between the thin client device and the server, Intel® technologies enable virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), intelligent desktop virtualization (IDV), and transparent client infrastructure (TCI).
When powered by Intel® technologies, thin clients enable great user experiences with integrated graphics, support for 4K displays, and responsive compute performance. These devices are ideal for helping IT teams:
- Address complex issues around security and manageability
- Support remote client solutions related to emerging 5G and cloud technologies
- Deploy Desktop as a Service (DaaS), the next evolution in VDI
- Enable Hardware as a Service (HaaS) delivered via managed service providers
Discover the Advantages of Thin Clients
A thin client architecture can help organizations enhance security, simplify IT management, and lower costs for enterprise devices.
Enhanced Security
Simple Deployment and Manageability
Flexible Configurations
Productive User Experiences
Low Cost
Small Footprint
Industry Applications for Thin Clients
Education
Deploying thin clients for education in K‒12 classrooms, university computer labs, and other learning environments encourages active learning and engaging experiences.
Healthcare
Support workstations on wheels (WOWs) or clinician devices while complying with HIPAA regulations for data protection and privacy.
Banking and Financial Services
Tellers and investment bankers using thin clients can help keep sensitive data secure while ensuring trades and other activity are always executed on a centrally managed server.
Retail
Thin clients for retail enable a range of use cases, including point of sale (POS) systems, digital signage, interactive kiosks, inventory systems, and more.
Thin Client Architectures
An organization’s thin client architecture depends on its specific IT strategy. Here are some key terms to know.
Virtualized Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
VDI is the practice of hosting a desktop OS within a virtual machine (VM) running on a centralized server.
Intelligent Desktop Virtualization (IDV)
With IDV, the client image is divided into layers. The OS and applications are managed centrally, and endpoint devices are managed physically.
Transparent Client Infrastructure (TCI)
TCI splits software and hardware, and then splits computing and storage, while streaming the software over a network.
Thin Client Device Types
There are several types of thin client devices, each with a different level of local and remote capabilities.
Zero Client Devices
Flexible Thin Clients
Mobile Thin Clients
Rich Clients
Thin Client Form Factors
With a range of form factors to choose from, it’s easy to find the best thin client for the job.
All-in-One
Simplify experiences and workspaces with all-in-one thin clients. The computer is built right into the screen—no keyboard needed.
Laptops
Untether employees to work without wires with laptop thin clients that offer great connectivity and low power consumption.
Mini PCs
With a small form factor and low power consumption, mini PCs offer excellent value as a thin client building block.
Intel® Technologies for Thin Clients
From low-power devices to powerful edge servers that process large amounts of data, thin client hardware based on Intel® technologies deliver the performance, connectivity, and manageability features to accommodate a growing number of applications.
Intel® Processors
Intel® processors come in a range of compute options for every form factor and application. Integrated graphics and substantial compute ensure rich user experiences.
Integrated Connectivity
Intel®-based thin clients offer a selection of integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity.
Manageability
Intel® processors include features to support IT management. For additional capabilities, including out-of-band device management, look for devices based on Intel vPro Enterprise for Windows.
Hardware-Enhanced Security Features
Help protect data and devices with hardware-based encryption and root of trust.
Intel® Software for Thin Clients
Intel enables software for IDV and TCI, including the Intel® Software Solution for Transparent Computing and Intel® Graphics Virtualization Technology (Intel® GVT).
Intel® Xeon® Processors
Intel® Xeon® processors provide responsive performance as on-premises servers or as cloud servers for Desktop as a Service (DaaS).
Notices and Disclaimers
Intel® technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation.
No product or component can be absolutely secure.
Your costs and results may vary.
Intel does not control or audit third-party data. You should consult other sources to evaluate accuracy.