What is a Thin Client?

A thin client is a computer built with fewer hardware components and minimal local storage. Thin clients rely on an external, central server for processor, storage, and memory to run applications. Users connect to a centralized computing environment with thin clients through virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technology. Compared to traditional computers, thin clients are easier to manage and secure. Organizations use thin clients to support a distributed workforce, reduce computing costs, and centralize security management.

A thin client connects to centralized servers, in a public or private cloud, in a remote data center, or on-site. The full desktop session and applications are delivered over a network connection to the client. Thin clients require a low-latency network connection for the best user experience.

There are several benefits that thin clients offer.

Reduced costs

A thin client has fewer hardware requirements than other computers. They have less processing power, storage, and memory. This lack of additional hardware reduces manufacturing and purchase costs. As the hardware is simpler, they consume less power and are also cost-effective to maintain.

Enhanced security

You can keep your sensitive data secure when using thin clients. No data is stored on a thin client. With this configuration, there's less of a chance of unauthorized data access if an employee loses their device. Disaster recovery and backup management are also centralized, so employees don't have to worry about losing their work.

Efficient management

Administrators can update and maintain thin client software with ease. As thin clients run from centralized management, you can streamline all maintenance tasks without the need to individually update all devices. You can batch update or use infrastructure as code tools to centrally maintain thin client environments. You can also scale up or down quickly by introducing more thin clients to the system or increasing the resources that the central system has.

Thin clients are computers with minimal hardware built to connect to cloud and server-based environments. With thin clients, IT teams have full control over how applications, data, and processing are handled, while users can access workloads more securely. Below, we share common thin client use cases.

Virtual desktop infrastructure

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is the leading use case for thin clients. VDI networks store applications, data, and operating systems on a centralized server.

Each thin client acts as the endpoint for users, providing a lightweight system that accesses all centralized resources. Your users will log in through a thin machine and then connect to the server to retrieve resources.

There are different types of virtualizations:

• Nonpersistent virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) users get a fresh virtual machine (VM) from a pool every time they log in. Changes are discarded after logout, which ensures a clean slate for each session.

• Persistent VDI users are allocated a VM that retains changes across sessions, which provides a consistent, personalized environment.

Shared terminal services

Shared terminal services are for simpler tasks on a machine. You can use a thin client station that shares servers to create folders or run applications approved by IT.

Instead of accessing an entire desktop, your users access only specific applications that run on the server. Most of the time, this shared workstation runs a task-based system where your users log in to perform a task and then log out.

Call centers

Thin clients allow organizations to deploy call centers at scale. Instead of purchasing regular computers that might result in higher infrastructure and operating expenditure, you use thin clients that are built with only basic components that run only contact center software.

Healthcare institutions

Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities are regulated by strict data privacy laws. Thin clients prevent data from being stored locally. Instead, all data is stored, processed, and retrieved from a centralized server, which strengthens data security and governance.

Remote workforce

Thin clients allow organizations to support a remote or hybrid working environment while maintaining oversight on endpoint security. Unlike personal computers, employees can't download applications, store data, or make configuration changes to the device.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities often require rugged and low-cost computing terminals for basic workloads. Thin clients are built with minimal components that help manufacturers optimize costs as they scale.

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Hardware based

Hardware thin clients operate exclusively on a dedicated computer with limited computing resources. In computing, a thin client often refers to hardware-based setups.

Software based

Software-based thin clients are applications that support remote access to centralized servers. You can install software thin clients on any hardware, including a regular computer. The remote desktop software based thin client uses some of the computer's resources, such as display and I/O, but application logic runs on the server.

Browser based

Browser based thin clients are ordinary devices that use web browsers to provide access to services. Your users access a web browser from any device and use it to access a remote desktop service.

This thin client is bound by the local resources of the browser and the machine. However, the software and data display output are delivered over the web by the network connection.

Thin client devices contain minimal resources on their system but can establish a connection to a centralized server. Unlike a regular computer, thin clients don't process data locally. Instead, a thin client architecture connects a device to a centralized server through a local area network (LAN) or the internet. Then, the client passes the data to the server for processing.

Below, we share how thin clients exchange data with the server.

1. Users log in on a thin client and gain access to a virtualized desktop through VDI.

2. The user uses the keyboard and mouse attached to the thin client, transmitting these movements to the server.

3. The server receives the inputs and updates the virtual desktop to react to these changes.

4. Thin client computing is the act of sending graphical changes in response to user input, helping to streamline virtualized interactions.

VDI software ensures that each user has a separate session, which helps to increase personalization and secure data. When a user logs out of their thin client, the desktop server then saves its state at that current moment. They can resume from where they left off whenever they log into another thin client.

Thin clients are a lightweight solution for those wanting a cheaper way to access a centralized server. However, these are not the only client models available.

Thick clients

Thick clients vary from thin clients as they have all their user data, applications, and operating system locally. They have these foundational resources so you can perform many tasks without drawing from the central server. While thick clients offer higher processing power and can help with resource-intensive tasks, they have higher upfront costs.

As thick clients have more local hardware and software, you may also have to update each machine individually. Because of this, thick clients have higher maintenance.

Zero clients

Zero clients are streamlined machines that provide even fewer local resources and hardware than thin clients. They have minimal processing power and no storage as you mainly use them to connect to a virtual desktop.

Because of their pared-down approach, they don't consume much energy. Zero clients are cost-effective, easy to set up, and useful for environments that require several deployments. However, their simplicity also leads to less customization and an inability to support some types of multimedia.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers Amazon WorkSpaces thin clients as a cost-effective endpoint device that connects to AWS infrastructure. With WorkSpaces thin clients, you can centralize data management, strengthen security, and reduce overall computing costs.

As a scalable approach, you can use the WorkSpaces Family for many purposes:

• Secure the apps and data that you store on AWS servers instead of holding data on endpoint devices.

• Boost productivity by offering a high-performance and globally distributed infrastructure for your users.

• Facilitate remote work and provide hybrid access for your employees and remote workers.

• Create virtual learning environments for educators, students, and staff. You can ensure everyone has the resources they need to succeed.

Get started with virtualized desktop environments on AWS by creating a free account today.