HomeReviews Build an Affordable Virtualization Server for Thin-Client Computing
Build an Affordable Virtualization Server for Thin-Client Computing (
Page 1 of 9 )
Why should large enterprises have all the fun when it comes to virtualization technology? Small businesses can benefit too. Build an inexpensive desktop virtualization server that brings virtualized desktops to client PCs anywhere, and at a price anyone can afford.
Getting in on Virtualization
Let's face it, deploying and maintaining desktop computers can be an expensive proposition for small businesses. Sure, the hardware has gotten pretty cheap, but applications, security and support have all gotten more complex and more expensive. In the server room, much of the cost has been contained by turning to virtualization technology. Why can't that same technology help the small business also? Well, it can. With virtual desktops, low-cost PCs can access needed applications via a browser and little more. Also, maintaining a single server to handle those virtualized desktops can be much cheaper than having to maintain applications on dozens of desktop PCs.
With that in mind, we set out to build a server suitable for virtualizing roughly a dozen desktops that would still be as affordable and as green as possible.
Follow along as we lay out our components and why we chose them.
Let's face it, deploying and maintaining desktop computers can be an expensive proposition for small businesses. Sure, the hardware has gotten pretty cheap, but applications, security and support have all gotten more complex and more expensive. In the server room, much of the cost has been contained by turning to virtualization technology. Why can't that same technology help the small business also? Well, it can. With virtual desktops, low-cost PCs can access needed applications via a browser and little more. Also, maintaining a single server to handle those virtualized desktops can be much cheaper than having to maintain applications on dozens of desktop PCs. 
