A Closer Look: Zero Client Solutions
By Frank Ohlhorst |
Virtualization has changed the cost structure of the data center, and now it can change the cost center of managing a fleet of end-user clients. Here’s a look at the promise of zero client technologies, a list of the players, and how they can make a difference for IT organizations.
A Closer Look: Zero Client Solutions
Zero client hardware usually consists of a small box that connects to a keyboard, mouse, monitor and Ethernet connection. The zero client device contains network protocols, allowing each of these interface types to be supported over a wired or wireless IP network without a local PC or thin client. Zero clients are connected over the network to applications running on a PC or server located elsewhere on the IP network. Zero clients when paired with a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solution become a quick, secure way to deliver applications to users.
Zero clients offer several advantages over "fat clients", which are also known as traditional PCs. With zero client technology, power use can be greatly reduced. Where a fat client may use as much as 250 watts of power, a zero client device may use as little as 5 watts. What’s more, zero client devices cost significantly less than a traditional PC or even a thin client device. Zero client solutions are often priced well under $200 per seat.
By combining zero client computing with VDI, administrators can reduce the number of physical PCs or blades and run multiple virtual PCs on server class hardware. With that change, all of the management, support, continuity and failover benefits of a virtual infrastructure are extended to desktops throughout the organization. That situation also bodes well for MSPs that are looking to delve into the hosted PC space.
|
Fat Client |
Thin Client |
Zero Client |
Interface Ports |
Robust Serial: 0-8+ USB: 2-8+ Parallel:0-2 PS/2: 0-4 Display: 1-16 |
Limited Serial: 0-2 USB: 2-4 Parallel: 0-1 PS/2: 0-2 Display: 1 |
Robust Serial: 2-8+ USB: 2-8+ Parallel: 0-1 PS/2: 0-4 Display: 1-2 |
Reliability |
Low Hot (35-275W) Many moving parts |
Modest Warm (15-40W) Fans on some |
High Cool (5W) No moving parts |
Operating Systems |
Windows XP / Vista Windows 2000 Large: 128-512 MB RAM Unstable High virus risk |
Windows CE Embedded XP Moderately large: 16-256 MB RAM Moderately stable Modest virus risk |
Embedded Small: 4-32 MB RAM Simple Stable No virus risk |
Client Licensing |
Windows XP Windows CAL |
Windows CE Windows CAL |
None No CAL |
Functionality |
Applications User interface I/O |
User interface I/O Terminal emulation |
Remote Access I/O Terminal emulation |
Application Support |
PC Dedicated Native support |
RDP / ICA to server Must be rewritten |
VDI to Server No modifications |
Price per seat |
Expensive $400 to $2000 |
Moderate $350 to $1000 |
Inexpensive $99 to $300 |
Currently, only a few vendors are playing in the zero client space. Those vendors include Pano Logic, Digi, Wyse, N-Computing and Teradici. Each of those vendors approaches zero client technology in a unique fashion.
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