Why Thin Client Computing?

A Thin Clients strategy uses the smallest possible boot image, meaning that a full operating system is not required on the Thin Client device. Using this strategy means that a much simpler implementation can be deployed and the infrastructure management can be more easily maintained, resulting in:

• Lower hardware costs. Thin Client hardware is cheaper because it does not contain a disk, application memory, or a powerful processor. They also have a longer period before requiring an upgrade or becoming obsolete.
• More secure. Thin Clients usually have no or very limited application data residing on the client. Applications and data resides on the server and is centrally managed, thereby having a single point of control.
• Lower Power usage. Thin Client hardware has much lower energy consumption, which reduces energy costs.
• Not prone to theft. Usually no expensive components are found in the Thin Clients which reduces component theft. The Thin Client devices are also not designed to operate stand-alone, and are therefore deemed useless outside a client-server environment.
• Simple hardware upgrade path. Instead of replacing an entire work station when additional resources are required, a simple process to add another rack to a blade server (be it power, processing, storage), boosting resources to exactly the amount required with a Thin Client technology. The existing Thin Client devices will not be effected with upgrades and can be continued in service alongside new and existing devices.

ThinLinX's Thin Client Solution

ThinLinX's Thin Client Terminals are more than a cost-effective alternative to standard PCs. End-users run their Windows®, Linux and mainframe applications directly from data center servers, enabling centralised application management, network plug-and-play conveniences, higher security and reliability, and much lower IT support costs.

ThinLinX’s Hot-e® is an embedded Linux Thin Client computer that can be used to substitute the standard PC. The Hot-e®, when used in conjunction with our server software, provides the same look and feel as a traditional standalone PC, except at a fraction of the purchase, maintenance and support cost. The Hot-e® Thin Client is a very low power device consuming approximately 3.5 watts of power, is totally silent and generates negligible heat.

This diagram above shows a number of our Hot-e® devices connected together on a Local Areas Network (LAN) via a switch. A server can be situated on the LAN or anywhere else in the world that is accessible via the Internet. The Hot-e® devices will then display the applications locally, even though they are actually running on the LAN or Wide Area Network Server.

Solar Panel Schools Project

Solar Schools is an exciting grassroots program designed to raise awareness about sustainable energy usage by donating solar systems to schools.

This project uses an Hot-e®, TLX100 device to log data that is uploaded on a daily basis.

The following diagram illustrates how the solarschools.net website collects it data from each of the Schools involved.

The Hot-e® together with loaded Point of Sale application software and a touch screen device, will provide the basis for a fully functional point of sale solution for the restaurant business. Many additional peripherals such as bar-code scanners, cash trays, credit card readers can be attached to the Hot-e® via its standard I/O ports.

ViewTouch, a partner of ThinLinX, has been in the Point of Sale industry for more that 20 years. ThinLinX was able to contribute to make an already successful solution,even better by providing Hardware that complements the infrastructure. This leads to a more Cost effective and manageable solution.

ThinLinX together with ViewTouch, have created a Point of Sale solution, that is dynamic, easy to deploy and exceptionally cost effective to cater for a wide variety of POS business requirements.

NoMachine NX Server

NX Server enables any business to deploy a Thin Client technology. To read more about Thin Client architecture, using a centralised approach to applications, go to: Thin Client.

NX software solutions enables transportation of X-Window, RDP and RFB remote desktop with ease and considerable speed. NX server runs on any Linux operating system. NX integrates with your existing set-up and software enabling flexibility constructing a Client server architecture.

Linux

A growing number of organizations are driving the consideration of Linux as the preferred desktop operating system for personal and business computers. With Linux, initiatives such as; a lower-cost alternative to licensing fees charged, less security risk and ease of manageability can be had.

If you are one of these companies that are starting to consider desktop Linux strategies, contact us to find out more on how this can be achieved.

The Hot-e, based on the Linux kernel v2.6, can be expanded with several add-ons, that gives us the inherent virus immunity, and ease of connecting to your Linux Desktop.