How thin and zero clients can reduce IT costs

Posted on Thursday December 27, 2018

It's no secret that cutting costs is one way to increase profit. When it comes to tech, most businesses do this by bringing their operations to the cloud, hiring pay-as-you-go service providers, and uninstalling unnecessary software. Another way to reduce costs is by swapping bulky desktops for thin or zero clients.

What are thin and zero clients? Thin clients are stripped-down computers with minimum processing power and memory. They rely on a basic operating system and a network connection to access a more powerful system where almost all computing processes take place. Zero clients work the same way. The only difference is that there's no local storage or operating system installed on the device; all the software, storage, and processing power sits on a server until you need it. This setup makes it ideal for cutting costs. Reduced hardware costs When it comes to upfront costs, thin and zero clients are the obvious choice. Conventional desktops start at $300 per user, while thin clients can go as low as $90 per user. And since they have no hard drive or other moving parts, lean devices tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan than their traditional counterparts. Simplified IT management Another benefit of thin clients is that they can be managed from a server. Suppose a new software update was released. Instead of manually downloading the patch on each computer, you can simply install the update on your server and roll it out to all thin clients. Apart from upgrades, you can make backups, security configurations, and application deployments in the data center. This quickens setup, reduces downtime, and increases employee productivity. Minimized security risks Thin clients also help you prevent costly malware attacks and data breach incidents. Your employees and poorly managed endpoints are the biggest vulnerabilities with traditional desktops. Thin and zero clients reduce these problems by limiting direct access to the operating system. This keeps employees from copying sensitive data to removable media and installing software, malicious or otherwise. If your thin client is damaged or corrupted, you don't have to worry about your data, as it's originally stored in an impenetrable server. Decreased energy consumption Because processing is done locally, traditional desktops generate a lot of heat and require more power, which results in huge power and cooling bills at the end of the month. By contrast, thin and zero clients consume only 4 to 6.5 watts of power, almost 1/50th of thick client requirements. What's more, they require little to no cooling, allowing you to enjoy significant cost savings. When looking for cost-cutting solutions, thin and zero clients should never be overlooked. The reduced hardware costs, power bills, and security risks are just too good to pass up. But if you're still unsure about this technology, give us a call. We'll assess your tech needs and determine whether or not thin or zero clients can help you succeed.