Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is thin client computing?
A. Thin client computing replaces costly-to-manage desktop PCs and laptops with simpler, cheaper equipment. Users' programs and data are stored on centrally managed servers resulting in systems that are less expensive to run, more easily maintained and more environmentally friendly. When systems are built in this way it's easier to make software accessible remotely too - say from home or while travelling - using technology like Oracle's Global Desktop product.

Q. What is a thin client?
A. A thin client is the display device which the user will see their desktop environment. The screen looks much like any flat screen computer display, and is usually accompanied by a small box offering flash memory and ports for usb devices. The thin client is merely a display device and usually does not have any moving parts, nor generates any significant heat. Old computers can also be transformed to thin clients in order to get the most out of existing investment.

Q. What are the benefits over a conventional desktop?
A. Thin client systems are significantly easier to administer because everything is powered by the central server. This means all software updates, data storage, system maintenance and new user desktops can be set up and managed from one easy location. Users' applications and data are centrally managed and accessible from anywhere that has a suitable thin client or remote connection, freeing users from needing to have their 'own' computer. Users often comment on speed of startup, improved reliability, lower noise and less heat generated by thin clients.

Q. How is it set up?
A. A certain amount of technical skill and experience is needed to build a thin client system that delivers good performance. Whilst the technical skill level needed is moderate, it takes experience to design a system with the right combination of network, servers, memory and storage to deliver good performance. Any well-designed system will need to take into account the types of applications that will be needed by the users. Some applications or workloads are less suitable for use on thin clients and it's important to get the mix of thin client and traditional PCs right. Experienced system designers will work with you to get this balance right.

Q. How are my thin desktops managed?
A. The system can be managed by Cutter Project or your own technical staff. Our systems are designed to be 100% remotely manageable in either case, a key part of (and benefit) of our design experience. Depending on the skill levels of your own staff, management tasks can be allocated as you prefer.

Q. How safe is my data?
A. Data protection is more robust with thin client systems because all the data is stored in one place: the central server. Unlike traditional desktops and laptops which store the data on their hard-disk drives, with a server based system, all users store their data on the server. System administrators therefore have greater control over the use of software, and greater protection against theft, piracy and loss. Centralised backup systems run by dedicated administrators are more likely to be managed properly than desktops where users are responsible for their own backup and data protection.

Q. How do I use my software?
A. Thin client systems are designed to look and feel just like the PC they replace. If the system is properly designed users can switch from one to the other with little or no training or familiarisation. Programs and data should be accessible just as they were previously. When switching to a thin client system, IT management may also choose to upgrade software or policies. In that case users will obviously see some difference and training should be considered as part of the implementation plan.

Q. Can I still use my windows desktop?
A. Thin client computing is capable of virtualising almost any desktop platform. Most commonly found are the various versions of Microsoft Windows but Apple, Linux and other environments may be possible where needed. Using thin clients and virtualised environments gives increased flexibility in rolling-out system upgrades as the dependence on desktop equipment is removed.

Q. Can I store my files as normal?
A. Yes, storing files on a server based system is the same as a traditional PC. Depending on the type of thin client chosen (and overall policy) USB devices and storage can also be taken into account.

Q. Will we lose performance over a traditional PC?
A. This is a common question, sometimes prompted by experience of poorly designed earlier generation thin client systems. If the system is well implemented many users may instead find noticeably improved performance rather than any slow-down. It is important to undertake an audit of user requirements prior to designing the system to ensure that expectations are met. It can also depend on what the users want from the system. For many, increased reliability and security is one of the most important issues. Some particular applications or types of work do work better on dedicated computers rather than thin clients. This is not a deficiency, simply a fact of life. It is most unlikely that every single user in a diverse organisation should be moved to a thin client device; the important thing is to identify those users in advice and ensure adequate provision for their needs. Applications such as process control, intensive video or sound editing and pre-press production may all benefit from dedicated equipment. Depending on what your organisation does there may be none, a few, or many such users.

Q. Is it expensive?
A. The cost efficiencies of thin clients come through their entire lifecycle , not as a one time saving. A thin client has at least twice the life of a desktop PC, and consumes about 10% of the power of a desktop PC. Managing the systems is easier and has seen cost benefits of almost 25:1 in technical staff in some instances. The thin client themselves are similar in price to a low end desktop PC, which when combined with a server is comparable in cost to a set up of PCs. Recycling old computers as thin clients can cut this down significantly, so switching to thin clients might cost as little as half the cost of replacing your existing desktop PCs. Savings then start to accrue in terms of energy costs, staffing and reliability. The second round of replacement that would probably occur in three to four years time will then be very much less expensive than previously.

Q. Can we see the systems in use?
A. Yes, we can arrange a site visit with one of our clients to see the systems in action.

Q. What virtualisation technology do you use?
A. At present we predominantly implement Oracle VDI and VMware View technology. These are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate for our customers. We have a continuing program of investment in skills to ensure that we keep up with market developments as needed.

Q. Do thin clients really save on energy costs?
A. In general, yes, and in many cases substantially so. Not only do thin clients offer the chance to make dramatic energy savings compared to PCs, this can be a double-win when air conditioning costs are also taken into account. Precise calculations will depend on your patterns of usage, whether you turn PCs off at night and what type of thin client device you use. Overall carbon footprint is also very much affected by the longer life of thin client devices which results in less manufacturing and recycling energy use.

If you have any other questions which you think should be part of this FAQ, please contact us and we will do our best to answer your question and add it to the FAQ list.

To find out more read about

Or you can browse our FAQ.

BETT Awards 2011 Winner
Cutter - winners of the 2011 BETT Environmental Sustainability Award

Green IT Awards Finalist
Finalists in the 2011 Green IT awards