Editor's note
Thin clients make the VDI world go round. A thin client is a slimmed-down endpoint device that doesn't do any of the computing processing on the device itself; it relies on a network connection to the data center, where the virtual desktop is hosted.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to thin clients: What features do you need? How will you manage them? Do you need thin client devices in the first place? They are a great way to provide slim, manageable endpoints for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) users, but there are other options for VDI hardware, too.
In this guide, learn about the benefits of VDI thin clients, how to choose the right ones for your environment and how these endpoints compare to thick and zero clients.
1Choosing VDI thin clients
The purpose of thin clients is that they make management easier, so it's important to make sure you choose the right hardware. The wrong product or features can actually complicate management, so stick to only the features you need and make sure to weigh your options before you buy.
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Choosing VDI thin clients
There are a lot of options out there for thin client hardware, so get to know a few popular choices that might suit your VDI environment. Read Now
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What to look for in thin clients
When you're choosing thin client devices, consider if you can centrally manage them and whether you'll configure them all identically. Also take into account remote display protocol support: Cheap options don't have the best support, and vendor-specific thin clients usually only work with that vendor's protocol. Finally, how many advanced features do you need? Browser redirection and other capabilities can add to client complexity and defeat the purpose of having a slimmed-down endpoint. Read Now
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Considering cost, display and app support
Remember that the point of deploying VDI thin clients is that they are simple and inexpensive. Video conferencing, multimedia and 3-D graphics support will add to the cost. Those capabilities are important for many users, however, especially those who require computer-aided design or 3-D apps to do their work. To make sure your thin clients can support those types of applications, take note of the display protocol quality and how much network bandwidth you'll require. Read Now
2How thin clients compare to other VDI hardware
Are thin clients truly the right choice for your organization? Before you take the plunge, it's a good idea to consider your other options, including thin clients, zero clients and even Android thin clients. Each one has pros and cons, and knowing which one fits your needs will help make management and deployment easier.
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Other ways to access virtual desktops
Accessing a virtual desktop from a tablet is also a possibility, but it doesn't always provide the best user experience. Many Windows applications aren't meant for touch-screen use, and remote users tend to lack the necessary bandwidth. To see how the tablet method compares to others, check out all the pros and cons of different endpoint options for VDI. Read Now
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Android as a thin client option
Bring your own device programs often take Apple devices into account, but what about accessing a virtual desktop from an Android device? There would be a number of benefits to using the Android platform, which could serve as an open source version of the Linux-based thin clients on the market. But Android was made for mobile, so it doesn't lend itself to desktop use yet. Read Now