subject: Advantages of Zero Client over Thin Client [print this page] Advantages of Zero Client over Thin Client
The argument regarding the superiority of Zero Client VDI over Thin Client VDI and vice versa is quite a hot topic among the discerned tech population. Though both of them are fundamentally quite similar, when taken into consideration that way in which they function. Both move the computing process back to the data center, not leaving anything more than a keyboard and monitor with the user. But both of them differ when you look deeper into the process in which they operate.
The First Advantage of Zero Client over Thin Client: Doesn't Need Local Processing Power or Locally Installed Software
Both the processes' main forte may be remote functioning, but on one hand where thin clients need localized processing power and softwares that are installed locally. Zero clients on the other hand don't need any such local help and are directly connected to virtual PCs in a data center that is usually done through an Ethernet connection. This is the main reason why it is quick, efficient and safe to run application when it is coupled with virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
The Second Advantage of Zero Client over Thin Client: Safe and Secured Operating Systems with the lowest Risk of Damage
One more important benefit of zero over thin client is the compact nature of the former. While thin client operates on Windows CE or Embedded XP platforms and have comparatively bigger size of RAM that ranges from 16 to 256 MB, its competitor works on completely embedded platforms and have a much smaller size of RAM that is between 4 and 32 MB. This makes the later much more stable and safe from virus threats while the former is quite vulnerable in the face of such problems.
The Third Advantage of Zero Client over Thin Client: Saves Power and Money and is the Most Efficient among the Two
Today in the world where power and money saving are the main mantra for corporate organizations, thin client scores much lower than its counterpart. If you take into contemplation the power usage, you'd see that on one hand where thin client system uses somewhere between 15-40W of power because of the fans attached to it, zero client systems use maximum power of 5W because of no moving part included with it. This makes the later to be much cheaper and easier to afford.
Apart from the above mentioned advantages a zero client has quite a few other benefits over any of its counterparts. It is tougher in its usage, more reliable and most importantly costs much lower. Seeing these advantages, a few companies like Pano Logic Inc., Wyse Technology and Digi International have started playing in the zero client space. As far as the future is concerned, it looks really bright and we can easily say that zero scores much more than anybody else!
