Linux
and Thin Clients – Another Alternative
Linux, the operating system created as a hobby
by Linus Tovalds in 1994, has now reached the point where it has entered
mainstream computing. The cost, scalability and performance of Linux have
made it a solid alternative to Unix and Microsoft operating systems. The
partnering of Linux with thin clients has been a natural progression, and
today Linux makes up 20 percent of the worldwide thin client marketplace.
Wyse Technology Inc., a leading thin client manufacturer, reports that shipments
of Linux-based thin client devices grew by 43 percent in fourth quarter
2003 over the same period a year earlier. Other manufacturers have also
noticed an increased demand for their Linux-based thin clients.
Why is Linux becoming so popular?
Linux's open source code is primarily responsible for its surge in popularity, particularly for thin client implementation in educational institutions. Its functionality, adaptability and robustness, make it a less expensive alternative to proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. The Linux operating system, like the Microsoft operating system, can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called "embedding". This is a popular way to incorporate the operating system into thin client devices.Who is using Linux and Thin Clients?
Businesses and organizations which have a large number of task-based workers are ideal candidates for both thin clients and Linux. Point of sale and call centers often have large numbers of users in various locations with identical needs. The customized mobile desktop allows workers to log in from any desktop in a company, and have access to all the tools that they usually need to perform their job. Educational institutions also find that both Linux and thin clients make sense for their particular computing needs. In schools, computer users share workstations among as many as 7 or 8 users per day. Linux has robust user management systems that can be used to create individual virtual desktops for students or create sessions that rebuild themselves automatically as classrooms turn over groups of students. Branch organizations with many smaller offices in many different locations, can benefit from both thin clients and Linux. A standard server and user application configuration makes it easy to install and maintain a “plug and play” configuration. Linux can be replicated across hundreds of smaller servers, without the high cost of licensing.Reduced IT Resources
The administration of a thin client network using Linux is just as easy and efficient as with other operating systems. Linux includes a number of built in tools which can let a remote administrator easily access and troubleshoot a desktop.Thin Clients and Linux – A Natural Fit
Thin
client computing continues to be the solution of choice, for businesses
and organizations using a centralized server computing network. Many Vecmar
customers are switching to thin clients as a means of achieving both improved
security and increased productivity. Greater security, reduced IT costs
and resources are just a few more reasons to consider Thin
Clients as a solution for your business needs. Linux is solid operating
system to consider, particularly if cost of licensing is an important
issue in your organization.
Vecmar has some new Linux-based thin clients
in our product line, including the Wyse
Winterm 5150SE and the Wyse
Winterm S50. Contact us at 1-800-457-8499 or email
us for assistance with selecting the Linux-based thin clients that
will work for your particular computing needs.
We hope that our news is good news for your company! Thanks for reading our newsletter. Questions or topics you'd like us to talk about? Call or write us and let us know how else we can serve you better! If you would rather not receive this email newsletter, please send an email to newsletter@vecmar.com.
VECMAR
Computer Solutions, 7595 Jenther Drive, Mentor, Ohio 44060 USA
(800) 457-8499, Int'l (440) 953-1119, Fax (440) 953-8341
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