In today's networking world, everyone is offering new hardware and software products to help better access and manage data and applications. But do these individual components work together to provide a solid foundation for your corporate infrastructure?

Protacom Thin/Fat client provides IT managers with a solution that delivers high performance, easy-to-manage, cost-effective access to all information and applications on enterprise networks, intranets, and the Internet. Protacom Thin/Fat client lowers your total cost of ownership while delivering a richer end-user experience.

What Is 'Thin Client'

Although the term thin client usually refers to software, it is increasingly used for computers, such as network computers and Net PCs that are designed to serve as the clients for client/server architectures. A thin client is a network computer without a hard disk drive, whereas a fat client includes a disk drive.

What is 'Fat Client PC'

A fat client PC is a PC coupled with software to make it look and function like a standard thin client. Fat client PCs provide all the advantages of thin clients such as ease-of-management, reliability and increased control while avoiding the known limitations associated with typical thin-client devices. The fat client PC solution is secure by definition and can support environments that need the locked-down desktop control while still maintaining the flexibility of a PC for local application and I/O support.

The fat client PC solution is perfect for all organizations that require a full-function local Internet browser, local applications and want to access the proven benefits of server-based computing such as greater control, scalability and cost containment.

Why you should consider 'Thin/Fat Client'

	Centralised network management and administration.
	Security and control of desktop users - no individual CD's or floppies can be introduced (thin client only).
	Enhanced WAN performance - client/server applications performance significantly improved running Client.
	Multiple Terminal Server configuration with "load balancing" to optimise system resilience.
	Low cost of ownership with enhanced reliability - greatly reduces risk of business interruptions caused by hardware failure, software upgrades and PC desktop configuration headaches.
	Maximum availability of applications to users with less technical problems and easier administration.
	Rapid installation - each new user "up and running" in a matter of minutes.
	Software applications are maintained and quickly upgraded centrally - no need to upgrade individual desktop users.
	Typical life-cycle of more than twice an average PC (thin client only).
	Improved efficiency - upgrade central Terminal Servers and all users instantly benefit.