10 December 2007
by Simon Quicke
One of the alternatives for firms concerned about users breaking security policy could be to choose a locked-down smart client.
Fears over security, particularly for remote workers, is causing customers headaches but one answer centres on clients supported by web-based applications.
Microsoft and Citrix are pushing the web-based application platforms and on the hardware front there appears to be a gap between thin client and desktop.
Simon Ponsford, CEO at Cranberry, said that locked-down devices came with security concerns covered and were ideal for workers that were logging onto the network from home.
"The administrator defines the role and it is delivered straight to the user. All the administrators have to do is what they are very good at, looking after the servers," he said.
He said there was a growth in application streaming, removing the need for the user to have an application on the desktop and reducing the opportunity for employees to download and make amendments to their machines.
Allan Tyrell, managing director at distributor GDG, said he had worked at Wyse in the past and was keen to promote the benefits of a product that could offer most of the features of a PC.
He added that although some resellers might make a connection between previous experiences of selling thin clients and smart clients, the introduction of streamed applications had led to an evolution of the technology.
David Angwin, marketing director at Wyse, said that it was possible to lock down thin clients and the operating system was designed to be as secure as possible.
He added that with a zero client there was nothing on the hardware and the software was provisioned down to it: "Security has always been a strong point of selling thin clients."
