Thin-Client Computing

The basic goal of thin-client technology is to make the jobs of both IT administrators and end users easier, and at the same time increase productivity. Thin-client technology--specifically Web-based thin-client servers--allow for minimal deployment and maintenance by IT staff, and end users are a happy campers as a result.

After spending many hours with these products, we realized that finding the best one really depends on a corporation's needs. Mixed environments in which access to both Unix platforms and Windows are needed should consider either Citrix Systems NFuse 1.5, winner of our Editor's Choice award, or Tarantella Enterprise 3 with the Windows Connectivity Pack, which finished a close second. Microsoft Windows 2000 Terminal Services Advanced Client (TSAC) and Hob HobLink JWT are each simple to set up and represent lower-cost alternatives to the other two products. If your company just wants to get its feet wet with Web-enabled applications, try Microsoft TSAC--you can't beat a free deal.