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server based computing

Describes a computing model where the server runs the application (provides the processing power, storage etc) and a remote desktop system (could be a PC, network connected laptop or tablet device or a Thin Client) - provides interaction with the end user by way of keyboard, mouse and display. The user experience is as if the application is running on a local PC - but is actually running remotely. The server can simultaneously run a number of user sessions - each user experiencing the application as if on their own PC.

The user's remote system does not need application compatibility with the application being run. So for instance, a Thin Client may have its own Linux based operating system but be capable of running Microsoft Word (which would be running in reality on a Windows based server). Similarly, with the right software loaded onto a tablet device but without Windows operating system, it may be possible to appear to run Microsoft Word (or any other application which runs on Windows).

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Thin Client

Thin Client is a term which refers to an alternative to a traditional PC which boasts a smaller footprint on the desk (sometimes none!), far less power consumption, no moving parts so lasts longer, highly secure because no software can be installed by the user - and is far less to purchase than a PC. But this is not the complete picture ...

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Desktop Virtualisation

If you have visited the Server Virtualisation page, you will know that a server consists of Hardware, Operating System and Software Applications. This is equally true of a PC - not surprisingly when you consider Industry Standard Servers evolved from PC's. So in exactly the same way that a server can be virtualised by encapsulating the Operating System and Software Applications into a Virtual Machine - so can a PC.

PC Virtualised

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