Thick Client vs Thin Client vs Zero Client
We’re no strangers to providing custom PCs, laptops, workstationsand servers to Clients of all types and sizes. But we don’t do it alone.
Even in a post-lockdown world, hybrid and remote working are here to stay. So, it isn’t surprising that Thin and Zero Clients have remained popular amongst businesses of all types and sizes - from SMEs to large enterprises.
In this article, we’ll examine the differences between Thick, Thin, and Zero Clients, as well as their benefits - with insights later on in the article from Jack Hunnybun, Account Manager at 10ZiG Technology on the differences between Thin and Zero Clients.
Let’s jump into it.
What is a Thick Client?
At a glance
Traditional Device, i.e. Desktop PC
Has its own OS
Software and Storage are Local
Highly Configurable
Can Work Offline
Thick Clients are traditional computer systems - like desktop PCs, for example - that have all of the components needed to execute software built in.
They come with their own operating systems, hard drives and software applications stored locally - rather than these being distributed over a network. This means that, while they need to connect to a server to download applications, programmes and data, as well as to update the operating system, they don’t need a continuous connection and can be used offline.
What’s also great about Thick Clients is that they’re highly configurable and customisable, so users have more control over which hardware and programs are installed on their system.
What are Thin Clients?
At a glance
Limited Processing Power, i.e. No Graphics Card
Connect to a Server/Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI) for Extended Functionality
Minimal Local Storage
Somewhat Configurable
Can Work Offline with Limited Functionality
Thin Clients work similarly to Thick Clients, in that they also have the components necessary to function alone. But the difference is that Thin Clients have minimal local storage. Instead, the majority of a user’s applications and data is stored on and accessed remotely via a central server or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
Because of this, the components they’re fitted with also aren’t particularly powerful. For example, power users won’t need a graphics card installed in their Client because they’ll be using one allocated to them by a server.
While most users won’t need local storage for apps and data, Thin Clients at least have minimal storage available if needed. They also have their own operating system and most core components (for example, CPU and RAM) needed to run lightweight applications locally or offline.
This means that they have limited processing power, work offline with limited functionality, and are only somewhat configurable. But they are a lot easier to manage than Thick Clients and are safer from a security perspective, as security updates can be rolled out at data centres rather than on each individual machine.
What are Zero Clients?
At a glance
Highly Optimised for VDI
Have No OS or Local Storage
Connect to a Server/VDI for Full Functionality
Minimally Configurable
Do Not Work Offline
Zero Clients have no operating system, next to no local storage, and work by connecting remotely to a centralised server - which is where all its operating system, applications and data are stored.
Zero Clients are fundamentally based on a VDI architecture. Because of this, they don’t work offline and are minimally configurable. But this means they require no maintenance from the end user, offer a high level of security, and have the smallest footprint of the three solutions.
Thick Clients vs Thin Clients
At a glance
Less Secure
Data is Siloed
Higher Costs
Harder to Manage
Reduced Productivity
As we covered above, Thick Clients are traditional computer systems that have all the core components needed to execute software built in. Thin Clients, on the other hand, while they also have hard drives, they instead store most of their apps and data on servers, which are then accessed via VDI protocols.
Although Thin Clients come with greater limitations for businesses than Thick Clients, most businesses generally prefer to use the former over the latter. This is because Thin Clients offer a whole host of benefits for businesses.
Thick Clients are far more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and security breaches. This is because, firstly, applications and data are stored on the machine itself. And, secondly, IT teams have limited insight into what’s being downloaded onto these machines - meaning users could easily download malicious software which goes unnoticed.
Thin Clients, however, are not only easier for IT teams to manage (as security updates can be rolled out automatically, without the need for user action), but their architecture also reduce the risks of malware being able to infect the machine.
Thick Clients are also more costly to run and maintain than Thin Clients. Thin Clients are not only cheaper to acquire (as they require less heavy-duty hardware), but they’re also lower on energy expenditure and more environmentally friendly.
Because Thin Clients have less parts, they’re also less likely to fail - and are a lot less costly to replace than Thick Clients.
Lastly, Thin Clients have the advantage when it comes to scalability. Because everything is handled from a central server, any installations or updates can be deployed to all users automatically.
Zero Clients vs Thin Clients
At a glance
Even Less Cost
Even More Secure
Energy Efficiency
Almost No Management Needed
Extremely Compact
To cover the differences between Zero Clients and Thin Clients, we spoke with Jack Hunnybun, account manager at 10Zig Technology, one of the companies we work with to provide businesses with Thin and Zero Client solutions.
As Jack will tell you, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to deciding whether to go for a Thin or Zero Client. It’s all down to the individual use case.
“We qualify every user requirement before suggesting a particular model, however, we’ll always recommend that businesses use a Zero Client if they can”, says Jack.
“It has a smaller footprint, only has one desktop/application store to manage - the remote one - and it’s so easy for the end user. They just boot their device, login to their VMWare/Citrix/AVD session and they’re straight in without having to first go through a local OS desktop.”
That said, Thin Clients do have their use cases.
“They’re great if customers need access to different VDI, DaaS or SaaS solutions within their business, as Thin Clients come with a host of Clients pre-installed”, explains Jack. “There are also sometimes certain peripheral devices with drivers or legacy solutions that are only supported in Windows.”
Jack and 10ZiG have provided both Thin and Zero Clients to businesses of all types and sizes - from enterprise level to SMEs - and cater for a broad range of cases.
“Client users include everyone, from basic task workers (who simply use Office for basic data entry) to power users that need access to graphic intensive applications (like architects, visual effects firms and game design companies)”, he says.
“And we’ve had to be quick to adapt over the last few years, with COVID-19 meaning that our customers are using a wider range of applications, like unified communications tools.”
The benefits of Thin and Zero Clients
At a glance
Reduced Cost
Improved Employee Experience
Superior Security and Control
Energy Efficient
Scalable
Jack lays out four key benefits of using Thin and Zero Clients with 10Zig.
1. Creating the office experience from home
“Our endpoint solutions really lend themselves to home working as well as traditional office-based work,” says Jack. “They allow you to create that office experience from home.”
As tempting as it can be for someone to work from a laptop on the kitchen table, a portable device on the sofa or even from the comfort of their bed, this doesn’t lend itself to an authentic office experience. And, what’s more, it can actually create a downturn in productivity and health concerns for staff.
“With Thin and Zero endpoints, there isn’t that option,” explains Jack. “You have to use them in a traditional office-style setup with your monitor(s), a keyboard and a mouse. You sit at a desk or designated table to work and, coupled with an ergonomic chair, it makes you much more productive and allows you to have better posture.”
2.Easy management for IT teams
As well as creating a better experience for the end user, these Clients also make things easier for IT management teams.
“IT teams can deploy desktops or applications, tailored to each department or individual employee, and can manage, support and report on 10ZiG endpoints wherever the user is based,” says Jack.
This can be done remotely and automatically, as 10ZiG provides a true plug-and-play solution straight from the box.
“Not only that,” Jack continues, “but they also help create a work-only device for homeworkers. The IT Management Team has the ability to lock down USB ports, prevent access to non-corporate applications or indeed block the download of third-party applications, meaning that the kids won’t be playing on Fortnite or browsing Instagram.
“We’re now seeing the widespread adoption of distributed workforces, so rather than everyone being in the same office, the IT team can deploy, support and manage their endpoints centrally from a single location regardless of where the employee is based in proximity to the admin, even on the other side of the world. It makes life so much easier.
“One of the key benefits for our Thin and Zero Client users is the management aspect,” says Jack. “With our 100% free endpoint management system, The 10ZiG Manager, IT teams can configure and update the Client via scheduled tasks, troubleshoot devices, run reports and much more - all from one central location, across multiple end-user locations.”
With 10ZiG staying ahead of the curve in terms of Clients and their feature updates - particularly for Amazon WorkSpaces, Azure Virtual Desktops, Citrix, Microsoft RDP, Microsoft Cloud PC and VMWare - they can make sure that necessary updates are released quickly for optimised customer support.
3.Customisation and automated configuration
Customisation is also available with 10ZiG and, where possible, 10ZiG will work to make their devices fit your environment - not the other way round.
Our Direct 2 Desk service is ideal for remote working teams. It includes everything from sourcing hardware to device retirement: learn more here.
“Where your users have different application/resource requirements, it is possible to set up automated configuration within the 10ZiG Manager.” Says Jack.
“10ZiG devices can be filtered into groups (IP range, physical location or manually created groups such as department, for example) and where applicable The 10ZiG Manager will automatically apply the correct pre-configured template or firmware version to that endpoint/group of endpoints when they connect to the network.
“Whether you require your users to have access to different desktops/applications or have a company-wide standard, it is extremely easy to create templates from one 10ZiG endpoint and apply it to your other 10ZiG devices as required via The 10ZiG Manager.”
4.Strengthened security
“Zero Trust Security is a very hot topic at the moment,” Jack says, “and the influx in the bring-your-own-device model has created a lot of security headaches.
“Not only do Thin and Zero Clients provide extremely minimal virus threat - if any - 10ZiG also offers secure, in-house developed operating systems that mean businesses can focus on back-end security (such as anti-virus) rather than at the endpoint.
“Adding to the secure aspect, Thin and Zero Clients don’t operate as local devices, they connect to VDI, DaaS or SaaS platforms, so when they are logged off or powered-down there is nothing to access in the event of theft or misuse,” Jack says.
“They really are a great endpoint solution all-round.”
Which is right for your business?
Although Thick Clients might seem like the more straightforward option for businesses, Thin and Zero Clients are taking businesses by storm - especially in our remote/hybrid era.
But there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for businesses.
We recommend carefully studying your business case to carefully select the right solution for your computing needs.
Many thanks to Jack for his time. If you’re looking for a bespoke solution to your computing needs, get in touch.