Thin client technologies

Vendors providing thin client solutions to public libraries

What is thin-client?

Thin-client is similar to the old automation systems that used "dummy terminals" and a server to provide software.  However, today it is much more than that.  Thin-clients appear to be no different than a regular desktop and provide access to the Internet and office productivity software, such as word processing and spreadsheet programs.  The main reason a library would want to implement a thin-client public network has to do with maintenance.  Rather than updating each PC, the update occurs on the terminal server one time.   Then all the thin-clients are updated when connecting to the terminal server.  Jerry McCulley gave a short presentation to interested librarians at the TLA District 5 meeting at Dallas Public Library. The handout (PowerPoint) is provided below for your information. The handout includes vendors that provide thin-client technologies for public libraries as well as a list of libraries that have implemented thin-client technologies. If you have questions about thin-client technologies or you want to know if it is right for your library, please contact Jerry McCulley at 972-205-2569.

Thin-client handout

Userful at Userful.com
Veicon at www.veicon.com
Stackwood Partners at www.stackwoodpartners.com