Thin client
A thin client is a lightweight computer or software application that relies on a central server for most of its processing, storage, and management. Unlike a thick client, which operates largely on its own, a thin client primarily serves as an access point to applications, data, and resources hosted on servers or in the cloud.
Thin clients are designed to be cost-effective, easy to manage, and highly secure. They are commonly used in business environments where centralized IT control is important, such as call centers, schools, healthcare systems, and enterprises with remote or distributed workforces.
Advanced
Thin clients typically have minimal local resources, often limited to a basic operating system, input/output interfaces, and network connectivity. Most of the computing workload—including data processing, application execution, and storage—takes place on the server. Protocols such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Citrix ICA, or VMware Horizon are commonly used to deliver applications to thin client devices.
Advanced thin client setups integrate with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and cloud services, enabling organizations to deploy scalable, secure, and centrally managed computing environments. They reduce endpoint vulnerabilities by storing sensitive data on servers rather than individual devices, and updates or patches are applied centrally.
Relevance
Applications
Metrics
Issues
Example
A hospital implemented thin clients in its patient wards to access electronic health records. By centralizing data on secure servers, the hospital improved security, reduced hardware costs, and simplified IT management while ensuring medical staff could quickly access information from any terminal.