From the operations side of running a business, there are really only two things that are important - time and money. The great thing about a Server-Based Computing model, such as Microsoft's Terminal Services, is that it can save your company both.

From a time-saving perspective, Terminal Services lets administrators install, configure, manage and maintain applications centrally on a few servers. This is usually much faster and easier to do than deploying applications on hundreds or thousands of desktop machines at different sites across an enterprise. By making the job of the administrator easier, companies also save money on I.T. support costs for their information systems infrastructure. Furthermore, centrally-deployed applications are usually easier to maintain (for example, patching and upgrading) and simpler to troubleshoot when things go wrong. As a result, downtime is reduced, users are more productive, and business booms along.

Another cost-saving perspective is that since in a terminal server environment all application logic runs on the server, the processing and storage requirements for client machines are minimal. This means you can save money by keeping in service older desktop computers running legacy versions of Windows, and focus your limited I.T. budget on a few high-powered systems to run as your terminal servers. Or you can toss your old desktop PCs and buy thin clients like Windows-Based Terminals (WBTs) instead, such as those from HP, Wyse and other manufacturers. The options are almost limitless since terminal servers let you run almost any DOS, Win32, or Web-based application from almost any client platform as we'll see in a moment.

Of course, one of the major benefits of a Server-Based Computing model, such as Terminal Services, is that users can connect from virtually anywhere, even home, and receive access to the very same desktop they see in the office and are able to use applications and file server resources as if they were sat at their own desk. Therefore, it's a fantastic way to allow remote offices to connect to a head office, or a mobile or home-based workforce to have access to the computing tools they need to work effectively.

The fundamental Windows Terminal Services platform is used by many companies in its native availability and there are many cost versus benefit reasons why this might be the most appropriate solution to implement. However, the Terminal Services platform and its functionality is also greatly enhanced by a small number of other Server-Based Computing solutions providers, one of which is Propalms (formerly Tarantella) and Perfect Penguin is an Accredited Propalms Partner and systems integrator.

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If you're wondering whether your business might benefit from the use of a Terminal Services or other Server-Based Computing infrastructure call our sales line today on +44 (0)870 4740714 or contact us here.

more links

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services (external link)