Industrie Thin Client

A thin client is a computer or program that performs its tasks with the help of a server. Thin clients are often also referred to as cloud clients, zero clients or universal desktops. The opposite of a thin client is a fat or full client that can perform tasks itself using its hardware and software. Compared to thin clients, however, these are usually more expensive and complex because they use too much computing power or energy to solve the tasks set.

Basically, the same requirements are placed on a thin client for industrial applications as on an industrial PC. This means that the industrial thin client must be able to adapt to its environmental conditions, such as temperature, vibration, protection, etc. However, less computing power is required, because the industrial thin client only represents the user interface - the data is processed by the server. The inputs are processed on the server or virtualized desktop and the output is sent back to the industrial thin client, which only has to display it.

Are there any restrictions? This question can be answered with a clear conscience with no. Users of industrial thin clients no longer have to accept any restrictions. Especially in the area of graphics and speed, a lot has been improved. Only in the area of multi-touch support is there clearly a need to catch up.

It should also be noted that not all software manufacturers plan to run their programs on remote servers - here customers must observe the relevant license terms or plan additional fees for the desired usage scenario. After all, industrial thin clients usually require a permanent network connection to the server.

Industrial Thin Clients from FORSIS are available in different versions. The boundaries between a slimmed-down computer and a full-fledged PC are fluid. In addition to stationary industrial PCs, mobile systems for use on mobile workstations or industrial trucks are also offered.

While mobile thin clients are already approaching regular PCs in terms of computing power and storage capacity, systems known as "zero clients" take the idea of the thin client even further. Instead of a complete operating system, only rudimentary firmware works on these systems, which is specifically tailored to the server platform of a provider.

The big advantage of an industrial thin client is its "simple" operation. Only the software that is required for access to centrally provided apps runs on the systems. The individual systems can be installed or changed accordingly comfortably. Meanwhile, users have access to an identical application environment at every workstation. Industrial thin clients do without error-prone moving parts such as fans, HD, and so on, and are therefore less prone to failure. Likewise, only limited computing power is required at the local feedback stations in the production environment, the systems consume less energy than fully equipped industrial PCs and achieve a longer service life. The FORSIS Industry Thin Clients also make use of these advantages. Here are the advantages at a glance:

• Security: No risk of viruses (read-only memory) or theft of the industrial PC, as there is no local file storage
• Simple operation, since only the software needed to access centrally operated applications is running
• Very simple management through central or decentralized control systems
• Greatly reduced administrative effort
• Relief of the IT department through uniform remote management. IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) is included in delivery
• Quick activation and deactivation of applications for the end user leads to a service advantage
• Opportunity for the user to always have the same access to his personal user interface, configuration, directories and installed programs, regardless of which thin client workstation he is currently at
• Fast roll-out through profile-based preconfiguration and automatic configuration when first switched on

Industrial PCs that are used as thin clients have a longer service life due to the low CPU load.