Thin Client computing coming to Columbus

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jeff Granger
  • 14th Communications Squadron commander
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  Desktop computers are a common item in almost every office and on almost every desk. All combined, these computers cost the wing considerable dollars to purchase and occupy a great deal of office space. The 14th Communications Squadron is addressing those issues with the introduction of "thin client" computing devices.

With thin client, small, book sized devices replace bulky computer processors. Users keep the necessary keyboard, monitor and removable media, but the processing power, storage, and all the software applications move to a high-powered server on the network. Smaller thin client size and greater desk space is one of many benefits.

No longer having to upgrade the CPU on your desk with the latest and fastest processor is a also a thin client benefit. Since the processing is done on the server, it is the only processor(s) that need upgrading. Thin client is also green. By reducing the number of computers to upgrade and discard, fewer will end up in landfills.

Flexibility and lower cost are also additional benefits. Thin client users will have the flexibility to move from station to station and still access personal settings, files, email, and ".pst" email archives. Current desktop users must reconfigure each desktop accessed to get the same look and feel, and can only access ".pst" email archives on their primary desktop computer. This flexibility makes better use of wing resources. The cost of a thin client environment also makes better use of wing resources. The wing can cut the cost of maintaining desktop computers by 30 percent, even with the many desktop computers that must remain for unique requirements. This new environment requires fewer network professionals to keep it fully operational, which is necessary given today's consolidation efforts and manpower cuts. Maintainers can more quickly implement software patches, greatly enhancing network capability and security.

The 14th Communications Squadron has been testing thin client devices since August to demonstrate the benefits and capabilities. The next step will be to expand thin clients across the wing wherever possible on both the unclassified and classified networks.