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Server-based computing

What is server-based computing?

Server-based computing (SBC) is a technology where applications are deployed, managed, supported and executed on a centrally-based server. Users can connect remotely, so only screen, keyboard and mouse information is transmitted between the server and the user's physical machine, called a client.

The bottom line: increased simplicity, lowered costs and more secure data. In SBC environments, only the servers need to be managed. Data and applications reside on a few central servers rather than on hundreds or thousands of clients. PCs become terminals and can be replaced by simpler, less expensive, and most importantly easier to manage devices called thin clients. This completely simplifies hardware and software upgrades, application deployment, technical support, data storage and backup in a large, or even moderately sized organisation.

The technical benefits of server-based computing:

  • Management - Administrators can deploy, manage and support applications much more easily, because they are all held on a central server "farm" and managed from a single point.
  • Device independence - Users can access their desktop and enterprise applications from any client device.
  • Remote Access - Users can access their desktop and enterprise applications from anywhere on the network.
  • Performance - Server-based computing performs better than a web application or using a client server model. Advanced data compression means sending just the screen updates between the server and client is much faster.
  • Security - Server-based computing keeps all the data on secure servers. That is to say, the server is locked away in the server room, which is far more secure then on the user’s desk.
  • Less prone to viruses and security breaches - Since servers are by definition better managed, and because the server OS is more secure, it’s far less likely a computer will be infected by a virus.
  • Eliminates patch management of clients - As clients are not running Windows, desktop computers don't need to be patched on a regular basis.
  • Scalability - New servers and clients can easily be added as needed.
  • Increased Availability – It’s easy to make the terminal servers fault-tolerant and perform load balancing. Also, servers are inherently designed to be more reliable than an average desktop.

 Find out how much money and time you might save in your organisation by switching to server-based computing. Talk to our consultants.