Windows Over Web (WOW) or the thin client technology brings
to the front, a new approach to program and application development. The
technology is known as "thin client" technology as it reduces the
software resources and computer hardware needed at each individual desktop.
The Understanding
Thin clients
use centralized software provided over internal networks to serve a
combination of PCs, Windows-based terminals and other network computing
resources.
Cost savings also result from less frequent
desktop
servicing requirements caused by software and hardware conflicts or
installation problems.
WOW technology greatly helps
remote agents and
home based
support centers. With secure applications, employees can work from
remote
offices and from the convenience of their homes using the same
applications that are running in the office. Thin client technology helps
enterprises:
- Reduce costs
- Increase security
- Achieve quick deployment
- Improve manageability
It offers a
viable alternative to the desktop PC for many,
making
access to business data and applications easy, secure and
affordable. With a thin client system, the client
sends keystrokes
and
mouse movements to the server over the network or dial-up
connection, and the
server sends back changes in the display. Any PC
can be a client, but because very little processing is performed at the
desktop, businesses can also use
low-cost terminals that have no
moving parts (no hard drive) and a generally small amount of memory (RAM).
Since each client is just a
terminal, all data and settings-and even
the applications-are on the server. To back up everything for all the users,
the organization only needs to
back up the server. And for
disaster
recovery, backups are easier and more centralized, making it easier to
take the backups off-site.
Features of WOW/Thin Client Technology
- Web applications can be developed without a browser
- Traditional programming techniques can be used with thin client
software
- Server based computing toolkit for defining PC Windows
- Server applications written in C, Cobol, or other compile language
- WOW Software can communicate with one or more server applications
- Separate windows client running on each user PC.
- Thin client software does not need to be updated when server
application changes
- Server based computing API set of functions to control the display
of Windows
- Thin client software functions with Linux windows software
- Thin client software functions with Unix windows software
- Full graphics and multi-media support
