How to cut IT costs with HP Remote Client Solutions

How to cut IT costs with HP Remote Client Solutions

Thin clients and server-based computing or Blade PCs can slash the cost of desktop computing.

HP’s Remote Client Solutions replaces conventional desktops and laptops with thin clients. These act as terminals for server-based virtual PCs (using Citrix or VMware software) or HP Blade PCs. Users still access their normal software, whether it runs on Microsoft Windows or other operating systems, but the processing and storage takes place in your centrally-managed computer centre. This makes it much easier to manage than a conventional PC estate, saving money and time. In addition, this approach consumes less energy and produces less CO².

Building a business plan

The first step in building a business plan for HP Remote Client Solutions (RCS) is to look at your existing infrastructure and ask some questions: how much energy does it consume? How much do you spend on desktop security? How much on support and dealing with user-created problems? What about break/fix/move/install? These questions will highlight the potential savings from RCS, which include:

1. Systems management. HP Remote Client Solutions make it easier for your IT department to manage your institution’s computer estate. For example, patching operating systems or installing new applications becomes easier.
2. Break/fix support. Thin clients have no moving parts so there is less to go wrong. If the blade or server component fails, users switch over automatically to a working system.
3. Install, replace, update and move. Thin clients are so easy to install that end-users can do it without technical support. If one does go wrong, fixing it is as simple as pulling a new unit from a cupboard and posting the broken unit back. People can use any thin client to access their personal files and applications, so there is no need to move them.
4. Help desk. Remote clients make it impossible for users to install unauthorised software, cutting out many unnecessary help desk calls. A standardised environment and the ability to fix problems remotely, make the remaining calls easier to handle.
5. Support and training. A standardised computer and a standardised software environment mean less handholding and training.
6. Power consumption. Thin clients, servers and blades use less than half the electricity per user than conventional desktops. They also generate less heat, which means less air conditioning. In addition, there is no need to leave remote clients on overnight for updates - system administrators can wake them automatically whenever they need to.

There are other benefits which are harder to quantify, but equally important. They include: support for anytime, anywhere learning reduced downtime, fewer security interruptions, reduced risk of theft and longer life cycles.

There are different types of thin client and different kinds of remote client. The choice depends on the intensity of computing demands. You might need Blade Workstations for engineering students, but a server-based virtual PC for light administrative use or a library computer that only runs a web browser.

HP’s Remote Client Solutions portfolio

HP has the broadest portfolio of Remote Client Solutions in the industry and is able to deliver a practical solution for every type of user, from light admin work to heavy workstation users; from admin staff to the most demanding students on technical courses.

The portfolio includes thin clients, Blade PCs, Blade Workstations, servers, software including Session Allocation Manager, consulting and integration. HP’s product portfolio means it can replace virtually any kind of desktop or notebook device with a remote client, all from a single vendor with a single point of accountability.

Which thin client?

HP has a complete range of desktop and mobile thin clients. This means we have a solution for virtually any user requirements.

Essential	Mainstream	Flexible	Mobile
The simple solution at our best price	Enhanced features for mainstream business use	Powerful, flexible, easy to manage	Go mobile, go thin
HP Compaq t5135	HP Compaq t5530	HP Compaq t5720	HP Compaq 6720t
Our entry-level models offer basic functionality that is useful for simple applications and straightforward deployment. Like all HP Compaq models, the t5135 comes with flexible mounting options, including the ability to clip onto the back of a monitor - maximising desk space.	With a choice of operating systems, the ability to run a local web browser and wider peripheral support, our mainstream models are a good complement to Blade PCs and suitable for routine office applications.	Our most flexible models offer the most power and configuration options. They include advanced security and manageability options and the ability to run local applications. They are ideal for institutions that need the greatest level of security, control and flexibility.	The HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client gives mobile users the same benefits as desktop thin client users. It stays connected to the data centre via a Wi-Fi or (optional) 3G Mobile Broadband link. With a 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen WXGA display, full-size keyboard and up to five hours of battery life, it is flexible and portable.

Which remote client?

Server Based Computing	Virtual Desktop Infrastructure	HP Blade PC & CCI	HP Blade Workstation
Cost-effective, scalable solution for light admin use and public web browsing.	Flexible solution for entry-level office applications, ideal for academic staff and administrators and public terminals.	High-performance system for maximum flexibility; the ideal desktop replacement system.	Workstation performance for the most demanding users, including CAD, engineering and graphics students.
Ideal for light-task workers, Server Based Computing (SBC) puts a thin client on every user’s desk and delivers the desktop environment using software such as Citrix. SBC works best for people with intermittent usage, few applications, limited printing and primarily text-based work.	Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) also gives users a thin client and uses VMware to deliver the desktop environment. This is appropriate for basic productivity work such as light admin tasks or public access terminals where users may need word processing or other office applications.	Unlike server-based systems (VDI and SBC), when a user connects to a Blade PC from a thin client, they have their own dedicated PC at their disposal. It’s still in a rack in the data centre but they can run multiple applications at the same time, including rich graphical applications. Also, it means that performance is constant, regardless of how many users are connected at the same time. Blade PCs are ideal for replacing conventional desktops or laptops.	HP Blade Workstations work the same way as Blade PCs but deliver greater performance, enhanced graphical capabilities and the ability to support up to four different screens. They are ideal for anyone who needs to run multiple compute- or graphics-intensive applications, such as engineering and architecture students.