It is most unlikely that you will install a thin computing system yourself, but by understanding the following steps you will be aware of what the process is in order to achieve a fully functioning system.
As a simplistic guide for a small business of, for example ten users, some of whom may work remotely or from home, with one office, the following would be necessary:
- A central server to store your organisation’s applications, such as Microsoft Office. For larger installations of 50 or more users, you may require another server:
– in order to split the processing load, or
– for ‘failsafe’ reasons in case one server has problems, at least you will have another to use.
- Terminals – you will need to decide whether you keep some ordinary PCs for specialists such as graphic designers.
- Thin computing software. This enables the system to function and will reside on your server along with your other applications. This will enable your users to access their usual applications and information.
- Resource allocation. You will need to decide with your supplier, how much resource from the server should be allocated to each user or by application. In simple terms, which users require the most memory as some applications require more memory and processing power?
- Load balancing. For thin computing systems below 50 users this will probably be unnecessary. However, in the event of 50+ users, you may need two servers to spread the processing requirement. Load balancing software will spread the processing capability of each server according to the needs of the users. This prevents one server being heavily overused and the other one being under utilised.
- Internet access. You will need to find out whether you have enough bandwidth to cope with all of your users.
- VPN or authentication software.You will need to ensure that the data sent via remote users is encrypted. This will stop unauthorised people accessing your information.
- Installation – generally, it should take two days to build the main server, install all the relevant software and configure the system to your organisations requirements.
- Administration training – schedule half a day. You will need to choose and train an individual on how to add extra users, download applications and back-up data on the server.
- User training. This is simply to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the system and know how to access their data and information.