Thin Clients - possible solutions

AHarvey · 29 Jul 2016 at 15:13

hi,

So, my SEO role has been merged with the general IT role as well. I am now working alongside our call centre team in the HQ, and we have another in a second location 20 miles away.

Each advisor uses a laptop, specs vary but in general, they are old and slow, lots of variations of makes and models etc. They have issues with updates slowing them down or stopping them from working etc. They need access to emails as well as 2 or 3 pieces of software and the ability to use headsets with mics for phone calls.

They run TV's in the centres for stats etc.

My question is, and it's a tech I used some 15 years ago now, would a thin client solution increase network security, admin times and meet requirements?

If so, we could go all out and source a thin client solution brand new but could I use existing laptops to achieve the same thing as it saves buying new TC units and monitors.

Windows based would be best as it means we could use existing custom software and it would be easy to write new bits as needed.

linktoinsanity · 29 Jul 2016 at 15:36

How many users are there?

I am just wondering how sensible a Terminal Server solution would be?

AHarvey · 29 Jul 2016 at 15:50

probably around 40-50 at the moment, but looking at expanding.

Caged · 29 Jul 2016 at 20:24

Call centres are pretty much the go-to answer when someone asks "where is VDI used". No data to steal if someone walks out with their terminal, very quick to replace hardware etc.

As it's a call centre then look for the ones that are designed around/certified for whatever contact centre solution you're putting in place - this lets you plug a USB headset into the thin client instead of having to shove a telephone on each desk.

AHarvey · 30 Jul 2016 at 01:53

terminal server solutions and VDI, two terms for me to read up on

Yeah, I am hoping to both source new hardware and software to run on them that meets requirements as well as allowing me to use the existing laptops as we upgrade.

Nice first project for me in this new role. Fingers crossed they go for it.

ChrisD. · 1 Aug 2016 at 11:07

VDI is worth looking into. Depends on the budget I guess as decent solutions are not cheap. You may need to overhaul the network, for example. Plus licensing costs.

Hardware can be locked down tightly via GP. Problem with thin clients and not using VDI is weak CPU, low disk space and low RAM, but depends on what software they're running etc.

If on a budget then look at HP or Dell workstations and lock down with GP.