Enjay Thin Client

Introduction

As your network grows in size, the costs of hardware, maintenance and support become issues that impact your budget and daily operations. A centralized network management strategy offers a means of reducing these costs. Implementing a network management strategy for your clients and servers may reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for your network. The thin client solution uses a client/server implementation that uses a server centric architecture to reduce operating costs. Client/server computing relies on a centralized server to perform all its operations. In the non-client/server environment, the client is not dependent on the server unless it requests data or print services. Integrating both kinds of client/server solutions may be the practical approach to reduce your TCO.

Thin client is a generic term for a group of emerging technologies that reduces hardware, maintenance and support costs while also saving bandwidth, reducing down time and improving network security. The technology relies on the ability to manage workstations from a central point, control user access to that station, and automate software installation and updates. It includes Network Computers (NCs), Networked Personal Computers (NetPCs), Windows Terminals (WinTerms) and Direct Connect (or Ultra Thin) clients.

What is a thin client network?

A thin client network is a server based network where the majority, if not all, of the processing is done by the server rather than by the individual client machine(s). Software applications and programs are held and run on the server, and displayed on the client machine. The term thin is derived from the small or ‘thin’ amount of processing done on the client and this is opposed to a ‘fat’ client where most of the processing is carried out on the client machine. Traditionally the thin client network architecture was typified by a powerful server connected to a series of ‘dumb terminals’ with limited functionality. However, there are a number of system architectures which can be described as thin client; ranging from the server/dumb terminal approach above at one end of the spectrum, to many high specification Personal Computers linked to a central server at the other, with several network solutions in between.

How does a thin client network work?

A thin client network typically includes -

• One or more computers to operate as a server. These computers tend to be of a much higher specification and more powerful than the other computers on the network. "True SERVER" is best solution for Structured Networking.

• An Operating System that supports Thin Client computing, eg Windows 2000 or 2003 Server, Windows NT Terminal Server Edition  (NT TSE), Linux, UNIX, Mac OS 9/ Mac OS X.

• Centralised server software to control which commands are executed and where they are executed (ie at the client machine, or at the server). There is a wide range of commercially available and free server software which incorporate features specific to the requirements of a thin client server computer (eg remote client management), as well as more generic server features like load balancing and failover mechanisms which are discussed in more detail below. Server software is produced by the companies who manufacture the operating system as well as companies who specialise in server software.

Where are thin client networks used?

A thin client network can be used anywhere but they have been widely adopted in Large, Medium and Small segment Organisations with Multiple Sites. Banks, Corporate Houses and Estate Agents often use thin client solutions; where the operatives use a computer with limited functionality, linked to a central server. Thin client solutions are particularly suited to support remote working.

ThinClient network can be installed for public use. This allows system providor some control over how they permit the public to use their network. The public can use standard software packages for word processing, spreadsheets/finance, drawing, and can gain access to the internet; however, the system does not permit the use of disk drives (preventing the introduction of computer viruses), and does not permit downloading of software - again preventing potential viruses. The individual client machines are easy to maintain as there is less to be tampered with.

RUN Pentium I @ Speed of Pentium 4?

Yes it is true. Read on……….

Now you can run an old Pentium I machine with 32 mb Ram, @ speed of Pentium 4.

Introducing Enjay ThinClient, a ready to install ThinClient, brought to you by SUMAN INFOTECH.

The Key Features are as follows:

1)     Salient Features:

a)     You get one ThinClient Card (Preconfigured 10/100 mbps LAN Card with BootROM)

b)    You Get Software for the card, to be installed on a normal win2k server.

c)     And Voila! ! ! !, the node boots itself to win2k terminal in nearly 20-30 seconds. (Quite fast isn’t it. )

d)    This client supports Windows 2000 / 2003 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server and Windows 2000 Web Server (Win 2000 Professional version not Allowed since it will work on Server only).

2)    Cost Benefits:

a)    Hard-Disk is NOT required. (This will save your Rs. 2800/-)

b)    Low Hardware required at the Node end. (this will save your Rs. 5000/- to 12000/-)

c)    No UPS required on each node. (This will save your Rs. 1800/-)

d)    The node will never require an upgrade. (This can save your Rs. . . . . in years to come)

e)    Very low maintenance required.

i)     No virus problem. ( since, you install hard-disk only in SERVER)

ii)    No disk Failure problem (since no hard-disk)

iii)   You don’t require keeping driver CDs of all the nodes, it is all automatic.

f)     Very, very low down-time.

i)     If a node with hard-disk fails, it might require atleast 6-10 hours to get it started again.

ii)    A diskless node might take just 10-15 mints.

iii)   Even if you give another node to the user, no special settings will be required. (as in case of hard-disk, it is required to make all the changes as per individual User Profile).

3)    Easy Configuration:

a)    The clients come with extensive installation / operation manuals and also live chat/email support.

b)    Just install the Client software on the server, and the node boots up.

c)    No need to make any client side configuration, its all plug-n-play, and the client will detect all the hardware and install it accordingly.

d)    You can have nodes of variety of configuration. (different hardware for different nodes)

e)    The node configuration parameters are controlled from the SERVER side. (Like Monitor Display, mouse type, printer on node, FDD on node, CD-ROM on node).

4)    Easy Maintenance:

a)    User cannot change/manipulate node configuration files from the node. So, you get perfectly stable and reliable nodes, which can work for years without having any software related problems.

b)    If there is any problem on the node, just Re-install the client software, and the node will start working normally.

c)    Centralized Data Back-Up system can be introduced to protect your valuable company informations.

5)    Financial Advantage:

a)    The cost of the Window based Client is Rs. 2,500/- (Per client for Ver 1) or Rs. 3,500/- (Per client for Ver 2). This include 1 year replacement warranty & cost of 10/100 mbps LAN Card and BootROM supplied along with.

b)    The other solutions available in the market (not much in INDIAN Market), of this type are available for Rs. 8000/- and upwards. (Citrix & VXL and also other makes)

c)    There is no need to upgrade the client side hardware for changes in software requirements. Only server would require upgrades. These means that your nodes are future Proof.

d)    The cost of maintenance is very low. (Infact the O/S part does not require any maintenance)

6)    Application Support:

a)    All Types of MS Windows and MS Office applications are supported.

b)    Even Client server application is supported. (Like VB-Oracle, D2K-Oracle, PB-Sybase or any other combinations)

c)    Also,  all type of ERP Systems can be supported.

d)    It is ideal for use in Big Corporate, Government Bodies, P.S.U.s, Cyber Cafes, Schools, Colleges, Computer Training Institutions, Large to Small Scale Industries, Software Development Companies and many more…..

7)    Requirement:

* Node Min. Config : P-1 or Cyrix 600 with 32 MB RAM, no HDD, no FDD, no CD-ROM.

- You can run Win 2K on above configuration machines

* Server Min Config : Depends on the no. of clients (nodes), but ideally for 15-20 clients, Intel Pentium 4 @ 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon 2000 XP+ is sufficient.

* We recommend IBM Xeon Server as one of the best cost effective and performance guaranteed solution.

Customer Need based solution can be provided after getting all the data from Client end. We, SUMAN INFOTECH is there to serve you the all new 'thin' technology. Contact us for more Details or Brief Presentation. We believe in this saying: "A DEMO IS WORTH MILLIONS OF WORDS".

SUMAN INFOTECH

Nandita Apartment, 1^st Floor, 2/11 Nrishingha Dutta Road, Behala, Kolkata - 700008

Ph: +91-033-24464492 / +91-033-30933085, Mob: 9831192394

E-Mail: sumaninfotech@vsnl.net, Web: http://www.sumaninfotech.esmartbiz.com

Some Technical Clarification for You -

1.  What Technical Methodology is being used in Enjay Thin Client ?

>> Enjay thinClient is based on Linux OSS. Also we have incorporated many other utilities for diskless configurations.

2.  What Certifications are available for Enjay Thin Client i.e. Certications, from Microsoft / NTSL / any other International or National concerned concern ?

>> Since it is Open source, Enjay cannot get certification from MS, NTSL or any other Organisation. Very shortly Enjay will be having ISO 9001 certification. It is under process.

3.  What Solution is available or would be available for Enjay Thin Client on LINUX ?

>> We will be very shortly releasing Ver 2L (for linux). It will have various options of Linux connectivity for example:
a. thru shell
b. Thru GUI.
c. thru telnet.
This version will support all major linux distros like REDHAT, MANDRAKE, SUSE etc.

4.  Detail Techincal / Engineering data sheet for Thin Client Card and Networking topology on LINUX ?

>> This is a simple 10/100 mbps ethernet network card. We developed the software that accompanies the card.
No special topology requirements are there for this cards, this can work in any normal LAN / WAN settings.

5.  How the Network card is connecting the Server ?

>> The network card is connected to the server thru cables. The whole concepts works in steps like this:
1. the node boots up.
2. sends DHCP request.
3. server recognises the card.
4. assigns necessary IP address to the node.
5. transfers necessary files to the node.
6. the node loads the OS.
7. the node then connects to the Terminal Service on the specified server.
8. This way you get windows 2000/2k3 on the node.
The same will be the methodology with linux also, ofcourse with some difference.

6.  What technology is being used for remote connection?

>> We use basically dhcp, tftp and terminal service.

7.  What type of chipset is using in the Card for remote booting service ?

>> Intel UNDI Pxe bootrom is used on the cards. The cards are capable of 10/100 mbps transfer rates.

8.  Also inform us how the Windows or LINUX Terminal Service is being activated in detail with full spec of
the Hardware & Software ?

>> There is no need for your intervention. All those things are handled by the installation Software.

9.  Engineering details of the Card is not available ?

>> We don't manufacture the cards, We have created the software, that works in conjunction with the card the we get the result.

10. Major Govt. Clients are switching over in Linux from Windows in near future.

>> Yes, as We said it is in pipeline.

Any more queries, please write to: sumaninfotech@vsnl.net

 Enjay Thin Client Products & Pricing