Thin-Client Computing and Implications for the USAF

The question of whether to use thin-client computing architecture has been rendered an academic question by private industry. Deployments have begun to happen across academic, government, and industry boundaries. Vendors are now developing for this architecture in a variety of methods for client, database, and connectivity options. ... This paper will provide a clarification of thin client architecture at the user interface layer, and explore the types of choices available at each layer for use of commercial or DOD developed applications. These will also include the estimation for selection for optimum positioning of resources to fit into both a global and regional / deployed environment to provide maximum benefit and flexibility.