Enterprises often come into thin client technology from the back end. Many IT shops that are using virtualization are looking for ways to capitalize on the investment and extend the infrastructure. For more information on the most common virtualization approaches, please read Info-Tech Advisor Research note, “Four Thin Client Virtualization Models.”

Thin clients, like regular PCs, have become somewhat commoditized in recent years; while the technology may vary between vendors, the features and capabilities are largely similar. In general, enterprises can base their choice on price; however, vendors are trying to differentiate themselves with software offerings and performance improvements that should also be taken into consideration. Info-Tech has identified three key differentiators to look for when evaluating thin client terminal vendors:

• Software that enhances the end-user experience
• Software that eases management of the devices
• Support for peripherals

This series of notes looks at the thin client vendors on their own – the terminal models and the complementary software. Understand what is being offered before saddling up with a thin client provider.