Futureteq it Solutions Thick Client

A thick client is a form of client-server architecture. Specifically, it is a networked computer system with most resources installed locally, rather than distributed over a network. Thick client devices can be, for example, PCs, because they have their own hard drives, software applications and other local resources. Most, if not, all essential components are contained in a thick client.

Thick clients are almost unanimously preferred by network users because they are very customizable and the user has more control over what programs are installed and the specific system configuration. Workplaces will commonly provide thick clients to employees so they can work offline. With thick clients, there is no need to have continuous server communication.

Thick clients are connected to a server over a network connection but don't need to have a maintained connection. The temporary connection is needed to download programs, data and updates to the operating system. In addition, thick clients don't need to consume any server computing resources. Most resources will be available on the client, so it can function independently. Thick clients will excel in environments where the primary server has limited storage and computing capacity, or experiences high network speeds, as well as in work-from-home environments.

Similarly, a system that has some components and software installed but also uses resources distributed over a network is sometimes known as a rich client.

Benefits and drawbacks of thick clients

Thick clients have a number of benefits to them, for example:

Working offline

One of the biggest benefits of thick clients is the ability it gives to work offline. Thick clients normally have the hardware and software requirements to work as needed, often without needing to be connected to a central server.

Server connection.

Thick clients can work offline because they don't need to maintain constant connections to central servers. Once an initial amount of information is gathered from a server, server connections are generally not needed.

Fewer server requirements.

The servers that thick clients connect to don't need to be as high-performing. Since the thick clients do a lot of the application processing, that can allow for cheaper servers.

Server capacity.

The use of thick clients normally means more server capacity is available. With fewer requirements that a server has to provide to each individual client, the server can benefit more clients.

More flexibility.

Having a computer that works off of its own local resources -- operating system, user interface, storage -- means a large level of flexibility. They should be able to work from wherever, as long as they are able to have a momentary connection to a central server to download any needed data.

Existing infrastructure.

In the same line of thought, many organizations may already have fast enough local PCs to implement an infrastructure to run thick clients with relative ease.

Storage.

Files and applications can be stored on the thick client, meaning they can be accessed at any time.

Computer performance.

Any application that would be resource or bandwidth-intensive should be able to perform well since resources are being taken from the individual computers and not being allocated by a central server.