In brief, server-based computing is a network architecture where applications are launched, executed, managed and supported 100% on central servers. It is something like the mainframe systems of twenty years ago combined with all of the advantages of IT developments over the last two decades.

The benefits of server-based computing are almost too numerous to count. Imagine replacing 1,000 networked PCs with 25 network servers and a 1,000 thin clients that work better than PCs, never need to be upgraded, cost half the price, and almost never fail. That's just the beginning. Here are a few of the most notable benefits of server-based computing: Cost Reduction: There are literally tens of different ways that server-based computing reduces IT expenses. Most notably but hardly most significantly, Server-based computing can double or triple the life of old PCs (486s, Pentium I's etc.) while enabling them to function on par with the fastest PCs for NO ADDITIONAL COST! Briefly stated, server-based computing saves companies money by dramatically reducing the need for support, hardware upgrades, and electricity, minimizing bandwidth consumption, and preventing employee downtime.

Better Service and Support: Administrators can view activity taking place at a user's workstation without ever leaving the support desk. Staff does not need to visit a workstation to fix problems and can learn more about why a user is experiencing problems while exerting less effort. Furthermore, upgrades and new applications are installed on centralized servers and deployed to the entire enterprise. Instead performing installations in thousands of workstations across an enterprise, administrators can accomplish the same thing by installing software in a single centralized server farm. Applications will will be immediately available throughout the enterprise.

Better Security: Because server-based computing centralizes all computing functions in a server farm, users have less access to information and data that may corrupt a workstation's operations. Administrators can also monitor and control user access to applications and information to prevent access to sensitive data or to limit access to only certain days of the week or times of the day.

Better Quality of User Support: The structure of a server-based computing environment gives administrators more information about why a user may be having difficulty and helps the support staff help the user more effectively. The ability of a server-centric server farm to deliver information about workstation activity enables support staff to more effectively help users who are experiencing technical difficulties.

Higher Productivity: Server-based computing allows users access to applications and information whenever and wherever it can benefit the enterprise. Centralized data storage and application functionality combined with a low bandwidth communication protocol gives users the ability to work from virtually anywhere an Internet connection is available.

Less Employee Downtime: Centralized application execution and data storage means that users are not tied to any one machine. When a workstation fails or goes offline, users can change desks or workstations without losing any information. There is virtually no loss of data or worker downtime.

Improved Continuity: Server-based computing can play an important role in disaster recovery planning (DRP). In the tragic event that network hardware is destroyed, lost or stolen, server-based computing allows an enterprise to pick-up where it left off without any loss of data or time-consuming installations. When a workstation is plugged into the server farm it is immediately equipped with all of the applications that are installed in that server farm. Even if servers are lost, administrators can install and configure applications in one server instead of doing the same procedure in 40 workstations.

Better Support for Remote Offices: When users access applications and data on a centralized server, administrators and support staff can view and monitor all of the users' actions. When a user calls for support, help staff can see what activity is taking on the user's workstation even as the user is following instructions for how to fix the problem. Support staff does not need to visit the remote site to fix a problem. Also, users can view large files remotely that are too big or impossible to transfer over e-mail.

Server-based computing offers enterprises an opportunity to streamlines IT and dramatically reduce cost in a very short period of time. For more information about how server-based computing solutions from Jetro Platforms can improve your computing environment click here.