Server-Based Computing Solution Based on Open Source Software

Abstract

Server-Based Computing (SBC), i.e., replacing workstations with thin clients, is an effective solution to many IT problems, while free open source software is a cost-efficient alternative to proprietary software. We studied synergies of these two approaches. The results indicated that the open source SBC solution offered at least the same quality of service as the proprietary implementation but lowered the total cost of ownership around 50% compared to previous desktop PC solutions.

Keywords:

• server-based computing
• open source
• thin clients
• IT efficiency
• system architectures

Acknowledgement

We wish to thank Teppo Kuusisto and Mikko Kokkonen of the University of Tampere for their work on the project.