2007 Client Management

1. 2007 Client Management Thin Client Evaluation

2. Pending Decision Should thin clients or PCs be purchased for CV and Erie Should thin clients or PCs be purchased moving forward for the District

3. Why Thin Client • Why take a look • Possible money saving option for the District • Due diligence on PC alternatives

4. Project Scope • Targeted applicable areas • PACs • Patron/public computing • Childrens (with all web games) • Not within scope, not a fit • Children’s (but changed) • Labs • Staff computers

5. Current Equipment Breakdown Total new full pc to be purchased: 42 Total new fac thin client eligible: 114 Existing eligible thin client: 129 Existing full pc needs: 96 Total eligible thin client: 114+129 = 243 Total full client needs: 42+96=138 Member devices are not included in the above count

6. Testing Process • Feasibility testing with IT • All functions could be supported • PACs confirmed • Phase I expanded testing • Eaton 2 pacs and 2 internet • Farr 2 pacs and 2 internet • Carbon Valley 2 internet (short time frame)

7. Problem/Inquiry Reports Client complaints about not being able to play games – resolved Client complaints about videos locking up – adjusted and improved (resolved up to 5 concurrent you tube videos) Client assistance requests for saving files from the office suite – requires training Other requests for misc loads - addressed

8. The Findings • Thin client PACs performed without issue, no visible differences • After original test issues resolved • Saving from published office environment requires training for staff and public • The capacity for thin clients to run the ‘latest’ in entertainment/technology appears to be acceptable for now, but questionable for the near future • http://www.searchenginejournal.com/youtube-video-usage-facts/3754/

9. Solution Strengths

10. Point/Counterpoint • Cost • Point: • thin clients are lower cost initially and overall cost of ownership is much lower due to support savings • no moving components leads to a longer life cycle with fewer repairs • Trends for software are to provide them in a web accessible means • Counterpoint: • the price of pcs are now nearly the same, offer full functionality and are an environment support staff are familiar with (do you save with thin clients if they don’t deliver what the consumer wants) • Life cycle may not each 6 years or even 4 if the hardware capacity is consumed with new technologies • Cannot natively run all software programs as a pc can

11. Options • Continue with PCs @ 4 yr replacement schedule • Integrate thin clients in limited/minimal capacity w/ 6 year replacement schedule • Move forward with thin clients w/ 6 year replacement schedule • Could adjust after year one if problematic • Move forward with thin client w/ a 4 year replacement schedule

12. Risks

13. What Else Is Coming Blade pcs HP --- Virtualized environment Thin client (next w/ vista embedded?) Vista embedded

14. Options List • Continue w/ PCs • Worst case: continued higher TCO as it is today • Take first step with new facilities and thin clients (review annually) • Worst case: within 2 years realize not a fit and require replacement • *Introduce existing only as PACS • Use ones purchase (8) • Worst case: no significant issues known