The Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server is offered to businesses and organizations as an option for thin client hosting. The term “thin client” is sometimes interchanged with “lean client” or “slim client”. In this case, the word client refers to a system that has access to a remote (off-site) computer system (server) via network communications over the internet. This type of system relies totally on the remote central server for processing the activities of the user creating documents and so on from his or her individual computer.

Thin Vs. Thick Client Applications

Traditionally, in a thin client application, the input and output of data takes place on the server itself. It may appear to the user that he or she is working on their own computer, when in fact they are networked into the remote server where the actual activity is taking place. The contrasting “thick client”, also known as “fat client” is a more familiar technology to many company team members. In this scenario, the employee creates a document using a program on their own computer and then transmits it over the internet for storage on a central server.

Advantages of a Thin Client System

There are several advantages to using a thin client application such as the Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server. Cost and convenience are primary considerations for businesses and organizations that must process and store large quantities of information.

Pay for a subscription that includes all the computer, internet and data storage technology required for efficient business operations
Eliminate the hassle of buying multiple licenses for software and software upgrades for use on individual computers
Provide immediate access to all company information to every team member regardless of their geographical location
Give access to unlimited company users on the system and effectively unify everyone’s knowledge base
Get the advantage of seamless integration through system interface technology

The Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server removes the stress and worry that happens when individual computers crash or endure damage to a hard drive causing loss of critical company information. Since the server is bearing the brunt of the “weight” of processing and data storage, the PC does not become over-burdened with memory-consuming programs and files. The availability and reliability of high-speed internet is highly conducive to the use of a thin client system for excellent performance in creation and storage of vital company information.