Gartner Research

Through Thick and Thin: Zeroing in on the Perfect HVD-Client Device

Published: 12 July 2010

ID: G00204025

Analyst(s): Nik Simpson

Summary

Selecting the best hosted virtual desktop (HVD) client for a HVD implementation presents IT organizations with a dilemma: What's the best choice--thick-client, thin-client, or zero-client? Each approach comes with trade-offs that include performance, network bandwidth requirements, manageability, security, and flexibility to adapt to a changing HVD implementation. Failure to understand the impact of these trade-offs in a particular HVD-client deployment can seriously undermine the success of the project. In this Gartner assessment, Research Director/Analyst Nik Simpson examines the various approaches to providing the client device for a HVD implementation.

Table Of Contents

Summary of Findings

Comparison

Analysis

  • Characteristics of Thick, Thin, and Zero HVD-client Devices
    • Thick-Client Characteristics
    • Thin-Client Characteristics
    • Zero-Client Characteristics
  • Usage Models for HVD-clients
    • Remote Terminal
    • Local Processing
  • Comparison Between Thick-, Thin-, and Zero-Client Devices
    • Flexibility
    • Manageability
    • Security
    • Performance
    • Costs
  • Strategies for Selecting a HVD-client
  • Future Technologies
    • Hardware Acceleration for Server-Side Rendering
    • Windows 7 Embedded Edition
    • Cloud-Based Applications
    • Mobile Devices
  • Categorize User Requirements
  • Consider Reusing Existing Desktops
  • Consider Security Implications
  • Be Wary of Server-Side Hardware Acceleration
  • Consider Web-Based Alternatives to Support
  • Consider Alternatives to Hardware Maintenance

The Details

  • HVD-client Protocol Implementations
    • Client-Side Rendering
    • Host-Side Rendering
    • Multimedia Offload
    • Selective Refresh
    • Client-Side Caching
  • HVD-client Implementations
    • Thick-Client
    • Thin-Client
    • Zero-Client

Related Research and Recommended

Notes

©2021 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.

Already have a Gartner Account?

Log In

Become a client

Learn how to access this content as a Gartner client.