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Advances promise lower ownership costs, but Microsoft prices remain high
A handful of prominent thinclient vendors are working on technologies that should continue to lower the total cost of ownership of these systems, by providing more administration advantages. But there's a sticking point among some IT managers interested in thin-client networks: The cost of client licenses for Windows Terminal Server.
Network Computing Devices Inc. says it will deliver management tools for its Windows-based terminals by early next year. The tools will improve remote administration features, enabling users to more quickly and easily determine systems' configurations and capabilities, says NCD. Hewlett-Packard will introduce Windows-based terminals that are compatible with popular management systems, such as Computer Associates' Unicenter and HP's own OpenView. IT managers with a mixed environment of PCs and thin clients will be able to manage all systems with one software solution. Also, NCR Corp. introduced PerforMunt, load-balancing software that lets companies increase the number of clients per Windows Terminal Server, meaning that users can buy fewer server licenses.
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