Desktop Deployment Devices

Organizations typically use a variety of devices to provide user desktops, based on the type of work performed, the necessary applications, and whether the user is located locally or remotely.

The illustration shows several types of devices that might be deployed to users, ranging from a fixed-function terminal to a desktop or workstation. Moving from left to right, these devices increase in functionality or flexibility, and as the functionality and flexibility increase so typically do support costs. Fixed-function terminals and thin- or zero-client devices (which have no OS and load the OS and Remote Desktop Connection software from the network when booted) tend to be centrally managed, while netbooks, laptops, tablets, and workstations are more likely to permit local management or configuration.

At the bottom, the illustration shows how users might be mapped to devices. For example, a user who performs a task such as entering invoices might get a fixed-function terminal. A user who uses highly specialized software, such as a geophysicist, might have a specialized workstation running a scientific application. But there are few hard-and-fast rules: high-end applications for niche workers could run on a fixed-function terminal.