Microsoft Terminal Services
Introduction
Many law firms are looking to consolidate their existing IT infrastructures and reduce their IT costs. To do this they are moving to a 'thin-client' (also known as server-centric) computing environment. This means they do not loose any of their existing capabilities but gain by being able to deploy all of their existing systems, like LAWFUSION, and the latest Microsoft Office applications from 'one box' under a system called Microsoft Terminal Services.
This approach is in direct contrast to a 'PC network'. In a PC network every PC is individually loaded with all of the necessary software and data. Also, every PC has to be configured and installed and then constantly maintained, upgraded, patched, and attended to troubleshoot and fix etc.. for its entire lifetime. Worse still, each PC will probably be replaced every 3 to 4 years which for many firms is an unnecessary expense as it typically provides no additional real benefit. All of this can be avoided using Microsoft Terminal Services.
A Microsoft Terminal Server provides a 'virtual PC' (also known as a PC Session) for each user. Typically, one Microsoft Terminal Server (which is just a standard business server running WIndows 2000 or 2003 Server) can provide a 'virtual PC' for up to 50 users. This means that users only need a basic display device on their desktop instead of a sophisticated PC. Some forward thinking firms who are doing this are sensibly using part of the cost saving to invest in better screen display technology (i.e. quality 17" and 19" TFT screens) which will in time benefit them and their employees.
