Over the last few years, the average CPU speed has increased to over 500 Mhz. With a faster CPU, running Linux or embedded Windows XP (XPe) has become much more feasible. These operating systems are better-suited to running local applications; in addition, many provide full-function browsers with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) capability, email, enhanced terminal emulation, and much more of the functionality that users are used to seeing on the PC. Windows 2003 for thin clients now has high-color support, sound delivered to the desktop, data compression, and better printing support. Citrix has also updated its product to provide better security, better compression, bidirectional sound, published applications, and security enhancements such as smart card and biometric device support. Consultants have been saying for a long time that thin clients are the future. Thin client technology  has finally caught up with the vision. Most intelligent thin clients can work nearly like a PC, giving the user all of the desired flexibility and performance while providing the data processing department with its control and security benefits. Today there are many thin client models to choose from with varying CPU speeds, memory capacities, storage capacities, and operating systems.

Customized Thin Clients
Customization of thin clients is gaining importance with both Linux and Xpe models because customers have their own ideas of what is needed on a machine. Thin-client manufacturers that can respond quickly to customization requests are gathering momentum in what is becoming a huge market.

Sophisticated Printer Support
As a company requires printing of more complex types of data, such as barcodes, it is critical that the chosen thin-client technology can handle necessary printers and data streams. Barcodes require a more sophisticated printer session on the thin client.