Cost of Implementing a Zero Client Solution TCO ROI

In New York on Thursday, HP showcased its new t200 Zero Client, a hardware thin client that provides a familiar Windows user experience for up to 15 users.

HP representatives at this year's Small Business Expo demonstrated how the client allows multiple users to easily connect to a single HP Compaq ms6200 Series Desktop running Microsoft Multipoint Server 2011, acting as host. The zero client connects to the host via USB or Ethernet.

The t200 is just a bit larger in size than a deck of cards and consumes 3 watts of power when connecting to a host via USB.

"The HP t200 Zero Client provides additional scalability to our HP MultiSeat Solution, making it an ideal solution not only for small businesses and classrooms, but also training, healthcare, and manufacturing environments," said Jeff Groudan, director of Worldwide Thin Clients at HP.

The device is used for virtualized infrastructures. It's targeted to small and mid-size businesses, training and call centers, schools, medical offices, manufacturing sites, and any other organization with multiple employees in a shared workspace. It does not require opening up and installing expansion cards. Instead, each HP MultiSeat Solution is set up with wizard-based setup tools.

"As the global leader in thin clients, HP continues to innovate simple, flexible and affordable thin computing solutions that deliver rich, productive user experiences," Groudan said.

HP's t200 is expected to be available worldwide in early November of this year at a starting price of $99.

#####

Now lets take a practical look...

To start with you'll need one of the HP6200 desktops with Multipoint Server. Different processors available with different memory configurations (4GB or 8GB basically). They run between $700 and $1400 according to website.

I'll need a LCD and keyboard and mouse for each user in default config and figure another $200 per workstation.