Kirsty,
Islington Libraries too are working up on this - Microsoft VDI and Server 2012 with HP Thin Clients (TCs) with embedded Win 7 is our particular 'Flavour' - but haven't yet deployed it beyond the test bench. Testing with the public is 'imminent'.
Interesting to see that :
'...flat bed scanners and external CD drives we are providing can be used on any terminal...'
Our testing suggests just the opposite - trying to run DVDs (perhaps less so) from a local drive on a TC would not work (too much traffic back and forth across the network), and Scanning of documents brings problems with drivers and potential file sizes
So running this *from* the TC itself is an interesting point - considered but not one which has seemed feasible to us so far. Retaining some PCs ('Fat Clients') for such things has been seen as an option. I'd be interested to know more.
Sound only to headphones is also our aim!
We have an issue with USB drives - our solution handles these as 'Mapped Drives', not ejectable USB devices. Not an issue in practice, but it is a change from a desktop PC.
We are also using Netloan - results in testing have been good, but it brings some changes in approaching some aspects.
Print Management options are 'Under Consideration'
Your network and licencing caveats are reflected here.
It seems a lot of Libraries are now adopting this approach - I am aware of at least one other London Borough rolling this out at this time.
Some sharing of experience on this would, I am sure, be of benefit, especially as there are a number of options - Micrcosoft, VMWare, Citrix, Oracle etc., and different PC Booking and Print management systems to interface, so what works on one option may notwork on another. Quite a matrix...
Regards
JU
John Usher
ICT Manager
Library and Heritage Services
Islington Council
Central Library
2 Fieldway Crescent
LONDON N5 1PF
Tel: 020 7527 6920
Mobile: 07825 098 223
Fax: 020 7527 6926
Alternative contact: Michelle Gannon - 020 7527 6907
www.islington.gov.uk
How to get to Central Library: http://www.islington.gov.uk/Education/Libraries/Local/Central.asp
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kirsty Robinson
Sent: 18 October 2013 15:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [LIS-PUB-LIBS] Public PC booking/print management systems:thin client
Hampshire Libraries are just about to start rolling out a new thin client based public IT system across the county. Five libraries are already piloting it and customers there have been pleased with the new system. Admittedly the old system was on its knees but everything works so much faster on the terminals that customers have been actively commenting on the improvement.
Our main reasons for going onto thin client were to reduce the time spent dealing with PC problems and to enable us to upgrade software more easily. It also means that the flat bed scanners and external CD drives we are providing can be used on any terminal.
Trying to think back to the development stage I know dealing with multimedia was a challenge - our system handles this on the terminal rather than the server to give the best performance but that has brought its own issues and implications. If the system is going to use or interact with your corporate infrastructure that also needs thinking through in detail, not just from a security point of view but also if you want to use educational licences for software.
One thing that did catch us completely by surprise was a problem with our requirement to 'switch off' the integral speakers but still enable customers to get sound through headphones. It's sorted now but wasn't something the technical team had anticipated.
We are using Lorensberg's Netloan booking system and a print management system that was developed by Canon as an adaptation of the corporate print solution they provide for Hampshire County Council.
Kirsty Robinson, IT Programme Manager
Corporate Resources - IT for Community, Business and Environment Hampshire County Council
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