Florida Atlantic University Invests In Zero Clients to Keep Up with Computer Use, Cut Energy Costs

The students see very large 3D applications smoothly. Before that, whenever they were on fat clients, you don’t get the same responsiveness, like if you opened up YouTube and it’s full screen, it’s choppy. The zero clients have been a night and day difference for the students to use.”

Willey says FAU’s zero client install was successful because it was “methodical in its deployment.” He says other colleges looking to install zero clients should follow FAU’s example.

“The first step to any deployment is going to be the proof of concept,” Willey says. “FAU was very methodical in its deployment. They had to make sure they had the infrastructure, the back end servers in place and that they could support the types of applications that the students needed access to. I don’t think they started their production until six months after their proof of concept. It’s important to do advanced planning before you get into the roll-outs.”