NorhTec conceived the idea of small, energy efficient, fanless computer platforms we called microservers. The idea was that the next wave of computing will occur when computers are small enough and energy efficient enough to become highly mobile. We conceived a time when computers would be in planes, trains, buses and cars. We believed that when computers became small enough, energy efficient enough and inexpensive enough, they would be used in new ways and in places that are impractical with typical desktops and laptops. NorhTec now expands on its concept of Microservers by introducing Microclients.

While desktop computers have become inexpensive, the cost of administering and maintaining them has become more expensive. NorhTec's MicroClient is not targeted to be a cheap computer but rather it is designed to allow cheaper computing. The MicroClient has a longer MTBF than typical computers. The MicroClient operates without a fan. This makes for a much better work environment and eliminates one of the most likely points of failure. NorhTec has even focused on extending the life of the clock battery because we expect that the MicroClient will be used in many applications that are expected to go well beyond the three year life for typical clock battery.

Inside the NorhTec MicroClient. Note the oversized battery and no fans

The MicroClient is an ideal solution for reservation and dispatching. It is also ideal for schools. We offer a variety of thin client solutions that work with existing core business applications. We can support wireless thin clients using RDP 5.2 or XDMCP. We can also provide low-cost diskless client support that will provide easy access to existing core business systems.

NorhTec's staff can custom design solutions based on the MicroClient and help migrate your existing Microsoft applications to Microsoft Embedded XP. We can also help you design a thin client infrastructure that will greatly reduce the cost of administration and service.

NorhTec MicroClients are the ideal solution for multimedia advertising or promotional billboards. It is possible to set up servers in remote locations and feed the displays directly to CRTs, LCDs, plasma screens or projectors, using a MicroClient as a thin client. NorhTec offers wireless thin client support, making it much less costly to install in existing infrastructures.

The MicroClient, mounted on a bracket

NorhTec's Microclients can be used in place of existing desktop computers for security, access control, POS, informational terminals, dumb terminals, biometric systems, sound and music distributions, hot spots, printer servers, routers, firewalls, gateways, and device control.

The cost of deploying MicroClients is about 1/10th the cost of using laptops. Laptops are not designed to operate 24 by 7. NorhTec MicroClients are designed to operate for years without service.
Implementing thin clients may reduce your IT costs. Thin clients offer the following advantages:

• Simplify Application Software Upgrade
• Eliminate PC Hardware Upgrade
• Increase End-user Productivity
• Scalability
• Reliability
• Security
• Virus-free

MicroClient and the Microserver HP being used to control plasma screens

The MicroClient is everything you need to create your own custom computer solution. The MicroClient can be configured as a kiosk or POS. Virtually any existing x86 solution can be deployed on the MicroClient.

NorhTec's MicroClient can be combined with NorhTec Microservers and Silent Servers to create a very ergonomic office solution. NorhTec focuses on distributing the computing solutions rather than plopping computers on users’ desk. NorhTec's MicroClient takes up very little space, costs very little money and uses very little energy.

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