Thick clients, as self-reliant computer systems with most resources installed locally, have their own
software applications and operating systems. Thick clients offer high flexibility and can efficiently handle
complex calculations. The advantages of thick clients include independence from server resources, the
capability to work offline, and user-configurable local setups. They are well-suited for scenarios where
users require substantial computing power. However, they come with responsibilities for securing local
data, managing data storage, and potentially higher upfront and ongoing maintenance and licensing
costs.1,2
In contrast, thin clients are networked computer systems that heavily rely on a server for most resources,
possessing minimal processing and storage capabilities locally. Thin clients excel in centralized
management, ensuring data security and simplifying software updates. They offer benefits such as
enhanced data security, centralized management, and lower maintenance and licensing costs. This is
why Thin clients, however, require a constant network connection, which means users may have limited
control over local configurations.1,2
The choice between thick and thin clients in medical dosimetry depends on specific requirements. Thick
clients find their utility when offline work, substantial processing power, and user flexibility are
paramount, particularly in scenarios involving complex simulations. I believe that thin clients are ideal for
treatment planning systems in the field of dosimetry. This is because thin clients are favored when data
security, centralized management, and ease of updates are critical, ensuring compliance with patient
privacy regulations, which in my opinion, is ideal for dealing with patient data.
Our clinic at VCU uses the Varian eclipse application for treatment planning through Citrix Systems®.
Citrix specializes in cloud computing and virtualization solutions. In other words, Citrix offers
virtualization of server, desktop, and applications. 3 Although Citrix is a thin client technology, it still
provides secure and fast remote access. When I work from home, I virtually connect to a physical
desktop at VCU through an IP address. I then use the physical computer to virtually connect to Citrix,
which launches eclipse.
I also believe that if a clinical center uses a thin client, they should also have 2 or 3 physical computers -
depending on how large the clinical center is - with a running eclipse license. This way, if Citrix is down,
then at least there is a backup plan.
In conclusion, the decision between thick and thin clients in the context of medical dosimetry software
systems should be made with careful consideration of factors such as data security, processing power,
and network dependencies, aligning with the specific needs of the application and the healthcare
environment.
References:
1- TechTarget. Thick client (fat client). TechTarget.
[Link]
%20and%20most%20obvious,processing%20for%20client%2Fserver%20applications. Accessed
[01/23/2024].
2- GeeksforGeeks. Difference Between Thin Clients and Thick Clients. GeeksforGeeks.
[Link] Accessed
[01/23/2024].
3- Citrix Systems. Thin Clients Features. Citrix Ready.
[Link]
Accessed [01/23/2024].
