A thin client is a networked computer with few locally stored programs and a heavy dependence on network resources. Thin clients rely on a network connection to a central server for full computing and don’t do much processing on the hardware itself. A thin client is often sufficient enough to connect to the network and access a SaaS[1]/cloud[2] system.
A model for the distribution of software where customers access software over the Internet. In SaaS, a service provider hosts the application at its data center and a customer accesses it via a standard Web browser. Three characteristics that apply to most SaaS vendors are: updates are applied automatically without customer intervention, the service is purchased on a subscription basis and no hardware is required to be installed by the customer.
