File:Web Applications and thin clients in the Navy (IA webapplicationsn109455482).pdf

This thesis investigates the advantages and disadvantages of transitioning to Web Applications and Thin Client-Server Architecture for U.S. Navy shore based Components. Thin Clients and Web Technology have advanced significantly over the last few years and now more than ever, offer a multitude of cost efficient solutions. In the past, networking technology and bandwidth limitations made traditional Personal Computers or \"Fat Clients\" a more viable option for Naval Commands. The advancements in networking technology and Wi-Fi have significantly reduced these constraints. Moore's Law has held constant, advancing digital storage and processing capability far beyond the traditional Client-Server Architecture's ability to take full advantage of these services. The proliferation of server and network technology continues to provide economies of scale that drive down the cost of hardware. The accessibility of these technologies enabled application and software developers to steadily increase the size and complexity of software and applications. The Fat Client's proliferation led to most of this software and application development in the form of Native Applications. The cost of Software and Native Applications written for Fat Client platforms continues to increase while Server utilization remains negligible. Decentralization due to the inherent local access precipitated by the use of Fat Client-Server architectures and Native Applications creates surplus server capacity and redundant data centers. The The Navy's (DON) focus is shifting to Thin Clients and Enterprise Software Licensing due to budgetary constraints and the need for increased efficiencies. It is possible that Thin Client-Server Architecture and Web Applications may be able to provide these cost savings and efficiencies.