Supporting Cloud Computing in Thin-Client/Server Computing Model

This paper addresses the issue of how to support cloud computing in thin-client/server computing model. We describe the design and implementation of the multiple-application-server thin-client/server computing (MAS TC/S) model that allows users with thin-client devices to roam around a wide area network whilst experiencing transparent working environments. MAS TC/S can be applied to a wide variety of applications in wide area network, such as pervasive software rental, service-oriented infrastructure for an Internet service provider, and office automation for transnational corporations. The MAS TC/S architecture model comprises five major components: the display protocol, the multiple-application-server topology, the application-server discovery protocol, the distributed file system, and the network input/output protocol. We discuss problems and present solutions in the design of each constituent component. A prototype of the MAS TC/S that spans the campuses of two universities in Taiwan has been built - we also report our experiences in constructing this prototype.