Its just so much more efficient, you turn on the computer and it POSTs and goes to Citrix or whatever.
On the personal end we're going to have OS's like Chromium, fast, no-nonsense computer booter (that sucker boots in about 7 - 8 seconds once POST is done, how cool is that) that lets you in to an interface where all things productive greet you with open arms. No more spending 30 mnts at the coffee machine while computer gets to a usable state after booting.
(non-I.T job) work uses WYSE terminals 8xxx series and it boots:
1. calculator
2. an ibm as/400 emulator (legacy system, eventually will go away)
3. port 80 web-based single-window (native system, replacing old as/400 emulator)
4. proprietary warehouse program. (user's end is done in SOME visual basic form/textbox/drop down menus/process+cancel buttons).
boot process is: POST > successful POST starts "some" OS instantly. timed it for starting, making 4 applications available in under 15 seconds.
reason i say SOME operating sytem, because i cant seem to locate what it is. its TOO fast to check for F8+F5/interrupt-request. after POST, boom! i know its using citrix cuz logo shows up for a whopping <1 sec somewhere after post and OS boot and before applications allow keyboard/mouse activity.
ps, the way web based (full screen) window looks, i dont think its affliated m$ product