Converting office to Mac; iPad thin client

Apologies if this post identifies me as a non-techie; just hoping for generic feedback and guidance.
First question - Currently have a Macbook Air I use for business and personal use and am also using an iPad more and more to my MBA's displeasure. I'd like to turn the iPad into more of a thin client and migrate from the MBA to a Mac Mini. Naively, I'm thinking I could leave the Mini setup in the office and just tunnel into it from iPad to access all files/programs on the Mini. Is this a routine setup?
Along similar lines--- I own a business with 5 salespeople that are all on PC laptops (I'm the owner and only Mac used to date). I'd like to have the salespeople switch to Mac once they're PC's take a dump (could happen anytime if history serves). If I go with a Mac Mini setup for the above thin client scenario, should I opt for a Mini server? I might be the only user on the server until the migration, so is that a challenge for the server? Also, I currently have MS Office for Mac 2011 - would that be server compatible, or would I need to upgrade licenses? Additionally, we have one web based program that is only Internet Explorer compatible. If I installed Parallels on the server and Windows XP, would I need multiple licenses for Parallels AND Windows XP?
Again, I apologize if these are too basic of questions. Am essentially trying to avoid going to an Apple store and fighting the masses for a salesperson's time.
Feel free to point me to any resources/websites for more research. Have exhausted google searches on my own...

First, as regards a Mac mini server, please understand that this would not be a multiuser system, where several people can all log into it at once from "thin clients" and run applications, as one would with Microsoft Terminal Services or a Citrix virtual desktop system. Mac OS X Server is primarily intended for file sharing and web-based services (web sites, wikis, and such). So your salespeople would still need some sort of computing device each for them to use. And in most cases you would need multiple licenses for whatever software you wished to run on those devices.
Your situation is really more complex than is properly addressed in a forum like this. I used to do such consulting for a living and I wouldn't begin to try and come up with a solution for you in an online forum; it's just too difficult to ask and answer all the right questions. I would strongly suggest that you set up an appointment to meet with a small business representative at an Apple Store or at an Apple dealer, or an independent computer consultant, and discuss your needs in detail. Only then can you really be sure that you will get the best setup for your use. You can set up an appointment with a business specialist at the Tampa Apple Store here:
http://concierge.apple.com/biz/R019
If you'd prefer to work with an independent provider, you can find a list here. I'd avoid Best Buy; they're not really geared for handling a complex situation like yours.
Regards.
Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

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