Virtual Desktop Technology
Virtual desktop or cloud computing technology is increasingly used by Fortune 500 companies to increase their computer functionality, offer true remote access to all corporate computer assets, reduce computer maintenance costs and increase system security. It also allows the use of "thin clients," further reducing workstation and operation cost. This technology is built using software such as Citrix XenApp, formerly known as Presentation Server, and Windows Terminal Services. Until recently it has not been cost effective to small and medium business or non-profit organizations to adopt this type of technology as the cost per user required was simply to great. In the last several years, however, this technology has been standardized and the cost reduced so that now the SMB and non-profit communities can enjoy everything that virtual desktop technology has to offer.
How Does the Technology Work?
From your local desktop, you use a Windows applet called the
Remote Desktop Connection (it is accessed from Accessories tab of
Programs under the Start button).
The Remote Desktop Connection is based on a communications protocol
known as Remote Desktop Protocol (or RDP) and typically runs over
port 3389 of your local computer. RDP has been engineered to be a
very secure telecommunications protocol.
Once you are logged into the remote server, you work off of a Windows desktop that is identical to the local Windows you are familiar with. All of the application programs you use are available on the virtual desktop (these might include Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks, etc.) Documents and files are stored in "I" drives on the server. Your applications will typically run faster, since the processing is being done by enterprise class servers. And even if your workstation is older, you will find that applications open, run and close fast.
The use of Windows Terminal Services in a network allows the user to employ either thin client or fat client workstations. Thin client environments have the potential for large savings for organization using this technology. To compute your organization's potential savings, click here for a savings calculator. For end users interested in deploying "green" environments, thin clients will also reduce workstation electrical usage by 70 to 80 percent.
Click on the links provided below for reference materials describing Windows Terminal Services, remote access technology, thin clients and the benefits from its use: