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 | | Client-Based vs Server-Based Computing |
|  | | | | On a traditional old-fashioned computer network (fat client), each client
runs software using its own processor and, usually, from a local copy of the
program. This has a number of downsides. Software must be installed
individually on each computer. This can take a significant amount of time and
because software versions and settings may vary, it may run differently on
each computer. Because the software is running on the local processor and
with local memory, the speed of the software is completely linked to the
speed of the computer. Older computers will run software slower or even need
to be replaced or upgraded to allow them to run the latest software.
Imagine being able to break out of a continuous cycle of upgrades,
time-consuming maintenance and unreliability. By moving the software from
clients to fast central, secure servers, you can! Server-Based Computing
(SBC) revolutionises how computers are used, maintained and purchased. As
software is run centrally (not just stored centrally), the speed or
age of the client is unimportant. Looking after an SBC network takes a
fraction of the time compared to a traditional network and furthermore,
offers better performance at a lower cost. | | |  |  |  |
Citrix XenApp (formerly Citrix Presentation Server)
Citrix XenApp™ builds on top of functionality built into Windows Server 2003.
Citrix Systems, Inc. is the global leader and the most trusted name in application delivery infrastructure.
More than 200,000 organisations worldwide rely on Citrix to deliver any application to users anywhere
with the best performance, highest security and lowest cost. Citrix software is used by:
- 100% of Fortune 100 companies
- 99% of Fortune 500 companies
- Over 200,000 organisations
While using Microsoft RDP with Terminal Services (as described here) provides an extremely cost-effective introduction to thin-clients, there are some limitations and a lack of expandability. Adding Citrix Presentation Server will remove these limitations.
 = Optional
 = Included | Windows 2000 RDP | Windows 2003 RDP | Citrix Presentation Server 4.0
(2000 or 2003) | Citrix XenApp 4.5
(2003 only) |
|---|
| Sound output | | | | | | Sound input | | | | | | More than 256 colours | | | | | | Accelerated multimedia | | | | | | Transparent access to local storage | | | | | | Access from wide range of clients | | | | | | Easy web access | | | | | Adaptable load balancing
so can easily use more than one server | | | | | | Access to local COM (serial) ports | | | | | | Secure SSL/TLS connections | | | | | User-to-user shadowing
demonstration broadcasting | | | | | | Multi-user collaboration/conferencing | | | | | Seamless access to applications so that
they appear to be locally installed | | | | | | Universal printing | | | | | | Access to client scanners | | | | | | Virtual memory optimisation (up to 25% more users) | | | | | | CPU optimisation (up to 25% more users) | | | | | | Application isolation | | | | | | Performance monitoring | | | | | | Central software installation | | | | |
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"About Citrix" whitepaper (PDF)
Access from anywhere
Citrix XenApp makes it possible to provide the latest Windows applications across your network to a wide variety of client machines
(e.g. thin-clients, Windows PCs, MacOS computers, Linux, etc.). A Citrix XenApp-based application server is an ideal way to bring
together disparate client computers. For instance, you may have MacOS X computers, but are keen to use Windows software.
Ordinarily, you may decide to decommission older computers, but by adding a Citrix XenApp server infrastructure you can get much more from your investment.
Once again, adding Citrix effectively brings all your clients up to modern levels irrespective of their speed or amount of memory.
ThinIT is an excellent product to give your older PCs a new lease of life.
With Citrix XenApp on your servers, you can access your network from a web-browser and get access to all your applications and resources just as though you were sat using the server itself.
Citrix Licensing
Citrix licensing works on simultaneous connections (unlike Windows licensing). This means you only need to purchase as many licences as you are likely to use at any one time. So even if you have 300 computers, if you feel that only 200 are likely to be used at any one time, you only need to purchase 200 licences. XenApp includes full licence tracking allowing graphs of historical licence usage to be displayed, thus meaning you can always ensure you have sufficient (but not too many) licences.
For educational customers, there are very significant savings. Please contact us for more information.
Why Precedence?
Precedence Technologies Ltd. is a Citrix Solution Advisor and has many years experience of installing thin-client networks. We have accredited CCAs (Citrix Certified Administrator) and CCSPs (Citrix Certified Sales Professional). If you are considering having a Citrix application delivery infrastructure, always make sure that it is installed by a fully accredited CCA. We are used to 'picking up the pieces' from other companies' installations!
Precedence Technologies Ltd, Technology House, 36a Union Lane, Cambridge, UK | Tel: 08456 446 800
Revision:1.10 Thu Jan 19 12:03:40 2012 |
