{"id":1515,"date":"2016-08-10T05:44:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-10T05:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/neu.koetzingit.de\/remote-desktop-2012-r2-gegen-xenapp-6-5\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T13:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T13:33:16","slug":"remote-desktop-2012-r2-gegen-xenapp-6-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.koetzingit.de\/en\/remote-desktop-2012-r2-gegen-xenapp-6-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Remote Desktop 2012 R2 vs. XenApp 6.5"},"content":{"rendered":"

C<\/span>Citrix has been in business for more than 20 years; it is the pioneer and market leader in the multi-user sector. But the question is always the same: \u201eDo I need Citrix XenApp or XenDesktop\u2014isn\u2019t Microsoft Remote Desktop enough?\u201e Do I have to spend so much more money on Citrix? I was a Microsoft MVP for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for many years, and I remember my last visit to Microsoft in Redmond. I had recommended changes and additions that have since become a reality with the current Windows Server 2012 R2. I don\u2019t need to \u201csell\u201d Citrix to anyone if Microsoft is sufficient for the customer\u2019s needs. It always depends on the customer\u2019s requirements, but a lot has changed, and it\u2019s time to rethink things.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Citrix XenApp was and remains Citrix\u2019s \u201eflagship\u201c product; while Citrix has certainly added new features, it has also expanded its product line to include Netscaler, XenMobile, ShareFile, and others. For customers who only wanted XenApp, Citrix actually renamed the XenDesktop App Edition to XenApp, and only after that did customers begin installing XenDesktop 7.x without knowing what to expect.<\/p>\n

Microsoft released Server 2012 R2 some time ago (and will soon release 2016), bringing with it Remote Desktop Services that have come of age. There is currently a lot of information available on this topic, but nothing that answers the question, \u201eDo I still need Citrix?\u201c Citrix offers some advanced features such as NVIDIA GRID with servers, Reverse Seamless (local apps), Flash redirection, etc., but at the same time, it lacks features that RDS has had since day one; Copying and pasting files between client and server? A typical question among MVPs and CTPs is \u201ewhen is enough enough?\u201c Does Hyper-V have enough functionality that I no longer need VMware? Do I need all those extra features? Is RDP\u2014or whatever it\u2019s called now, RemoteFX\u2014enough? In the end, it\u2019s often the administrator who doesn\u2019t want any changes (I have to learn something new again\u2026) and fights for his or her product. Customers should reconsider and re-evaluate whether they really need Citrix as an add-on for RDS. When I tell a customer, \u201eRDS is right for you,\u201c I save them so much money that my fees are a joke.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s get started. First off, I\u2019m writing about Windows Server 2012 R2 RDS because it\u2019s a significant improvement over 2008 R2 and less \u201epainful\u201c in some areas. Second, I\u2019m comparing it to XenApp 6.5 and not to XEN7 (XenApp\/XenDesktop 7.x). The reason for this is that I want to focus on the core needs of most customers, and XEN7 goes far beyond that. Besides, it would make the article much too long, and it\u2019s already difficult enough to keep it concise.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NOTE:<\/strong>\u00a0You'll find manufacturer presentations, documentation, and so on that also include comparisons, and if you come across something like: \u201eIt's not about the features!<\/strong>\u201cThen it\u2019s very much about the functions. Why go to the trouble of mentioning it explicitly in the first place?\u201d<\/div>\n

I remember the \u201egood old days\u201c (I've been in the SBC business\u2014as it was called\u2014for so long) and it was all about the \u201eMacro Level<\/strong>\u201cwhen it came to Citrix\u2019s value-added features. What I mean by that is: Citrix has \u201eSeamless Apps\u201c and Microsoft only has the full desktop; Citrix has true load balancing and Microsoft only has the \u201epoor\u201c Windows Network Load Balancing (WNLB); Citrix has bidirectional audio, Citrix has\u2026, Citrix has\u2026 and Microsoft doesn\u2019t. That changed with 2012 R2 from \u201eFrom the \u201cmacro level\u201e to the \u201cmicro level\u201d<\/strong> for most functions, except when it comes to specific requirements. What does that mean? It means that, for a basic multi-user environment, there aren\u2019t really any major differences anymore. Okay, I still see some confused looks, and I know how much readers love lists that compare things.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Macro Level Comparison<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Feature<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Microsoft Server 2012 R2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Citrix XenApp 6.5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Audio<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Microphone<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Client Drives<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

USB PnP Redirection<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

LPT\/COM Redirection<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Clipboard<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Smart Card<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Universal Printing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Meeting Management<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Burden-sharing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Highly available<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Proxy Sessions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Seamless Apps<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

WAN Optimized<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Profile Management<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Flash Redirect<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Basic Provision<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Session Linger<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Meeting Guidelines<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mirror Sessions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Clients<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Web-based access<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Special requirements<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Twain Redirect<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Preliminary Session<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Reverse Seamless*<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

* I'm sure there are more advanced features, but I think the trend is clear. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that both products basically have the same or similar functionalities, except when it comes to specific requirements. In my opinion, however, many people don\u2019t use these advanced features or don\u2019t even know they exist (Reverse Seamless, anyone?). Furthermore, these special features in particular have their own issues or can cause problems (e.g., pre-launch). \u00a0<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the previous features at the \u201emicro level\u201c and compare them.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Micro Level Comparison<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Feature<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Microsoft Server 2012 R2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Citrix XenApp 6.5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Score<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Client Drives<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Asynchronous Writing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Selective drives\n<\/li>\n
  • Filter Drives\n<\/li>\n
  • Read-only drives<\/li>\n
  • \n

    Bandwidth Limitation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    WAN Options (Multistream \u2013 CloudBridge)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • No\n<\/li>\n
  • No\n<\/li>\n
  • No<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0
<\/strong><\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Yes\n<\/li>\n
  • Yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

7<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Clipboard<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Copy and Paste File<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Universal Printing<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Fallback<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Bandwidth Limitation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    WAN Options<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    WAN Optimized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    WAN Printing Policies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Universal Print Server<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a02<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

7<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Burden-sharing<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Server Weighting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Application weighting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Load throttling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Load guidelines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Load preference<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a02<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a06<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Highly available<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    SQL database<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Active\/Passive<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Local cache<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a03<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Basic Provision<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Centralized deployment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Central Configuration<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Centralized provisioning of all components<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Centralized configuration of all components<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Clients<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Windows<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    macOS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    iOS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Android<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Multistream<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    HTML5<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    No<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n

0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Yes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u00a0Result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a07<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Overall result<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0Microsoft Server 2012 R2<\/strong><\/td>\n\n

19<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Citrix XenApp 6.5<\/strong><\/td>\n\n

34<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These are just a few features I\u2019ve picked out, but in my opinion, they clearly illustrate the difference between RDS 2012 R2 and Citrix XenApp\u2014but don\u2019t forget the extra features!<\/p>\n

Some might think I\u2019ve left this or that out, and that\u2019s certainly true on both sides. In my opinion, the end result is more or less the same\u2014that features need to be examined closely in detail, and that says a lot. These are all hard facts, so to speak, but the soft factors should also be taken into account.\u00a0Microsoft RDS 2012 R2 impresses with its simple and fast deployment of the environment. You don\u2019t have to be an expert to get it up and running, and the default settings are good. There aren\u2019t many options for optimization, but that also means there isn\u2019t much room for things to go wrong.<\/p>\n

If you primarily use Windows, you\u2019re in the perfect position for RDS, and it does exactly what it\u2019s supposed to. The RDP client is rock-solid and doesn\u2019t constantly throw up surprises with features that just don\u2019t work anymore. Plus, you don\u2019t have to worry about rolling out the client, since it comes with Windows Update. No long, complicated command lines are required to install the client. Configured via Microsoft Group Policy, the RDP client is quickly ready for use.<\/p>\n

I firmly believe that many of the current XenApp 6.5 customers could easily migrate to 2012 R2. These companies have basic requirements that RDS can meet. However, my experience with Microsoft Support for RDS has been well below average. Microsoft Premium Support is a must for anyone who really hopes to get help with RDS.<\/p>\n

Installing, customizing, and restricting applications\u2014such as the desktop\u2014is the same for both products. In fact, I use the same tools I use for Citrix, simply applied to RDS, and that\u2019s it. Anyone familiar with Citrix XenApp shouldn\u2019t encounter any surprises with Microsoft RDS.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Summary<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Microsoft RDS 2012 R2 has a lot to offer and may be sufficient for many companies. Deployment is extremely simple; just install a few Server 2012 R2 instances and then run the RDS Wizard. Do you use Windows? Then the client is no problem and has been available for a long time. If you also want to use mobile devices, simply download the RDS app and enter the URL\u2014that\u2019s all there is to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What should I do\u2014use RDS or Citrix? Make a list of the \u201emicro-level\u201c features that are needed or not needed. Determine whether specific features like TWAIN or Reverse Seamless are necessary. Ask yourself whether the environment and feature requirements are likely to grow in the future. The company should have a vision and a budget. Then you can determine what fits best.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Q&A<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some people have asked if I myself pure RDS environments<\/strong> that I have implemented for clients?
Yes, even though I implement many Citrix solutions (not just XenApp and XenDesktop), I have set up several environments that run RDS exclusively. The first farm ran on Windows Server 2008 R1 for about 150 concurrent users, and just recently, an RDS farm based on Windows Server 2008 R2 with about 600 concurrent users\u2014even over WAN links!\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why choose 2008 R2 instead of going straight to Server 2012 R2?
Because the new RDS licenses also have to be paid for, and this is a significant expense in the customer\u2019s budget. Customers also see the Windows 8 desktop and are a little apprehensive about it, though this fear is unfounded. These customers should focus more on the differences in RDS deployment and be less concerned about the Windows 8 desktop.<\/p>\n

What about the protocol? RDP, ICA?
There is a wealth of information on this topic available online, which is why I won\u2019t go into it here. Just search for \u201eComparing Remoting Protocols\u201c or \u201cRDP vs. ICA,\u201d etc., and you\u2019ll find what you\u2019re looking for in no time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Vote<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
{extravote 82}<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Citrix ist im Gesch\u00e4ft mehr als 20 Jahre; der Erfinder und Dominator des Multiuser Markts. 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