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Server-Based Computing
Many enterprises have adopted server based computing (SBC) solutions to provide workers with remote access to applications. AppStream works alongside these solutions, such as Citrix Presentation Servers and Microsoft Terminal Services (MTS) servers, simplifying their administration while extending their capabilities.
AppStream Simplifies Server-Based Computing Solutions
AppStream reduces the costs of managing corporate SBC environments by streaming applications to SBC servers. This enables SBC administrators to configure generic SBC terminal servers, and then rapidly provision applications to them via on-demand application streaming.
In particular, environments configured with siloed applications can benefit. Siloed deployments typically result in underutilized server capacity, as capacity must be allocated for peak demand. Adding AppStream to the mix enables administrators to provide on-demand application streaming to unallocated servers, instantly increasing available capacity.
Furthermore, AppStream simplifies and accelerates application and update deployment in SBC environments. It enables a single, simplified packaging process and facilitates immediate post-provisioning deployment. And AppStream provides an efficient application update process, streaming only those portions of the application that have been updated.
AppStream Extends Server-Based Computing Solutions
Enterprises can also derive significant benefit from combining AppStream with SBC solutions in order to provide a fuller breadth of functionality to a broader array of use cases, as SBC solutions alone, despite their obvious benefits, have some technical limitations that AppStream can eliminate. For example:
- In SBC environments, all processing takes place on the central server, so end users require access to the central server in order to access the applications — disconnected users have no application access. In contrast, AppStream provides on-demand application streaming to the end user's desktop, where the applications are available for offline, disconnected remote access, while maintaining the SBC on-demand end-user experience.
- SBC environments work in conjunction with thin-client workstations, which means that end users do not have the ability to customize workstations or load applications locally. In contrast, AppStream works with thick-clients, which provides end users with the flexibility to customize workstations and to load additional applications on their machines, while maintaining centralized control of core applications.
- SBC solutions transmit all end-user inputs from remote access clients to central servers for processing, and then transmit all processed information back to the remote access clients, resulting in heavy network traffic, making these solutions inappropriate for certain applications. In contrast, AppStream localizes all processing at the client machine, making it appropriate for any application, while guaranteeing the consistent version control that is ensured by SBC solutions.
The following table depicts how AppStream can augment your current SBC environments:
SBC Functionality |
SBC Alone |
SBC with AppStream
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 |
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Provides end users with "pull"-based access to any PC application |
√ |
√ |
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Centralizes control, management & support of client applications |
√ |
√ |
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Increases security by centralizing application updates & patches |
√ |
√ |
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Lowers management overhead by guaranteeing consistent versioning |
√ |
√ |
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Enables the use of applications when disconnected from the central server |
|
√ |
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Maintains thick-client experience including flexible customizability & better performance |
|
√ |
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Supports the running of a broad, diverse range of applications |
|
√ |
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Improves overall enterprise productivity by leveraging distributed, local processing power |
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√ |
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