Terminal Services Vs Citrix - Benefits case, in the Terminal Services forum on BrianMadden.com

Hi all

I am construcing a benefits case for Terminal Services over Citrix ( we currently use Citrix and we're in the process of upgrading.) I'm building a test TS Environment so I can do some tinkering with a view to testing both TS and Citrix side by side.

My question is, are there tools out there for Terminal services that go some way to match, or even exceed, the fuctionality and toolset that you get with Citrix.

If anyone could point me in the direction of them i'd be really grateful

http://www.sessioncomputing.com/add-on.htm

The best alternative to Citrix is Provision Networks Virtual Access Suite, which runs $99 per concurrent user, more than 3 times less expensive than Citrix. I deploy both solutions, as there are times when Citrix is needed.

Feel free to contact me if you need more information, or want a demo.

Hi,

Depending on your needs, Citrix Access Essentials 2.0 could be a good fit for you. It is very similar to Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 in terms of functionality with a few differences.

Here's what CAE 2.0 lacks that CPS 4.5 Advanced includes:

- Desktop broker
- Virtual IP support
- Active Sync support
- SpeedScreen: Progressive Display, multimedia acceleration, Flash acceleration
- Workspace controls
- Conferencing manager
- ADFS
- Configuration logging
- Report Center

Also, CAE 2.0 is limited to a maximum of 75 users and all CPS servers must exist in a single zone.

Extras/Unique benefits of CAE 2.0 (not included in CPS 4.5 Advanced):

- CPU Utilization management
- Virtual memory optimization
- Single Server Integration - all components (CPS, WI, CSG, Data Store) can be run on one box
- Includes a TS User CAL with each license
- Automatic load balancing within server group
- Master server failover

Each Named User license is $250, but that includes a TS User CAL. This puts it in the same price range of other products like Provision. If you are already familiar with Citrix and you can live with the above limitations, then CAE 2.0 is a good product and worth a look.

Cheers,

We have tried several different products for our traders. It all depends really on what your requirements are.

Citrix is of course a cadillac of access platforms. There is also a Sun product. The SUNW offering has a benefit of HW+SW from the same supplier.

If you are looking for management I would suggest Citrix or Ericom.

However, for us all of these products came up short. We needed three somewhat simple things: application publishing, two-directional sound and native USB support for trader keyboards and blackberrys.

We found only one product that does it all - Terminal Server Enterprise made by Elusiva. The product is has not been officially released. We have been running a pre-release for about six months. It's very stable and everything works well. Except we had to use another 3rd-party product for compliance.

Please share your experience.

Elusiva is at http://www.elusiva.com

You might want to check this:

What's New in Terminal Services for Windows Server 2008

Are Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Good Enough For Me? - by Dan Shappir

Here's some more:

http://www.msterminalservices.org/articles/New-Terminal-Services-Features-Longhorn-Server-LHS-Beta.html

Wilco van Bragt has posted a nice round-up comparison of the various SBC solutions at:
http://sbc.vanbragt.net/mambo/white-papers/sbc-round-up-2007-3.html

For more information about Ericom PowerTerm WebConnect as a Citrix alternative:
http://www.ericom.com/citrix_alternative.asp

I hope this helps
Dan

For a flexible solution and licensing check out the  2X Virtual Desktop Server which will allow you to publish applications, deliver Xp, Vista, Linux desktops, load balance, and run native RDP all in one client with "GoToMyPC" technology  built in. The license is based on per server NOT per user, so the cost per user is much less. If you run as an ASP you also get 40% off the retail pricing, based on approval.

http://www.2x.com/virtualdesktop/

http://www.2x.com/news/readerschoice.html

Scott Sims
Business Development Manager, Americas