What do I need to run my system software remotely if it’s not cloud based?

If your order processing, manufacturing or graphical design software is not a cloud based product you will need to either create a series of Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to your server from your remote workplaces or you will need to create a Remote Desktop Services Environment (RDS or formerly Terminal Services)

How do I know if my software will work over a remote connection?

You will need to test this connection or ask your software supplier if you are using a Thin Client or a Fat Client.

A thin client processes the majority of data within its server software (SQL Server, Amazon Aurora, Oracle etc) and delivers just the results to the client.  Most of the data access is completed remotely on the server so very little data is passed over the cabling system or the internet connection.

A Fat client brings across all the data needed to operate the form, ie Customer details, stock data, pricing data, for a sales order or invoice.  It then process’ all of this data locally then sends it all back to the server.  Most legacy ERP & MRP systems will use this type of client, this is suitable for Local Area Networks (LAN’s) where all users are connected by CAT5 or CAT6 high speed data cables.

What do I need to create Virtual Private Networks to my remote workplaces to run a thin client?

A VPN Router to manage the remote connections and a firewall device to secure your local network from hackers.

Any devices you use to connect to the Virtual Private Network need to have full anti-virus protection and need to be at least windows 10 Pro (ideally minimum I5 processors with 8GB RAM and access to a fibre internet connection)

How do I connect my remote workplace to my server if my software won’t run on a Virtual Private Network or if I have a fat client?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the platform of choice for building virtualization solutions for every end customer need, including delivering individual virtualized applications, providing secure mobile and remote desktop access, and providing end users the ability to run their applications and desktops from the cloud.

RDS offers deployment flexibility, cost efficiency, and extensibility—all delivered through a variety of deployment options, including Windows Server 2016 for on-premises deployments, Microsoft Azure for cloud deployments, and a robust array of partner solutions.

Depending on your environment and preferences, you can set up the RDS solution for session-based virtualization, as a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or as a combination of the two:

• Session-based virtualization: Leverage the computer power of Windows Server to provide a cost-effective multi-session environment to drive your users’ everyday workloads.
• VDI: Leverage Windows client to provide the high performance, app compatibility, and familiarity that your users have come to expect of their Windows desktop experience.

Within these virtualization environments, you have additional flexibility in what you publish to your users:

• Desktops: Give your users a full desktop experience with a variety of applications that you install and manage. Ideal for users that rely on these computers as their primary workstations or that are coming from thin clients, such as with MultiPoint Services.
• RemoteApps: Specify individual applications that are hosted/run on the virtualized machine but appear as if they’re running on the user’s desktop like local applications. The apps have their own taskbar entry and can be resized and moved across monitors. Ideal for deploying and managing key applications in the secure, remote environment while allowing users to work from and customize their own desktops.

For environments where cost-effectiveness is crucial and you want to extend the benefits of deploying full desktops in a session-based virtualization environment, you can use MultiPoint Services to deliver the best value.

With these options and configurations, you have the flexibility to deploy the desktops and applications your users need in a remote, secure, and cost-effective fashion.