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Citrix MetaFrame
What is Thin-Client or Application Server Computing?
Thin-client or application server computing environments are systems
where applications run on central computers and their user interfaces
are presented to remotely connected computers/terminals, running ICA
clients, so that they appear to be running on the remotely connected
computer/terminal.
What are ICA Clients?
Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) client software is the
component that executes on the remote client device. It allows the user
to establish an ICA session with a Citrix server. This session enables
the user to access server-based applications that appear to run locally
on the client machine but execute on the server.
What Operating Systems do Citrix Thin-Client servers run on?
Currently, Citrix MetaFrame supports Windows NT Terminal Services
Edition and Windows 2000 Server and Advanced Server; Citrix WinFrame
supports Windows NT 3.51. Citrix also provides MetaFrame for the Solaris
Operating Environment.
How fast a connection do I need to MetaFrame server?
The Citrix ICA protocol is very efficient, requiring a small amount of
network bandwidth (5-20kbps). ICA is also robust enough to continue
operating even if the bandwidth becomes more limited. The ICA protocol
sends only keystrokes, mouse clicks, screen updates and audio across the
network. Applications consume just a fraction of the network bandwidth
usually required.
What are the Benefits of Thin-client Computing?
Simplified Deployment & Management -- Since applications are installed
and maintained on a small number of servers versus a large number of PC
workstations [that may be located in separate locations], administration
(such as software updates) can be performed quickly.
Significant Performance Increase with Applications Deployed via a
WAN/Extranet - Since applications execute on the server they can
communicate with other network resources (such as data-base servers) at
LAN speeds. For example, an Oracle or SQL server application that takes
minutes to hours to process large data sets over a convention
client/server WAN connection can run in a matter of seconds with the
same data set as the client/server communication happens over the local
area network (high speed) and not the wide area network (slow speed).
Reduced Communication Costs - As communication between ICA clients and
Citrix requires little bandwidth, expensive T1 lines may be replaced
with less expensive communications (Frame Relay, ISDN, DSL, Wireless,
Serial, Modem).
Improved Security - Security is improved since all applications (and/or
data) reside on central servers that are typically sequestered in a
limited-access computer room. MetaFrame relies on NT to securely handle
logon/logoff and data storage that exceeds Windows 95/98 desktops.
Scalablity - Citrix is a very scalable environment, which allows the
support a small number of users to a very large number of users with the
use of multiple "load-balanced" server "farms."
Connectivity - Citrix MetaFrame products can serve as a "hub" to connect
all of your disparate computer systems/applications in one manageable
and central "location." The only thing that needs configuration is the
ICA client for each user. Once the client is configured, the "desktop"
or suite of software applications that a user can be presented with is
essentially unlimited. No longer does each application have to be
developed for and installed at each users pc/client device.
Can I connect to MetaFrame via a Web browser?
Yes, in several different ways. Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator/Communicator both have extensions that allow connection to
Citrix servers. Additionally by using Citrix NFusetechnology, you can
integrate application sets along with customized Web content on a
per-user basis. This configuration serves as the basis for Web-based
Application Service Providers (ASPs) to offer any application to their
end-users.
How much do the Clients cost?
ICA clients are offered at no cost to the end-user.
What network transports are supported to connect to Citrix?
ICA can run on top of TCP/IP, NetBIOS, IPX, Serial and Modem transport
protocols.
For more information or consultation about Citrix,
please contact Scherstad Systems Inc.
Office Location
Our Metro Location is:
11100 183rd Circle NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Call: 612-221-2889
or
Fax: 763-633-5003 |
