Citrix is one of the solutions on offer when companies want to move applications or their whole desktop to the cloud. It uses a process known as virtualisation to give users more flexibility when accessing their desktop or applications. The problem? Not everyone understands exactly how it works.
In this post, we aim to clear things up when it comes to Citrix connection and how it all works.
Virtualisation and how it works
Virtualisation technology is at the centre of how Citrix works. Put simply, this means applications or desktops are stored on central servers and published to remote devices when they need to access them. For comparison, traditional systems will store applications or the whole desktop on one device, meaning those resources can only be accessed on that device.
As a virtualisation platform, Citrix provides easy-to-use software, allowing users to access their applications or desktop from any device once they have been deployed onto your chosen servers. This can work in two ways – in-house or remotely.
In-house vs remote
In-house Citrix refers to applications and desktops which are stored on a company’s own servers. This still allows employees to access resources remotely, but means the company needs to run and maintain their own servers.
Alternatively, Citrix can be used with a cloud hosting provider. This combines the advantages of Citrix software with the flexibility, scalability and convenience of cloud hosting, where data is held in an external location. Companies have much better security and are completely free in terms of how much capacity they can use.
What are the benefits?
With a Citrix connection, resources be accessed on a variety of devices from any location without the need for that location or device to host the application or desktop itself. This has a range of benefits for businesses:
- Flexibility – Users can access what they need, when they need it, from any device. This makes remote working completely seamless, facilitating working on the go and eliminating any detriment to productivity on days out of the office.
- Cost – With one central server, there’s no need to pay for the setup and management of multiple servers in different locations or multiple software installations on different devices. Employees can even use their own devices to access their work desktop or applications.
- Convenience – Compared to other solutions such as cloud storage, Citrix makes it much easier to work remotely. Once software is installed, users simply need to enter a username and password to access their resources. From there, you can simply work as you would on a normal desktop or application with no need to repeatedly download and upload different files.
- Backup – When your desktop or applications are virtualised through, they are stored in central servers. That means you’re completely protected from data loss should anything happen to your devices. Should you choose to deploy Citrix through an external provider, you may even benefit from multiple data centres to back up your data.
Getting the right provider
There are also a number of advantages to Citrix which depend on the provider you choose:
- Uptime – Businesses can eliminate downtime by choosing a reliable cloud hosting provider. Your Citrix desktop or applications will be deployed to their resolute servers, making hardware failures an unlikely occurrence.
- Security – Cyber-security is of utmost importance no matter what sector you work in. By choosing a provider with secure servers, protected data centres and encrypted data, you will find that your resources are much more secure than they would be on a standard desktop.
- Scalability – By using external servers, you eliminate any issues with scalability. Should you require more capacity, new devices or new users, you can simply upgrade or pay for more. Some companies provide this on a pay-as-you-go basis, so you don’t need to pay for more than you use.
How can we help?
Green Cloud Hosting is fully accredited by Citrix as well as other software providers like Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco. With experience and expertise across the board, we can provide a Citrix hosted desktop that’s tailored to your company and how you work.
Want to find out more? Get in touch today on 0161 979 0691 or info@greencloudhosting.co.uk to take to a hosted desktop expert.
