In 2001, Microsoft released Remote Desktop Protocol (RDS), the predecessor of the Microsoft RDS platform (Remote Desktop Services), which allows admins to provide users with remote access.
Microsoft RDS provides remote desktop access as a virtual solution, allowing users to run applications and desktops from the cloud.
How does a terminal server work?
Users connect to the remote desktop protocol (RDP) from their own computers, which then connects to the terminal server. This allows users to access applications hosted on the terminal server remotely from anywhere, using the device of their choice.
The user then enters the server details and the address of the terminal server (typically a domain name or an IP address). Then they enter their login credentials for verification.
These are typically the same as the regular network login details.
Once the user credentials are authenticated, the requested applications are available on the device.
At this point, the user can access all the applications, data, and resources on the terminal server.
Terminal servers host sessions for multiple users, with each user given an independent session even when using the same applications and resources.
The server intuitively gives each user the required memory, CPU, or disk I/O. As a result, teams can work together without the need for individual software and hardware upgrades.
What is terminal server architecture?
Think of the terminal server architecture as the blueprint outlining how everything is designed to work and function together.
The terminal server encompasses the entire design and setup, including the server itself, its components, and the supporting infrastructure that enables users to connect remotely.
The terminal server architecture consists of:
- A multi-core server where resources are centrally hosted.
- A remote desktop protocol that enables data transmission between the server and the client.
- Client software is installed on each remote client device. This program allows the device to connect to the server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
What are some common terminal server use cases?
Organizations of all sizes use terminal servers which do not require a modem or a NIC (network interface card).
1. Remote access and remote work
Remote access enables users to work from anywhere in the world, allowing for flexibility and productivity.
2. Centralized management
A terminal server allows IT teams to manage everything within a central server rather than individual devices.
All software updates, fixes, and application installations are completed on the central server, reducing errors and time and ensuring the system's security.
3. Resource consolidation
A terminal server circumvents the need to upgrade or purchase computers that run on specific hardware and are high-powered enough to support the applications.
4. Cost savings
Terminal servers eliminate the need to upgrade or replace laptops and desktop computers every few years, reducing costs.
5. Security
Having all the data, applications, and sensitive and confidential information stored on the server rather than a workstation provides an additional layer of protection.
Plus, a terminal server ensures every device is protected and compliant with the security policy.
6. Centralized infrastructure
Centralized infrastructure refers to the physical and structural design where an organization's IT resources (servers, storage, applications) are located and managed centrally. This can be a central data center or a cloud environment.
7. System reliability
Terminal servers improve system reliability by centralizing resources, ensuring continuous access, and providing security, productivity, and scalability.
What are some benefits of using a terminal server?
Microsoft’s terminal server solution, Remote Desktop Services (RDS), allows users to access a computer or virtual machine remotely over a network connection.
It bridges the user's device and the host computer, supporting smooth remote access.
Introduced in 2008, RDS combines several server functions into a single solution: Remote Desktop Session Host, Virtualization Host, Licensing, Connection Broker, and Web Access.
Deploying RDS offers various benefits for organizations.
Security
RDS provides a secure and encrypted connection between the user’s device and the network, with robust authentication protocols, including multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Cost savings
RDS combines several server functions into a single solution, reducing costs.
For example, the Virtualization Host allows multiple users to use the same server simultaneously, maximizing resource utilization.
Access from any device
Users can connect to RDS and access the apps your admin team has authorized.
Platform availability will vary depending on devices or web browsers.
Additionally, using a web browser with RDS allows users to connect without downloading and installing any software.
Flexibility
Organizations can customize applications and software for users based on their specific roles and responsibilities.
Learn Parallels RAS addresses the diverse challenges RDS customers encounter.
How do Parallels solutions work with terminal server or remote desktop services?
Parallels RAS improves the user experience by making it easier to set up and access terminal servers and remote desktop services.
It delivers an easy-to-use interface, strong security, and hybrid environment support, allowing organizations (big and small) to deliver a top-level remote desktop experience on any device.
More options for hybrid deployments
Parallels RAS makes hybrid deployments easy by letting businesses integrate on-premises servers with cloud services.
This flexibility means your organization can choose the best mix of local and cloud resources to boost productivity and save costs.
Parallels RAS allows essential apps and sensitive data to be kept on local servers while using the cloud for other tasks.
This setup ensures security and control while taking advantage of cloud scalability.
Parallels RAS also supports multi-cloud environments, spreading workloads across different cloud providers.
Simplified set up
Setting up Parallels RAS is straightforward thanks to its intuitive wizard and pre-configured templates.
These templates simplify the process, reducing the time and expertise needed to get remote desktop services up and running efficiently.
Improved security
Parallels RAS strengthens security with features like TLS 1.3 encryption, ensuring faster and safer data transmission.
It also includes multi-factor authentication and detailed access controls to prevent unauthorized access.
These security measures protect sensitive information and maintain business integrity.
Exceptional user experience
Parallels RAS supports various devices and operating systems, creating an engaging and positive user experience.
By providing access to a wide range of devices and operating systems, Parallels RAS further enhances usability and satisfaction.
Features like universal printing allow users to print from any device to any printer without complex setups.
AI-driven session prelaunch reduces login times by predicting and preloading user sessions.
This capacity, combined with an intuitive interface, makes Parallels RAS a versatile, user-friendly solution that boosts productivity and satisfaction across diverse environments.
What are the major challenges of working with a terminal server or remote desktop services?
Using Microsoft RDS comes with its own set of challenges:
- Network latency due to performance issues results in delayed response times, threatening the speed and efficiency of remote sessions.
- Securing data access and managing user authentication can be complex, especially across multiple devices and locations.
- Initial setup, configuration, maintenance, and updates require extensive technical expertise.
- Scaling RDS for growing user demands often involves additional hardware and software investments, increasing costs.
- RDS doesn’t support Linux natively, forcing businesses to rely on third-party solutions for cross-platform compatibility.
- The user interface isn’t as intuitive as some alternatives, leading to frustration and lower adoption rates among end users.
How do organizations deploy and enhance terminal servers with Parallels solutions?
Many organizations worldwide, from healthcare to IT services and agriculture, have adopted Parallel RAS to deploy and enhance their multiple environments with terminal servers.
Aragorn transitioned to Parallels RAS, reducing costs while implementing an all-in-one solution that simplified deployment and maintenance.
By adopting Parallels RAS, the Dutch company consolidated its terminal server environment, eliminating the complexity of managing separate systems and enhancing overall security.
Learn more
Farmers & Merchants Bank, based in Arkansas, switched to Parallels RAS and optimized the hybrid environment to address latency and performance issues.
The solution improved speed and enabled secure access for both internal and external users.
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Vetverse found implementing Parallels RAS easier than anticipated, with immediate improvements in both performance and security.
The transition was smoother than expected, and Vetverse immediately saw the rewards, including enhanced data protection and faster system responses, which led to greater user satisfaction.
Learn moreBy implementing Parallels RAS, Vetverse supported a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy - giving employees access to terminal servers securely on their own devices without compromising the integrity of the organization's data.
Parallels and terminal services
With Parallels RAS, IT administrators can securely connect a terminal server to another server on the same network. With our cloud services, users can safely move data back and forth.
Your organization can move more efficiently when terminal servers integrate with the cloud.
Terminal server resources
How to improve your Microsoft RDS deployment with Parallels RAS
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If you're tired of switching between devices to access your applications, Parallels RAS and our terminal server capabilities is the solution you're looking for.