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CITRIX is our gateway to our all of our software programs. It's what allows you to access our software from anywhere in the world. It's why you never have to purchase any software. It's why you don't have to upgrade, update or install any software. It's why your software works from any PC in the world. It's why you can focus on business and not it issues!
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.
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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, Windows 2003, Windows XP 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 work on a citrix network?
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 (now XP) to securely handle logon/logoff and data storage that exceeds Windows 95/98, 2000/2003, and XP Pro/Home 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 CITRIX server 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 |