14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Server 2012 is set to arrive with a variety of enhancements brought to the Remote Desktop Services (RDS), based on the feedback received from customers.
Through RDS in Windows Server, users can connect to virtual desktops, session-based desktops and RemoteApp programs.
One of the main features of RDS is the possibility to centralize and control the applications and data that employees are provided with when it comes to doing their job on the various devices they use.
Based on feedback regarding the use of RemoteFX, Microsoft packed Windows Server 2012 with enhancements in the area, so as to reduce bandwidth and offer a better experience over WAN.
Some of the main changes included in the package involve adaptive graphics, intelligent transports, optimized media streaming, as well as DirectX11 Support with vGPU.
Moreover, Windows Server 2012 brings support for multitouch, Single Sign-On, email and web discovery of Remote Applications and desktops, USB Redirection and Metro-style Remote Desktop, all related to RemoteFX.
But there’s more to it, Microsoft says. The platform arrives with overall infrastructure simplification, as well as with important cost reductions.
“Cost and complexity is a major roadblock for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and hosted desktop deployments of all sizes,” Klaas Langhout, a director of program management in Microsoft's RDS team, explains in a blog post.
Enhancements in this segment include the introduction of a robust Pooled Virtual Desktop Collection model, along with User Profile Disk, fairshare of resources in RD Session Host, GPU Optional and removal of a dedicated RD Session Host server running in redirection mode.
Various high-performance and low cost storage options have been included as well. RDS can take advantage of all enhancements made throughout the hypervisor and storage stack in Windows Server 2012.
Additionally, the overall management in RDS has been simplified, meant to deliver a better E2E management experience and to enable the creation of partner solution.
The RDS Management Interface has been integrated into Server Manager, a scenario-focused wizard was included in the package, along with Active/Active RD Connection Broker and PowerShell support.
“Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2012 provides a single infrastructure, and consistently great remote experience even over WAN, while offering three deployment choices: Session, Pooled virtual desktop collection, Personal virtual desktop collection to reduce the cost appropriate to the needs of the user,” Klaas Langhout explains.
“The administration is simplified and platform hooks are provided for partner extension to provide additional value and solutions,” Langhout concludes.