By leveraging investments in existing hardware your end users can run the latest applications without upgrading desktops or purchasing dedicated thin client hardware. There is no need to spend money on hardware when there is a lower cost software solution that is just as effective.
Maintenance and support costs will also be significantly reduced -- see the following question, "How will SimplyRDP reduce support costs?".
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How will SimplyRDP reduce support costs?
Administrators can remotely deploy and install applications to a single location, eliminating support visits to desktops. SimplyRDP centralizes all application and data storage by turning a desktop into a diskless thin client. Administrators can remotely take over an end users desktop to ease support issues over the phone.
Backup and disaster recovery is simplified, all maintenance is performed at the server level, eliminating problems associated with desktop maintenance such as hard drive failure.
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How will SimplyRDP increase Security?
Administrators can choose whether or not to grant end users access to floppy drives and USB ports, while eliminating the need for a local hard drive (removing the hard drive is optional). Preventing users from accessing a floppy drive and USB ports will eliminate data theft, and viruses that are introduced from external storage.
No data is transferred to the desktop, SimplyRDP uses Microsoft's RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) which transfers compressed screen images, keyboard and mouse commands.
Anti-virus scanning is done at the server level, there is no need to worry if each desktop is running the latest virus scanner updates.
If a desktop is stolen the data is left behind on the server.
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How easy is SimplyRDP to install and configure?
SimplyRDP installs on your Windows server, nothing is installed on the desktop. The configuration tools include a template based GUI to set up similar desktops. SimplyRDP auto-detects desktop hardware (only in available in the full version).
There is no need to open the desktop unless you want to physically remove the hard drive. SimplyRDP does not access the local hard drive, it can be left as is, formatted or removed for security reasons or recycling.
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Where are end user applications run?
All end user applications are run on the server, the desktop only runs a small RDP client which is pushed to the desktop's RAM when the desktop is turned on. End user applications can be configured to allow only certain users from gaining access.
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What will end users see on their desktops?
When a desktop is turned on end users will see a Windows operating system and any applications and data that system administrators have granted permissions. The end user experience is seamless -- the desktop they see will be the same Microsoft desktop that users are familiar with.
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How does SimplyRDP work?
- When a desktop is powered up it makes a request to the SimplyRDP server before the local hard disk is accessed.
- The server sends a small boot file to the desktop.
- The SimplyRDP client runs in the desktops RAM, no local disk access is performed.
- The desktop can now access Windows Terminal Services just like a dedicated hardware thin client.
Click here to learn more about Microsoft Windows Terminal Services.
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Do I need additional management software?
You can continue to use the system administration tools you are already using for backups, managing user accounts and other admin tasks. Using SimplyRDP will vastly simplify the amount of management that is needed.
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Will SimplyRDP work over a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
SimplyRDP can be used in a WAN such that the Terminal Services server can be located over a WAN, but the server where SimplyRDP is installed must be on your LAN. This is a limitation of the PXE specification which is used to network boot the desktop.
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How can I try SimplyRDP?
Click here to try a 30-day evaluation version.
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What is RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
SimplyRDP uses Microsoft's RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) which transfers compressed screen images, keyboard and mouse commands.
The RDP protocol is used by Microsoft Windows Terminal Services to provide thin client and remote desktop connectivity.
Click here to learn more about Microsoft Windows Terminal Services.
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What are the server requirements?
One of the following:
- Windows Server 2000 / 2003, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional
- Windows Terminal Services
Windows Terminal Services needs to be running on your server. Windows Terminal Services is a free add on for Windows Server 2000 and Server 2003. There is also a version of Terminal Services for Windows NT.
Depending on your current server licensing from Microsoft you may need to purchase additional CALs (Client Access Licenses) for Windows Terminal Services. In some cases you may already have CALs included as part of your server purchase.
Refer to this Microsoft web page for more information on Licensing Terminal Services and other general Terminal Services FAQs:
Terminal Services FAQ
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What are the desktop requirements?
Any 486 PC with at least 32 MB of Ram should work fine with SimplyRDP, 64 MB is required for the full version of SimplyRDP.
Each desktop needs a PXE-enabled network card. Most newer network cards purchased after 1997 will already be PXE-enabled.
There is a finite list of supported network cards and video adapters. This list is available in the appendix of the SimplyRDP user manual and should be consulted prior to purchasing SimplyRDP.
emBoot offers a Managed Boot Agent (MBAoD) or boot ROMs to PXE-enable network cards.
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Where can I find more information on Microsoft Windows Terminal Services?
An excellent independent source of information dedicated to Microsoft Windows Terminal Services:
www.workthin.com
Microsoft's own web page on Windows Terminal Services:
Terminal Services Community
Terminal Services FAQ
emBoot's Terminal Services resources:
Click here...
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Is there a special discount for educational uses?
Yes. Please contact sales for educational pricing.
Send an email to sales@emboot.com or phone +1.905.629.0200
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How much does SimplyRDP cost?
The SimplyRDP Server with 10 client licenses costs: $499.50
Additional client license:
Qty. 11-250: $44.96 each (save 10%)
Qty. 251-500: $39.96 each (save 20%)
Qty. 501-1000: $34.97 each (save 30%)
Maintenance is included for the 1st year and 15% of the purchase price for additional years.
Visit our Online Store...
Please contact sales for educational pricing and quotes on 1000+ clients and site licensing.
Send an email to sales@emboot.com or phone +1.905.629.0200
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Do I need to buy additional Microsoft licenses?
Depending on your current server licensing from Microsoft you may need to purchase additional CALs (Client Access Licenses) for Windows Terminal Services. In some cases you may already have some CALs included as part of your server purchase.
Refer to this Microsoft web page for more information on Licensing Terminal Services and other general Terminal Services FAQs:
Terminal Services FAQ
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How do I get additional support?
Send an email to support@emboot.com
Visit the Support Forum
Or phone +1.905.629.0200
