What Server and Client Setup for Multiple Remote Program Execution? Please help.

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George Mulligan

George Mulligan

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Sep 20, 2014
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Remote Desktop or VNC don't seem to be the right solution.

My specific need: I have three desktops (Windows 10) in a small office, with several users sitting at any one of them at any given time. I want to add a small server to house a couple programs that can be accessed and run from any of the 3 computers. Each program would not need to be executed by more than one person at a time.

A remote desktop environment doesn't seem to be right, as only one user would have access to the server at a time- is that right? I need for Person A to run Quickbooks sitting at Desktop 1 and Person B to run Paintshop on Desktop 2 at the same time.

The programs cannot be installed on an individual desktop, because two hours later, the seating arrangement might be different, hence I want to install on a new server (which I will also use as a file/print server). Is there a solution?
 
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can you get the apps running in WINE, most programs probably too much of a hassle, but if you did you could just lock down/disable/hide the Linux controls and only show the shortcut and have people remote into a Linux VM and use the application. So no license costs, but it would require some work if it is possible at all(depends on the programs).
You are basically looking for a remote applications server, short of that you have to use VM's. Cannot think of any other way. You could condense your workstations and turn those OS licenses into VM's and then have user use terminal devices to connect to the VM's, the terminal devices could be the dedicates ones you can buy or just Linux machines using some sort of RD software.

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DeadlyDays

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if you want a nice solution, as above citrix. There are some other nice solutions. If you just want to throw something together without needing to learn anything about any other systems, run VM software on the server(such as VMware), 1 program per VM, and have the people remote into the VM's(which is essentially what citrix would let you do but more seamlessly) A decent server should be able to handle a few vm's.
 
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George Mulligan

George Mulligan

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I definitely thought of setting up a couple VMs, but I don't like the idea of purchasing an OS for each VM (which will ultimately support only one program). There's no way around that is there?
 
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bill001g

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Your problem is software companies want lots of money. They in many cases even want you to pay for a different license for the same exact package if you are going to install it on more than 1 vm even if you never really run them at the same time. As you mention you must also buy the OS unless you use free linux stuff.

They are doing their very best to make it not cost effective to do it this way. Most times the reason you do this is to reduce the costs of maintaining lots of software on lots of machines but they still want their money. So you may end up saving overall but your software costs will likely go up and your labor costs go down. The tricky one is what is the labor cost really worth.

The latest trend is to take even the central server from you and move it to the vendor. This is more or less doing what you propose but on say a microsoft controlled VM in the cloud. It can be cheaper for smaller business because they can reduce their internal IT staff costs or what they pay a third party company to manage their servers.
 
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Alabalcho

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Your other solution owuld be to get Windows Server, install Terminal Server with appropriate number of CALs, and install your QB/PS/etc on the server. But compared to the $100 per desktop licence you would need, I doubt it will be cheaper.

On top of that - read carefully EULAs for the software you are going to use. Some apps explicitly prohibit such a scenario.
 
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DeadlyDays

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can you get the apps running in WINE, most programs probably too much of a hassle, but if you did you could just lock down/disable/hide the Linux controls and only show the shortcut and have people remote into a Linux VM and use the application. So no license costs, but it would require some work if it is possible at all(depends on the programs).
You are basically looking for a remote applications server, short of that you have to use VM's. Cannot think of any other way. You could condense your workstations and turn those OS licenses into VM's and then have user use terminal devices to connect to the VM's, the terminal devices could be the dedicates ones you can buy or just Linux machines using some sort of RD software.

remote application servers are designed for much larger scale than what you are looking at, so almost certainly not going to be cost/effort effective.
 
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George Mulligan

George Mulligan

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Sep 20, 2014
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Very good thoughts, all. Thank you. Getting validation on my thoughts that I'm in no-man's land LOL.

I'm also sure that the full terminal server/remote apps server route is less cost effective. It would also present more of a learning curve and maintenance requirement downstream. We will probably go the route of VMs and separate licences.
 
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