Origins:

It’s important to understand that Remote Desktop or RDP is a Microsoft proprietary product offered in Windows 2008 R2. The protocol (RDP) provides remote display and input capabilities over network connections for Windows-based applications running on a server. RDP is designed to support different types of network topologies and multiple LAN protocols. The technology was formerly known as “Terminal Services” with  Windows Server 2003. It’s essentially a way for users to access a central dedicated server.

RDP is based on, and an extension of, the ITU T.120 family of protocols. RDP is a multiple-channel capable protocol that allows for separate virtual channels for carrying device communication and presentation data from the server, as well as encrypted client mouse and keyboard data. RDP provides an extensible base and supports up to 64,000 separate channels for data transmission and provisions for multipoint transmission.

On the server, RDP uses its own video driver to render display output by constructing the rendering information into network packets by using RDP protocol and sending them over the network to the client. On the client, RDP receives rendering data and interprets the packets into corresponding Microsoft Windows graphics device interface (GDI) API calls. For the input path, client mouse and keyboard events are redirected from the client to the server. On the server, RDP uses its own keyboard and mouse driver to receive these keyboard and mouse events.

Architecture

RDP is based on, and an extension of, the ITU T.120 family of protocols. RDP is a multiple-channel capable protocol that allows for separate virtual channels for carrying device communication and presentation data from the server, as well as encrypted client mouse and keyboard data. RDP provides an extensible base and supports up to 64,000 separate channels for data transmission and provisions for multipoint transmission.

On the server, RDP uses its own video driver to render display output by constructing the rendering information into network packets by using RDP protocol and sending them over the network to the client. On the client, RDP receives rendering data and interprets the packets into corresponding Microsoft Windows graphics device interface (GDI) API calls. For the input path, client mouse and keyboard events are redirected from the client to the server. On the server, RDP uses its own keyboard and mouse driver to receive these keyboard and mouse events.

As we continue to experience a growth in remote workforce (WFH), companies are faced with the challenge of making sure their data can be securely accessed by employees. Here are few our 5 key benefits of using remote Desktop:

Business continuity

Any business with a proprietary application or commonly used software can now  simply get it uploaded on the main server host and give access their authorized users. This solution protects employees from having to deal with the possibility of getting infected as they are not under any obligation to travel to their offices. We strongly advise companies to implement Remote desktop as part of their Disaster Recovery   plan.

Security

As described by Microsoft,RDP uses RSA Security’s RC4 cipher. It’s designed for secure communications over networks. Administrators can choose to encrypt data by using a 56- or 128-bit key. In some of our deployments we also provide an active administration interface allowing admins to have full control on who to authorize and specifically what files to allow. Two-factor authorization is also available with our packages.

Cost effective

Most companies find it very cost effective that they don’t need to buy each end-user/ employee a laptop to access work applications and files. Access is available on mobile devices as well as a home desktop with proper authorization. Start-ups, small and medium size businesses truly benefit from RDP by using virtualization on a single server and creating virtual machines for various purposes: Website & Email hosting, file sharing, database etc… We’ve made it very easy with our pre-configured Remote Desktop packages.

Remote Desktop is application-agnostic. Bring Your Own Application (BYOA). Whether your application requires Linux or Windows, we can make sure to have RDP has everything it needs. We’ve been successful in deploying the following applications: Microsoft office 365 (OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, Skype for business, Sharepoint). Quickbook, Turbotax. Businesses with their own proprietary software or Intranet can use RDP to provide access authorized employees or users. If unsure if your software or application will run, please feel free to reach out or call us.

Remote Desktop implementation time is dependent on many factors: number of users, applications or software being loaded onto the central server. To speed up the process, we ask that companies define who will be using the service, what‘s being accessed and when they plan on going live. Unfortunately those are factors we can’t determine for your business. Additionally, we will implement security services for companies that need it for compliance as well as setup access rules for an admin to control permissions.

We have pre-configured packages ranging from 5 users to 100 users that any business can order. Your RDP services can be online and functional within 24-48 Hrs.

Yes.  For business continuity, we strongly recommend you pair up your current  production environment with an active Remote Desktop. Plan ahead for when your employees need to work from home. Prepare for disruption so that your business continues to be productive. If employees can’t access key applications remotely, productivity decline can cause your organization to close its doors. Recovering from Disaster doesn’t always have to be a mirrored or replicated instance of your production. By deploying Remote Desktop, you protect your employees while building a level of resiliency around your business. This is a cost-effective Disaster Recovery solution that every start-up, small and medium size businesses should always implement. Don’t be reactive to disasters, but instead start exploring options to secure your valuable assets.

You will get 24/7/365 uninterrupted and unlimited support with our Remote Desktop services. Please understand that our support is limited to Microsoft suite of services.  Any 3rd party or proprietary software management will need to be addressed with your specific vendor. As much as we would like to help, we are not experts in every application on the marketplace today. We will cover the infrastructure, the network as well as patching and  updating the Operating System. Our job is to optimize your solution to make sure every single app is performing as expected.