How to Publish Remote Apps Server

What Is a Remote Apps Server?

Remote Apps Servers are a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructures, enabling businesses to deliver applications to users efficiently and securely. By hosting software on a centralized server and providing remote access organizations can eliminate the complexities of local installations while ensuring consistent performance, security, and scalability.

In essence, a Remote Apps Server allows applications to run on the server while appearing to be installed on the user’s local device. This approach provides flexibility for IT teams and users, making it indispensable in today’s hybrid and remote working environments.

Centralized Application Hosting

A Remote Apps Server functions as a central hub where applications are installed, managed, and executed. Instead of requiring users to install software on individual devices:

Server-Side Execution: Applications run on the server, utilising its processing power, memory, and storage.
Remote Rendering: User interactions are transmitted via protocols like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), ensuring smooth operations on low-powered devices.
Simplified Updates: IT teams update applications once on the server, instantly reflecting changes for all users.

This centralized approach reduces the risk of version mismatches and minimises maintenance efforts across diverse user environments.

Resource Optimization and Performance

Hosting applications on a remote server shifts resource demands from user devices to the server, which can be optimised for high performance:

Reduced Device Requirements: Users can run resource-intensive applications on minimal hardware, extending the lifespan of older devices.
Load Balancing: Advanced configurations distribute workloads across multiple servers, ensuring consistent performance even during peak usage.
Scalability: Servers can be upgraded to handle increasing demands, providing flexibility for growing businesses.

This ensures that even complex applications operate smoothly, irrespective of the user’s hardware capabilities.

Seamless User Experience

A well-configured Remote Apps Server delivers a user experience that is virtually indistinguishable from using locally installed software:

Integration with Local Devices: Applications can access local peripherals such as printers, scanners, and storage devices seamlessly.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Users authenticate once and gain access to their applications, eliminating repetitive login processes.
Transparent Access: Applications appear in the user’s taskbar, start menu, or desktop, mirroring locally installed programs.

These features enhance productivity and ease adoption by end-users, making the technology more accessible.

Enhanced Security and IT Control

One of the key benefits of Remote Apps Servers is the robust security framework they provide:

Centralized Data Storage: Sensitive data resides on the server rather than user devices, reducing exposure to breaches.
Controlled Access: Role-based permissions ensure users access only the applications and data they are authorized to use.
Regular Patching: Centralised management enables IT teams to promptly apply security patches and updates.
Encrypted Connections: Protocols like RDP ensure all data transmitted between the server and user devices is encrypted, safeguarding against interception.

By consolidating application management and enforcing strict security measures, Remote Apps Servers mitigate risks and enhance compliance with data protection regulations.

Cost Efficiency and Simplified Deployment

Switching to a Remote Apps Server model can lead to significant cost savings and operational benefits:

Reduced Licensing Costs: Centralised software licensing can be more cost-effective than per-device installations.
Fewer IT Interventions: Issues are resolved at the server level, minimising the need for on-site troubleshooting.
Flexible Deployment: Applications are deployed instantly to all users, reducing downtime and streamlining onboarding.

This ensures businesses achieve a higher return on investment while reducing the total cost of ownership for their IT systems.

Prerequisites and Initial Setup

Before diving into the technical steps of publishing a remote apps server, you must ensure the environment is ready. This section outlines the foundational requirements for a successful setup.

Active Directory Membership

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) relies heavily on Active Directory (AD) for user authentication and resource allocation. It ensures:

The server is joined to a domain in your AD environment.
User accounts and groups are configured in AD for role-based access.

Adequate Server Resources

The server hosting RDS must have sufficient CPU, RAM, and storage capacity to manage concurrent users. A general recommendation includes:

CPU: At least 2 cores for small deployments, scaling up for enterprise use.
RAM: Minimum 4 GB for testing environments; 8 GB or more for production.
Storage: High-speed SSDs for reduced latency in app loading.

SSL Certificate Preparation

A valid SSL certificate ensures secure communication between the server and clients. Options include:

Self-Signed Certificate: Ideal for testing.
Public Certificate: Recommended for production, issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs).

Installing Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

RDS is the backbone of any Remote Apps deployment. The installation process requires careful selection of roles and services to enable application publishing and secure access.

Initiating the Installation

Open Server Manager: Begin by opening the Server Manager Dashboard.
Select 'Add Roles and Features': Launch the wizard and proceed to the role-based installation screen.
Choose 'Remote Desktop Services Installation': This mode simplifies the addition of all necessary components.

Deployment Mode Selection

You’ll need to decide between two deployment types:

Quick Start: Ideal for single-server setups. Automatically configures all RDS roles on one server.
Standard Deployment: Provides more flexibility for multi-server environments, enabling the distribution of roles like RD Gateway, RD Licensing, and RD Web Access across different servers.

Role Configuration

In the Server Manager, assign these critical roles:

Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH): Hosts the applications and desktops.
Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWA): Provides a web interface for accessing published apps.
Remote Desktop Licensing (RDL): Ensures license compliance for RDS clients.

Configuring SSL Certificates for Secure Connections

Security is a cornerstone of remote access. Configuring SSL certificates is crucial to encrypt communications between the server and client devices.

Installing an SSL Certificate

Obtain or Generate a Certificate: For public-facing deployments, procure a certificate from a trusted CA. For internal testing, generate a self-signed certificate.
Import the Certificate: Use the Certificates snap-in in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) to import the certificate into the Personal Certificates store on the server.

Binding the Certificate to RD Web Access

Open IIS Manager on the server.
Navigate to Default Web Site > Bindings.
Edit the HTTPS binding to associate the imported SSL certificate.

Publishing Remote Applications

Publishing RemoteApp programs is where you define which applications are accessible to end-users.

Creating a Collection

In Server Manager, navigate to Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
Click Create a Session Collection and assign it a name.
Add the required Session Hosts and define user groups that will access the collection.

Adding Applications to the Collection

Select the newly created collection.
Click Publish RemoteApp Programs and choose from the list of installed applications.
Confirm and complete the publishing process.

Testing Access

From a client machine, navigate to https:// /RDWeb.
Log in with a domain user account and verify that the published applications are visible and accessible.

Optimising and Managing Remote Apps Server

While the server is functional, IT administrators should implement best practices to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

Monitoring Server Performance

Use tools like Performance Monitor and Resource Monitor to track:

CPU and RAM usage.
Disk I/O.
Network throughput.

Enhancing Security

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via RADIUS or Azure AD.
Apply Group Policies to restrict unauthorised access and configure session timeouts.

Scaling the Deployment

Add additional session hosts for load balancing.
Implement RD Gateway for secure access over public networks.

Why Choose TSplus Remote Access for Your Remote Applications?

TSplus Remote Access is a versatile, cost-effective solution designed to simplify and enhance the remote application experience. Unlike traditional RDS setups, TSplus provides:

A streamlined interface for publishing and managing applications.
Robust security features, including advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication.
Web portal customization for seamless branding and user experience.
Support for any Windows-based application, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Our solution is the go-to solution for IT professionals seeking flexibility, ease of use, and affordability.

Conclusion

Setting up a remote apps server is a transformative step for organizations aiming to centralise and streamline their IT infrastructure. From meeting prerequisites to deploying RDS, configuring SSL, and publishing applications, each step ensures a secure and optimised remote access environment.

While the manual process provides deep control, tools like TSplus Remote Access take efficiency and security to the next level. By automating complex setups and offering unparalleled flexibility, TSplus enables IT teams to focus on strategic goals rather than technical minutiae.