Citrix Receiver is client software that is required to access applications and full desktops hosted on Citrix servers from a remote client device. This tool provides access to Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp)/Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop (formerly Citrix XenDesktop) installations from different types of client devices including iPhone, BlackBerry, Mac OS X, iPad, Windows, Linux, Windows Mobile, Android, Google Chromebook, thin clients, and embedded operating systems.
“Citrix Receiver” works with the HDX protocol built on top of the ICA protocol. The ICA protocol sends keyboard and mouse input to the remote server and receives screenshot updates on the client device. The Receiver handles this traffic. HDX protocol extends this procedure by providing a high definition experience of Windows applications to users working on many of the most well-known devices. Citrix Receiver is available for different operating systems. When you visit the Citrix Receiver download page, it automatically detects the OS and prompts you with the correct client software to download. Citrix Receiver connects remote client devices to Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp), Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop (formerly Citrix XenDesktop), Citrix Access Gateway, XenVault Secure Storage, and other Citrix services.
Challenges with Citrix Receiver
As with every Citrix component, Citrix Receiver has gone through multiple changes. It was previously known as ICA Client. Before the release of Receiver, there were multiple client software components such as Secure Access Gateway Client, ICA Client, and Password Manager Client. Configuration and management of multiple products and components were a big challenge. Later, Citrix changed these components into plug-ins and combined them into one product called Citrix Receiver 1.0. With the release of Citrix 3.0, this product was split into Receiver Updater and Receiver Insider. It was again changed to Citrix Receiver Enterprise. The current product, Citrix Receiver, is now a suite of components, including the online web plug-in and self-service plug-in. The combination of plug-ins varies with the client’s form factor and specifications.
Beginning August 2018, Citrix Receiver will be replaced by Citrix Workspace app. While you can still download older versions of Citrix Receiver, new features and enhancements will be released for Citrix Workspace app. Citrix Workspace app is a new client from Citrix that works similar to Citrix Receiver and is fully backward-compatible with.
While there are no performance issues with the Citrix Receiver, the presence of multiple products and components is confusing. Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) is available in different editions with different pricing and feature sets. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop (formerly Citrix XenDesktop) is also available in three editions. Customers have to scour through multiple products and features. Moreover, configuring these components is complicated and time-consuming. Citrix software also comes with a high price tag, and not many businesses can afford it.
The Parallels Client simplifies application delivery
Parallels Client is a simple tool that lets you access centrally hosted resources from any device, anytime, and from any network. It is free to download and use. It uses SSL and second-level authentication, which means resources are securely transferred through the network. It works with every type of OS and platform, including iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Linux, Mac, and Google Chromebooks. The Parallels Client leverages the Microsoft RemoteFX protocol to deliver a high definition user experience to remote clients. Parallels Client is the best alternative to the costly HDX protocol suite of technologies.
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is a single package containing all virtualization components. Moreover, essential components such as printer redirection and load balancing come auto-configured by default. It is simple and easy to deploy and use. It eliminates the challenges of managing multiple products, upgrade issues, and configuration complexities. Most importantly, it is inexpensive, with the lowest overall TCO when compared with Citrix and VMware products.
Parallels RAS makes the migration process more comfortable with a free migration tool that automates most of Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) use case scenarios. The migration tool extracts settings from Citrix XenApp 6.x into a file that can be imported from Parallels RAS Console.
Read more about Citrix Alternative Download the Citrix Migration White Paper
References
Understanding Citrix Receiver thomaskoetzing.de
The Citrix ICA file explained and demystified ingmarverheij.com
Citrix Receiver definition searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com
Citrix Systems en.wikipedia.org
Citrix Alternative https://www.parallels.com/citrix-alternative/
Adapting the modern workstyles and complex IT environments are both exhausting and frustrating as you’re forced to remember various account details for every single virtual app you owned. Not to mention the performance and security issues you’ll need to bear every time you’re bound to change from different devices. These situations are not only a waste of your time but also a big hindrance to your productivity in a day.
The good thing is there’s a simple way to resolve all of these troublesome issues. Spent more time on your productivity by using the Citrix Workspace App! This app is the latest addition to the reliable Citrix’s family of services.
An efficient virtual workspace app
The app is the most extensive technology the Citrix family of services has to offer.
Citrix Workspace App is a universal software client that allows you to instantly access anytime, anywhere all your workspace services without the trouble of individually sign-on, confusing passwords, and complicated interfaces. It’s the simplest way to work on all of your virtual apps, desktops, SaaS apps, files, and mobile apps on any device. The app isn’t only providing convenience to its users, but also offers security that stops others from interfering with your business. No doubt that this app will help you boost your productivity to a higher level!
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More than just a revamped
If you’re thinking that this app came out of nowhere (or just a new addition to the family of Citrix services), well, you simply missed the highlights of Citrix Synergy 2018. The app was announced to play the role of the focal point of the end-user Citrix Workspace experience. It is the successor of Citrix Receiver, a software used primarily for connecting users to XenDesktop, XenApp desktops and applications. But there’s no need to worry since the app incorporates the full capabilities of Citrix Receiver, plus a dozen more.
Citrix is also committed in helping its customers through this transition and also working double-time to prepare significant resources you can use in simplifying the process involved in shifting through these technologies. The app’s features will come from all existing Citrix Receiver technology as well as the other Citrix client technology including the NetScaler plug-ins, XenMobile Secure Hub, ShareFile drive mapper, desktop app and sync. Additionally, it is also enhanced to deliver extra premium features concerning data loss prevention, secure access to SaaS apps, secure internet browsing capabilities, advanced search, and many more.
(In)dependent workspace app
The app is all great and efficient productivity-wise. It’s also created to look modern and appealing to the taste of its users as well as intuitive enough for beginners. However, in order to have full control of your virtual workspace, you’ll need to avail the other necessary Citrix services. The app can aggregate multiple services and deliver them through the new end-user interface but will only display the associated workspace resources to which your availed services are entitled. For instance, if you only have the Citrix Cloud XenApp and XenDesktop service, then the app will intelligently enumerate and deliver only the associated virtual apps and desktops included on your bundle. You’ll lose control with the items that do not include the XenApp and XenDesktop services such as the single-sign-on to mobile apps, SaaS apps, and web apps.
On the other hand, if you currently own multiple services including ShareFile service, then you’ll have access to all the virtual apps, desktops, and files as well as cross-service integration capabilities. It’s nice to have instant access to all your virtual apps and desktops but in order to do that, you’ll just have to spend a little and avail other Citrix services and bundles.
Where can you run this program?
The app can be utilized in various devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS and Android. You can download the app from the leading app stores or by simply visiting its official website and clicking right through the download page. Although, you’ll need to have access to Citrix Workspace Platform to unlock the app’s full capabilities. You can find the Platform in all Citrix Cloud services.
Is there a better alternative?
Since looking for the most suitable virtual workspace program for your needs can be troublesome at times, checking out one app will never be enough. Aside from Citrix Workspace, you can check out and try its well-known rival--VMware Workspace ONE. It is a digital workspace platform that delivers and manages any app on any device by integrating access control, application management, and multi-platform endpoint management. It also offers a wide range of features; most of them are comparable to what’s available in Citrix Workspace such as it's ability to give you a passwordless single sign-on to a catalog that provides easy access to virtual apps and files. VMware Workspace One isn’t necessarily better than Citrix Workspace as it works (almost) the same functions. You’ll only need to determine which product is the closest to delivering exactly what you need for you to be able to choose from the two.
Our take
The app has its own merits including the fact that it’s developed by one of the most reliable names in the digital workspace market. But for some users, this fact can also be considered as the app’s own downfall. Even if you can download the app for free, you can only fully utilize its potential by availing Citrix’s other services which come with a pricey subscription fee. The only thing that will stop you from liking the app is your unwillingness to try out the whole package of Citrix services. Overall, the app is really for user’s convenience and back-end security. It’s UI is designed perfectly modern-looking and beginner-friendly. It is also highly recommended for those who have already Citrix Receiver to start with since the app is a total upgrade of the cloud-based software.
Should you download it?
Only if you have already other Citrix services such as XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScaler, XenMobile, and ShareFile. The app will work perfectly managing your virtual apps and desktops through these services. Although you may also check out the app’s biggest rival, VMware Workspace ONE, to see which specific service fits your needs.
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