Yes, i'm very experienced deploying and repairing with both systems, have installed many systems correctly and they are stable.
BUT...
There are some differences between the two that you should know but i'm sure there's some surprises here for you.
Terminal server is the microsoft product that allows virtual sessions (or virtual workstations) for people to work remotely. They are able to log directly into your server and work just like they would in the office. Controlling security is a MUST when running terminal server, as by default, ANY user has access to all the data drives on the server, you must be careful with this. If you're running terminal server in a domain controller or data server, you must lock down folder level permissions. Terminal server offers desktop only - which is where it differs from citrix. And like citrix, users can run any application permitted by rights management.
Citrix is different in that it can allow the publication of single applications. For example, if all you wanted an employee to run is your accounting package, you can publish that application and the employee can ONLY run that application. They won't see the server desktop at all if not allowed. This can be done through a web application as well.
Now for the interesting part that many businesses don't know. In order to run citrix, you first are required to have a terminal server that's fully licenses for users. So lets say you have 40 people that want to run citrix but only a maximum of 20 will be connected at any given time? Then you'll buy 20 terminal server CALS (licenses). They are about $150.00 each.Then you buy citrix, pay the citrix licensing costs per user and then add an added layer of software to your server. Citrix requires a fully licensed terminal server remember and it only offers the extra of publishing applications - not just desktop. The thing you probably don't know is that you can log in as the user into terminal server or into citrix and get the same desktop. Now given the fact that many companies running citrix allow desktop only access, the added cost of citrix is a moot point isn't it?Just something to think about...
Robert Hynes
http://www.rhcnetworks.com
Edmonton, Alberta.
Specialist in Servers, Networking and Network Security.
