The software
Winflector is a software developed by OTC S.A., a Polish IT company. Its primary objective is to provide remote access to applications on a Windows machine.
To put it simply Winflector means the following – if you can run an app on a modern Windows box, you can use it everywhere. Whether you use the Microsoft OS, a *nix one, a Mac, an Android or iOS device, a Raspberry Pi, it’ll get the job done. Probably soon you’ll be able to run it on your fridge or microwave.
For people familiar with the market, Winflector does whatever RemoteApp/XenApp do, at a third of the price and is typically a couple times speedier.
The series
In the Winflector Basics series, we’re going to introduce the fundamental concepts and techniques you need to use Winflector effectively. It includes:
- Step-by-step configuration guides
- Basic troubleshooting
- Presentation of the more advanced features
With that in mind, this means you can both just follow the How to do a basic Winflector setup guide and have the most popular configuration up and running in ten minutes, or you can take your time and get to know the ins and outs of the software with further articles. Both the new and skilled users can benefit from this series.
How does it work?
Let’s work with an example. Say your company has acquired ReportMaster – a reporting application which runs on Windows. You want it installed in your main office and available from the branches. This is a very basic use case for Winflector.
- You install ReportMaster on a server in your main office.
- You install Winflector server on the same server in your main office, and configure it so it publishes ReportMaster.
- You install Winflector client in the branch offices and configure the connection from branch to the main office.
- You’re done! You can now use ReportMaster from the branch office. Since it runs on the server in your main office, all data is available.
The basic principle of operation is that Winflector server will run the application where it’s installed, and then communicate with the client. It will pass your commands to the application running on the server, and send back the responses to you. You’ll feel as if you’re running the app on your own machine.
Why use it?
- Remote access to Windows apps from any platform
- Native Windows, Linux and Android clients
- HTML5 client that runs on anything with a web browser
- Doesn’t use the Microsoft Terminal Services/RDP
- Build your own application cloud
- Secure
- Cheap
- A free (also for commercial use!) two-user license
Let’s get started!
If you’re eager to get into action, do a basic Winflector setup. If you’re hungry for some knowledge, check out the high-level guide for using Winflector.
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