Are you an IT manager using Microsoft® Remote Desktop Services (RDS) to deliver Windows® applications to users? Tired of the cost, complexity, and limitations of RDS? Looking for a better alternative? In this post, we’ll explore your options and the pros and cons of each.
Option One – Rewriting Your Windows Application
One way to move away from RDS is to rewrite your Windows application as a web-native app, delivering it via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This allows for a modern user experience and an opportunity to improve workflows, dependencies, and features.
However, rewriting an application from scratch is a massive undertaking. It requires a new technology stack, retraining or hiring developers, redesigning the user interface, migrating data, and building back-end infrastructure. The process includes security implementation, testing, optimization, documentation, and user adoption strategies—all while still supporting the existing Windows application.
If your primary goal is simply to move away from RDS, this option may be more effort and expense than it’s worth.
Option Two – Adopt a Different Remote Access Solution
Rather than rewriting your application, consider switching to a more efficient remote access solution. Several alternatives to RDS exist, including:
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
- Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
- Application Virtualization
- Application Publishing
Each has its advantages, but they also come with challenges.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
VDI provides users with virtualized desktop environments hosted on physical or virtual servers. Popular solutions include VMware Horizon® and Citrix® Virtual Apps and Desktops. While VDI offers control and security, it is often over-engineered for IT teams managing a few applications. Additionally, both Citrix and VMware have undergone significant corporate changes, making long-term stability uncertain.
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
DaaS is a cloud-hosted VDI solution, reducing the complexity of on-premises VDI. While it eliminates infrastructure management, it still comes with licensing costs and unnecessary user management features, making it an inefficient option for IT managers looking for a streamlined solution.
Application Virtualization
This approach virtualizes applications rather than entire desktops. Solutions like Citrix Apps and Desktops or Amazon® AppStream® 2.0 for Windows use RDS, still requiring costly Microsoft licensing. Microsoft App-V, another option, is set to be discontinued in April 2026.
Application Publishing
Published applications behave like local applications but run on a remote server. While traditional solutions such as RDS and VMware Horizon Apps rely on Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH), IT managers looking to eliminate RDS need a more modern alternative.
Break Up with RDS! CloudWare is the Full Replacement You Need
Unlike traditional solutions, CloudWare provides a full replacement for RDS functionality without the licensing costs, complexity, and management overhead. With CloudWare, you can:
- Deliver Windows applications securely from any location, device, or operating system.
- Eliminate RDS licensing costs and reduce IT management effort.
- Provide users with a seamless, web-native experience.
- Scale more efficiently without investing in complex infrastructure.