Windows Server 2003 TS versus 2008 R2 RDS

remote desktopvirtualizationwindows-server-2003windows-server-2008windows-terminal-services

I'm looking to implement a thin-client / TS (or RDS) solution in our main office and was wondering if anyone could comment on using Windows Server 2008 R2 RDS or Server 2003's TS's? Are there pros/cons for/against either? Stability, security, cost, management tools, etc. We currently have 2003 licenses but if there is an advantage with RDS then perhaps I should implement my solution using Server 2008 R2.

Thanks to all in advance!

Best Answer

In Windows Server 2008, you can deploy just the apps via web-access feature, and that way the load on the server is much lighter versus deploying the whole desktop with apps. You can also deploy apps as remote programs to your users local desktops.

Included in Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services, but not in Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services:

  • TS Remote App
  • TS Gateway
  • TS Web Access
  • TS Easy Print
  • Unified TS and Web Client
  • 32-bit color
  • Font Smoothing
  • Display Data Prioritization
  • Large Resolution Support
  • Monitor Spanning
  • Advanced Compression
  • PnP Device Redirection Framework Support
  • Advanced Clipboard Rediction
  • Network Level Authentication
  • CredSSP Single Sign On
  • Network Access Protection Integration
  • RDP Signing
  • Wildcard SSL-certificate support
  • Per-User License Tracking
  • License Diagnosis and Support Tools
  • Session Broker (session based load balancing)
  • Windows System Resource Management Support
  • Full IPv6 Support
Related Topic