Apache Guacamole vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Services comparison

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based service that allows you to remotely manage mobile devices and mobile applications without worrying about the security of your organization’s data. Device and app management can be used on company-owned devices as well as personal devices.

In an increasingly mobile workforce, Microsoft Intune keeps your sensitive data safe while on the move. Microsoft Intune makes it possible for your team members to work anywhere using their mobile devices. Microsoft Intune provides both the flexibility and the control needed for securing all your data on the cloud, no matter where the device with the data is located.

Microsoft Intune Device Management Key Features

With Microsoft Intune Device Management you can:

• Ensure devices and apps are compliant with your security requirements.
• Rapidly deploy and authenticate apps on all company devices.
• Remotely access devices to troubleshoot issues or to remove data from them.
• Generate reports for all devices in the system.
• Monitor the way users access and share information to protect company information.
• Set rules and configure settings on personal and organization-owned devices to access data and networks.
• Create user groups and device groups, allowing you to rapidly access many users and devices simultaneously.

Mobile Application Management

Mobile application management in Intune is designed to protect your organization’s data at the application level.

With Microsoft Intune Application Management you can:

• Configure apps to run with specific settings enabled.
• Update existing apps that are already on the device.
• See reports on which apps are used and monitor their usage.
• Selectively wipe organization data from apps.
• Add mobile apps to user groups and devices.

As part of Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, Intune integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for access control and with Azure Information Protection for data protection. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 Applications.

Reviews from Real Users

Microsoft Intune stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its ability to secure all devices under its management and the flexibility that the solution offers its users.

A computing services manager notes, "Its security is most valuable. It gives us a way to secure devices, not only those that are steady. We do have a few tablets and other devices, and it is a way for us to secure these devices and manage them. We know they're out there and what's their status. We can manage their life cycle and verify that they're updated properly."

The head of IT engineering at a financial services company writes, "The one feature we find most useful is the Mobile Application Manager. There are two types: we have the complete MDM and the Mobile Application Manager (MAM). We don't give our users phones, it is their own personal phone, and we need to allow them to have access to the company details on their phone. We need to create a balance between their own personal data and the company data. We deploy the Mobile Application Manager for them so that we won't be able to interfere with their own personal data."

Apache Guacamole is a browser-based remote access tool that manages secure access to systems, supports multiple protocols, and simplifies IT infrastructure management without requiring VPNs.

Apache Guacamole's primary use is for remote access management, enhancing security, and streamlining IT architecture. It supports multiple connection protocols like VNC, RDP, and SSH, making it versatile for accessing virtual desktops, troubleshooting remotely, and managing servers efficiently. Users find it scalable and flexible, especially valuing its clientless system, which reduces the need for additional client software. Its ease of configuration and deployment are noteworthy, although improvements in documentation and performance under heavy load would enhance the user experience.

• Remote Access Capabilities: Manages access to remote systems without VPNs.
• Clientless Experience: Operates via a web browser, eliminating the need for client software.
• Multiple Protocol Support: Compatible with VNC, RDP, and SSH.
• Secure Troubleshooting: Facilitates secure access for remote troubleshooting.
• Centralized Management: Creates a single hub for managing remote desktops.

• Scalability: Adapts to growing IT needs without significant changes.
• Flexibility: Allows the management of diverse systems seamlessly.
• Security: Offers robust security features for remote access.
• Ease of Deployment: Simplifies the installation and configuration process.
• Performance: Maintains high performance even under varying loads.

In various industries, Apache Guacamole is implemented to enhance remote access capabilities. For instance, in healthcare, it's used to manage access to patient records securely, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Educational institutions utilize it for providing students and faculty with access to virtual labs and desktops, facilitating remote learning. In finance, firms use it to ensure secure remote access to trading platforms and sensitive financial data, meeting stringent security standards without relying on VPNs.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is a highly regarded remote access tool in addition to being a top-ranked Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution in the marketplace today.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a suite of valuable elements of the Windows operating system (OS) that serve specific desired objectives. Microsoft RDS integrates various features that allow approved users to gain access to graphical desktops and Windows applications remotely. Approved users are able to deploy applications or even a complete desktop without having to install anything on their devices. Everything remains in the cloud. This ensures that there are never any compatibility issues and keeps the organization's original network secure at all times. Administrators are also able to ensure that data cannot be stored in any unapproved location, such as the local device, unapproved drives, or any other location.

Microsoft RDS makes it easy for business organizations to access Windows Desktops and other Windows applications remotely to ensure today’s busy enterprise organizations are able to maintain the highest levels of productivity at all times. There are two basic ways organizations can effectively utilize RDS.

• Microsoft Remote Desktop Component: This allows users to connect with various alternate desktops from their current device. Once the user has gained a secure connection based on the approved administrative permissions, the user can seamlessly access and interact with the remote desktop. Users have the feeling of having this new virtual desktop installed directly on their machine.

• RemoteApp: Users are able to easily access cloud-based applications via their own personal desktop computers or other approved mobile devices. This application ensures overall application management is centralized and consistent throughout the entire business enterprise.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Benefits

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has many benefits. Some of its most valuable benefits include:

• Access Windows applications remotely from any device
• Enhanced consistent application performance
• Increased computing resources
• Secure cloud-based data storage.
• Streamlined management processes
• Reduction in technical administrative resources
• Reduction in hardware and device costs.
• Improved employee productivity
• Cost-effective
• Improved Profitability
• Reduce carbon footprint

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services makes it easy for busy enterprise organizations to stay productive and remain competitive in today’s aggressive marketplace. An organization's end-users can be given access to their own specific desktops from any location, anytime, using any approved device. Additionally, users can access Microsoft applications without having an effect on their device's resource capacity or performance.

Reviews from Real Users

“What I found most valuable in Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is accessibility because the solution lets you take control of your computer remotely, and that's a good feature.” Pascal B., IT consultant at Secoptrial

“The most valuable features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are unification, central management, and accessibility.” Jan S. Solution Architect at a tech services company

“The most valuable features are that it is fast and cost-effective. I am not aware of a replacement currently on the market.” Ramon H. Director at Empaco