Citrix XenApp delivers Windows software applicatoins as secure services based upon Citrix FlexCast Management Architecture (FMA). XenApp delivers high-performance apps to any PC, Mac, laptop, tablet or smartphone that enable the delivery of a native experience that is optimized for the type of device, as well as the network. The XenApp FlexCast Management Architecture (FMA) platform is the only hybrid cloud-ready platform that separates the management plane from the workload to enable IT to securely deliver published apps on-premises, and manage workers and mobile workspaces either on-premises or in the cloud.
Your business users have varying performance, personalization and mobility requirements based upon their job assignments and responsibilities. Some require standard access to Windows apps like QuickBooks (Pro/Premier/Enterprise) products from their desktops and laptops, while other users need access to their Windows apps from their smartphones or tablets. XenApp enables virtual delivery of Windows apps which are optimized for the type of device, as well as the network.
Citrix XenApp leverages Citrix Receiver™, a universal client built for virtually any device including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome OS and Blackberry. If your business is needing a zero-install option, Citrix offers a clientless HTML5 web Receiver. Citrix Receiver is simple to install and use on essentially any BYOD (bring your own device) or corporate devices, and is designed to leverage the features of the native device and all of its components/connections.
This type of application virtualization means that applications, like QuickBooks, which are installed on the Citrix Server appear resident in the Citrix Receiver on your workstation, laptop, tablet or even your smartphone. Like terminal server, when you click on the application it is actually running on the server, but it is resident in its own seamless window on your desktop making appear identical to the windows experience you have when QuickBooks is running locally on your computer.
There are a variety of advantages of using Citrix for hosting remote access to QuickBooks. IT Personnel and an Organization's Management should not overlook the dramatic improvements to infrastructure and security that’s possible with Citrix technology. Citrix XenApp offers the latest in secure technology with user authentication, single sign on, and SSL session encryption.
Citrix also enables users to take advantage of a universal print driver which will pick up on various available printers, whereas many other remote access solutions have serious printing limitations. Citrix makes it easy to integrate seamlessly with the equipment you already have at your office because this universal driver is included with Citrix XenApp and is not some additional software (for an extra price).
Citrix XenApp is consistently the fastest remote application solution available, allowing users to experience their same applications at low latency from any device. You don’t want something that lags behind to the point where you have to sit and wait between operations so the remote system can catch up. Citrix typically clocks in between two and three times faster than other remote applications when it comes to login time and application response. That’s an important factor when you consider just how many small tasks users need to complete over time.
But in today’s world, you also want your essential data to be available whenever and wherever you need it. Maybe you need to access QuickBooks from your iPad? Not a problem because Citrix’s unique technology detects the device you’re accessing your applications from and provides the best experience for that particular platform. If you’re launching Windows programs on a Mac, a virtual environment is made available to you so you can use the application as if you were sitting at the host machine back at the office.
Citrix XenApp is more than just remote application access. It simplifies the setting of specific options for various users, allowing you to decide who has access to what information. As a part of this XenApp is also incredibly secure. This ensures that your most valuable data is accessible only to the people you want to have access without restricting them to a single workstation back at the office. Imagine streamlining the process whereby your accountant can log in to your QuickBooks to get the answers and data they need without having to ask you to send them this or that report, or make them a copy of your data.
Configuring Citrix for QuickBooks
This is an introductory overview of the steps needed to configure QuickBooks to run within a Citrix XenApp environment; it is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the installation and configuration of Citrix. For additional details consult Citrix documentation, or a Citrix professional.
In order to make QuickBooks available on a remote Citrix Receiver you must first “publish” QuickBooks on your Citrix console by selecting the Publish Application option from the Citrix Management Console.
Within the Public Application dialog, select Application and then choose the Application type: Accessed from a server. Select Installed application from the Server application type drop-down.
Citrix will display the Application Location Dialog box which allows you to select and configure the application being published. You need to specify the location where the specific QuickBooks executable is located in order to allow Citrix to run the program. Look for the QBW32.exe application within the default directory for QuickBooks based upon the year/version of QuickBooks you wish to publish.
You must also specify the working directory for your QuickBooks Company file.
If you are interested in running QuickBooks under a Citrix environment, contact your local Citrix Technology Professional.