Devacon's VC solutions for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, formerly XenApp and XenDesktop and Windows Terminal Server benefit companies of all sizes. By developing a solution that can be communicated in real time via the VC, the applications include data synchronisation from PC to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and dictation management. VC solution is even used with digital dictation because it enables high-quality audio transmission. Furthermore, data, such as contacts, e-mails and Outlook tasks can be transferred in real time to an ERP or CRM system. Any possible delay or disconnection is thereby detected by our intelligent resynchronisation system and is automatically re-established and continued in the background.

Introduction

The Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops solution is designed to simplify the process of communication between remote employees and offices, and has subsequently created a plethora of communication possibilities between applications running on client devices and those in terminal sessions. Delivering Windows apps as secure services, the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops mobilises and increases user productivity in businesses across all sectors of enterprise (where there are varying levels of performance, personalisation, and flexibility requirements).

The Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops also enables virtual delivery of Windows apps in a way that is optimised for the type of device, as well as for the network. However, when a customer’s needs are for out-of-the-box functionalities, there is only one way to address them: developing a custom virtual channel (VC). This development, though, is not so easy-it requires deep OS API knowledge (multithreads, interprocess communications, and so on) as well as knowledge of C/C++. When developing an application using .NET, it is quite challenging to work in two worlds-managed and native; .NET and Win API.

The Solution

This coding and technical challenge is the reason why Devacon has created a framework for VC development; a framework in which Devacon has invested more than 5 years of development work. This powerful solution enables end-users to create their desired custom virtual channel in the shortest possible amount of time and without the need for extensive programming knowledge. Adjustments to this product can be made in the short-term and can minimize the cost for customers when developing their solutions from the ground up. Devacon has focused on providing this ability to create a VC to anyone who needs it by making this framework available for purchase or on a licensing basis. Additionally, once developed/compiled, add-ons can be used for both Citrix ICA and Microsoft RDP without any modifications. Moreover, if they are not dependant on Windows-specific API, they can be used as an add-on for Citrix ICA for Linux and FreeRDP.

Behind the Scenes/Additional Possibilities

Based on our wealth of experience in .NET and Win32 coding, including VC development, we have a large portfolio of ready-to-use virtual channels. The most significant are:

• WCF transport and USB HID device communication over the virtual channel,
• Limiting the bandwidth of background file transfers and
• Instantly available sound playback and recording with very low bandwidth requirements.

Devacon also provides consulting services for VC development and we can create any VC in a very short amount of time.
An example of this is integrating a VC into the consumer workflow by synchronising data between Outlook on a local PC and an ERP/CRM system running the Citrix session. Devacon's product enables users to work in the Citrix Session and have the ERP/CRM show all the required information on Outlook, which can be located in the inbox, calendar, task, and so on. This information is synchronised via our VC Framework. The user working in this Citrix session can invoke any Outlook function from inside the Citrix session. This allows users barrier-free working, without feeling as if they are working on two different levels.

Features

• WCF transport and USB HID device communication over the virtual channel,
• Limiting the bandwidth of background file transfers and
• Instantly available sound playback and recording with very low bandwidth requirements.