Windows Server 2012 is coming out and there are significant improvements to Remote Desktop Service (RDS). Some of the improvements include:
- Adaptive Graphics. support for a mix and match approach, determining and using the right codec for the right content instead of one size fits all. We included codecs optimized for multimedia, images, and text. We improved caching as well as added progressive rendering. Progressive rendering allows RemoteFX to provide a responsive experience over a highly constrained network.
- Intelligent Transports. support for UDP as well as TCP. UDP provides a better experience over a lossy WAN network but, is not always possible dependent on the routers, and firewalls involved. RDP will automatically use TCP when UDP cannot be used to ensure connectivity and the best possible experience.
- Optimized Media Streaming. utlization of a new codec to reduce bandwidth consumption for media content (in some cases a 90% bandwidth reduction) while also providing a great end user media experience.
- Adaptive Network Auto Detect. In this release, the end user no longer has to set the network in the Remote Desktop Connection client: the client auto-detects the network type and, also adapts as the network changes.
- DirectX11 Support with vGPU. In Windows Server 2012, the vGPU feature is expanded and all Windows 8 virtual machines can take advantage of a DirectX 11 capable GPU, either emulated in software (softGPU) when no GPU is present in the host or para-virtualized and hardware-accelerated (vGPU) when a DirectX11 compatible video card is present in the host. We do support multiple GPU’s within one server and are seeing greater engagement with OEM’s to provide systems that support this.
- Single Sign-On. Eliminated the need to use multiple certificates. We also made it possible to use locally logged on domain credentials so that users connecting from managed devices can connect seamlessly without any credential prompts.
- Email and web discovery of Remote Applications and desktops. Users now can find the correct remote workspace to connect to by just providing their email address. This removes the requirement to remember a long website URL. In addition, Remote Desktop Web Access now supports other browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
- Multi Touch. support full remoting of gestures (e.g. pinch and zoom) between the client and host with up to 256 touch points. This provides for a consistent experience when using a touch enabled device locally or, over RemoteFX. As more apps are written supporting touch as the primary interface, this will become more important.
- Metro-style Remote Desktop. In the app store we have added a new Metro-style application to provide an immersive touch-first remoting experience. Discoverability of remote resources, touch optimization, easy reconnect to your favorites, are just some of the specific features added.
Tags: Microsoft, RDS, Windows Server 2012