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Last updated February 20, 2025
Citrix and RDP Both Rely on Virtualization: What Is It?
Before discussing the differences between Citrix Xen (Citrix Virtual Desktop) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop), they both rely on virtualization systems to deliver their services. Understanding virtualization is vital to begin the discussion comparing and contrasting Citrix Xen versus Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). According to Citrix, “[v]irtualization is a computing technology that simulates physical hardware functionality to create software-based IT services like applications, servers, storage, and networks.” It creates a virtual version of a resource or device from one computer system. Companies may be able to reduce hardware costs and increase efficiency with virtualization.
A Comparison of Citrix and RDP
Citrix XenApp (i.e., Citrix Virtual Desktop) and Microsoft Remote Desktop Systems (i.e., Azure Virtual Desktop) are both desktop virtualization systems. RDP is the venerable, tried and true virtualization system. The system was introduced initially as Terminal Services. Interestingly, the original code for Terminal Services was developed by Citrix and licensed to Microsoft. Citrix XenDesktop is the newer, sleeker, more advanced desktop virtualization system. While RDP and Citrix share certain functional similarities, they have individual qualities that set them apart and make each a unique system. Tech professionals generally compare RDP and Citrix in terms of performance, scalability, usability, reliability, security, and price.
Performance Comparison
Knowing the performances of these two platforms will help IT professionals and executives pick the right system for their company’s needs. RDP users communicate directly with the application on the server, sharing a finite amount of available resources. As additional users log on, the available output decreases, which causes slower service and a lower quality of service.
In contrast, Citrix has developed a barrier (HDX protocol) between the users and the servers, which allows for increased users at the same time while providing a more even, continuous user experience, regardless of the device or internet connection. Citrix does an excellent job of compressing data and performs faster than RDP. Citrix excels with wide area network (WAN) optimized protocol, allowing for a better user experience, particularly in poor bandwidth conditions. Citrix also has superior print capabilities and high-resolution graphics compared to RDP.
Scalability Comparison
According to the Data Science Maturity Model, scalability is defined as the “capability of a system, network, or process to handle a growing amount of work, or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth.” When the RDP server exceeds capacity, no other users can sign in. Additionally, existing users already logged in could be kicked off without warning. An additional server is required to increase RDP capacity. RDP needs a fast internet connection. Conversely, when a Citrix solution nears maximum capacity, additional resources must be requested rather than configuring a new server. Citrix can scale up quickly, transitioning by the week or month, depending on need.
Usability Comparison
Techopedia defines usability as the “degree of ease with which products such as software and Web applications can achieve required goals effectively and efficiently.” RDP only permits the use of one program at a time. Additionally, there are limits on the software which can be run first. Subsequently, RDP is most effective for users who only need to use one application rather than a full desktop. RDP requires users to use third-party generic apps and client software to access a remote desktop. On the contrary, Citrix excels with virtualization technologies. The user experience is consistent and feels similar to a traditional desktop, allowing the user to use whichever applications are necessary from wherever.
Reliability Comparison
RDP requires a reliable link to the internet — an always-on connection. If the RDP fails, the user’s session also fails. If the link to the internet is not dependable, the user is at risk of being kicked off the internet without warning — which could cause unsaved work to be lost. While Citrix also needs an internet connection to operate, irregular links can be addressed with “session reliability.” This function allows a session to remain open regardless of internet connectivity issues in the background and allows the user to save work.
Price Comparison
RDP is more cost-efficient on the surface. It is less expensive and offers free versions. Citrix is more costly and does not have free versions. However, RDP’s lower cost might not be as significant when determining user efficiency and effectiveness. While RDP might have lower initial costs, it might have hidden costs with increased downtime compared to Citrix, which negates downtime. Research by OnePoll & Daisy found that 7% of businesses reported that their internet connection comes to a stop more than 10 times in any seven days, causing employees, on average, to lose 44 minutes weekly due to poor broadband speeds and connectivity.
Security Comparison
Citrix has stronger embedded security. It also offers a secure browser service that protects the corporate network by isolating web browsing from it. Users can access the internet, yet the web browser is still isolated from the corporate network.
Concluding Thoughts on Citrix Vs. RDP
The Citrix versus RDP conundrum is multidimensional and complex. Both systems are technologically brilliant and effective. RDP is tried and accurate, cost-efficient, and offers overall stable performance. However, Citrix is more adaptive and flexible, delivering superior performance, scalability, usability, reliability, and security. As the corporate world transitions to more remote work, businesses will benefit significantly from faster and more reliable internet speed, increased broadband width, state-of-the-art security, and consistent reliability that Citrix can provide.
Contact Cetrom today to learn how we can assist you with your decision.
