Remote Desktop Services

Terminal Services for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard to 10.9 Mavericks

In 2007 Aqua Connect created the world's first Mac terminal server- Aqua Connect Terminal Server. Over the years that product evolved into Remote Desktop Services (ACRDS). Enterprise-grade and trusted by customers around the globe, Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services is now our legacy product that delivers Snow Leopard to Mavericks desktops. A true terminal services offering, Remote Desktop Services is available today to deliver legacy versions of Mac OS X and applications. ACRDS utilizes Microsoft’s RDP and our proprietary Aqua Accelerated Protocol (AAP).

Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services (ACRDS) enables OS X software and applications on that server to be accessed by diverse desktop hardware remotely. ACRDS delivers the Macintosh® experience via OS X servers to diverse hardware and software platforms and mobile devices using graphically enhanced remote access emulation. Incorporating Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Remote Frame Buffer Protocol (VNC) and the Aqua Connect Accelerated Protocol (AAP), Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services makes it possible for diverse workstations and RDP or VNC-enabled mobile devices to function as thin clients of a Mac OS X server. When running applications within ACRDS, they are all running on the server and not the client. The server sends the screen information to the client and receives input only from the mouse and keyboard of the client.

Remote desktop connections can be made with Microsoft's RDP, VNC or Aqua Accelerated Protocol (AAP). Aqua Accelerated Protocol (AAP) is a proprietary protocol designed by Aqua Connect to work with our line of products for Apple hardware. AAP was developed in-house after taking into account customer feedback since incorporating Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) into our products in 2008. The protocol delivers the fastest remote desktop experience available on any platform. Experience the difference with AAP.

Aqua Accelerated Protocol provides a 2-1 data savings over VNC (including audio, which VNC does not support).  These savings become even more significant when compared to Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol.  Compared to Microsoft's protocol, AAP provides a 10-1 data savings over RDP.  All of this translates into a remote session that feels and acts like a local desktop and OS.

AAP goes beyond accelerated performance to deliver a rich feature set that is also unique to the protocol.  With RSA 2048-bit encryption that is TLS/FIPS 140-2 compliant, there is no longer a need for a VPN with Aqua Accelerated Protocol.  A universal printer driver allows users to easily print to a local or network printer without having to install any drivers on the server.  Command Keys are mapped instantly for users to increase productivity and ease of use.

When it comes to multimedia, no other protocol can deliver like AAP.  Full motion 1080p video with audio in-sync can be achieved with less than 1Mbps download speeds at the client.  Because of this the protocol can support streaming flash video, high-end audio and video editing, and any other type of multimedia playback. Aqua Accelerated Protocol is provided as a free client for Aqua Connect customers.

This product is protected by one or more Patents, including U.S. Patent No. 8,924,502 and RE46,386.

Features

Available in Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services 3.7 and 3.9:

  • Remote sound
  • Remote printing
  • User auditing
  • CPU prioritization
  • Active Directory integration
  • Open Directory integration
  • LDAP integration
  • Apple’s Workgroup Manager integration
  • User session logs
  • Remote ACAdminTool monitoring
  • Data loss prevention

System Requirements

Hardware :
  • Intel based Xserve, Mac mini server or Mac Pro system
  • 2 GB of memory minimum for Operating System
  • 180 MB of memory per remote ACRDS user without any significant applications running (at 1024 x 768 screen resolution)
  • 500 MB of available disk space on system volume
  • 150 MB of available disk space for memory per remote ACRDS user without any significant applications running
  • Free space for applications
  • Free space for temporary storage of application operating data
  • Extra memory for each active user based on applications and data usage
Software :
  • Apple Mac OS X software v.10.7.5 or v.10.8.5 or v.10.9.5 (Versions for 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 are also available)
  • Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services 3.7 or higher

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Verizon Wireless relies on Aqua Connect Remote Desktop Services in their help centers everyday.

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