Understanding the RemoteFX Design Process

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Updated: March 23, 2011

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1

Microsoft® RemoteFX™ is a new feature that is included in Windows Server 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1 (SP1). RemoteFX introduces a new set of end user experience enhancements to remote desktop computing in Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 that enable a rich, local-like desktop environment over the network. With RemoteFX, connected knowledge and task workers can experience their workspace in full fidelity, improving end user productivity, while their applications and data are kept highly secure and centrally managed in the data center. RemoteFX also enables the delivery of this full fidelity Windows experience to a range of client devices including rich clients, thin clients, and ultrathin clients.

RemoteFX is integrated with the RDP protocol, which enables shared encryption, authentication, management, and device support. RemoteFX delivers a rich user experience for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) by providing a 3D virtual graphics adapter, intelligent codecs that perform highly efficient bitmap encoding, and the ability to redirect USB devices in virtual machines.

RemoteFX also delivers a rich user experience for session-based desktops (RDS) to a broad range of client devices using the intelligent codecs.

Identifying Your RemoteFX Deployment Goals

Correctly identifying your RemoteFX deployment goals is essential for the success of your design project. Depending on the size of your organization and the level of involvement you are expecting from other areas, form a project team that can clearly articulate real-world deployment issues in a vision statement. Make sure that the members of this team understand the tasks your deployment project must accomplish to reach your RemoteFX deployment goals.

As you write your vision statement, take steps to identify, clarify, and refine your deployment goals. Prioritize and, if necessary, combine your deployment goals so that you can design and deploy RemoteFX.

The following table lists the main tasks for articulating, refining, and documenting your RemoteFX deployment goals.

Deployment Goal Tasks Reference Links

Evaluate predefined RemoteFX deployment goals provided in this section of the guide and combine one or more goals to reach your organizational objectives.

Map a goal to a RemoteFX design

Review RemoteFX design examples

Regardless of the deployment scenario you decide to deploy, you’ll need to set up a license server. RD Virtualization Host servers may be configured for per-user or per-device licensing. If using per-user licensing, you will require Active Directory® Domain Services (Windows Server 2008 or later to record license usage) and the RD Licensing server and domain controllers must be in a two-way trust.

Overview of Remote Desktop Services Licensing (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725933.aspx)