Deliver the Macintosh® experience via OS X® Leopard server to thin client devices and legacy desktops. AquaConnect Terminal Server is the equivalent of it’s Windows namesake for the Apple Mac OS X environment.

Overview

Incorporating various protocols, Aqua Connect Terminal Server makes it possible for diverse workstations and multiple devices to function as thin clients of a Mac OS X server running many Mac® OS X®-based programs. Aqua Connect supports Microsoft RDP, VNC, and X11 protocols.

Key Benefits

Aqua Connect Terminal Server 3.0 makes it possible to deploy most Mac OS X applications across networks quickly at a lower cost. Diverse workstations and RFB-enabled mobile devices function as thin clients, negating the need for numerous OS X application software installations.

Companies and organizations that prefer the Mac OS X platform but are financially committed to existing infrastructure that does not support the Mac OS X Leopard environment can now run many Mac OS X applications cost-effectively simply by implementing an OS X server and Aqua Connect Terminal Server 3.0 software.

Since all configuration files and applications are stored and maintained on one central OS X server, the Aqua Connect Terminal Server significantly reduces IT overhead in the following areas:

• Desktop support
• Maintenance
• Upgrades
• Licensing costs
• Networking costs
• Energy costs & consumption

Features

• Support for existing Mac OS X Leopard 64-bit computers with Intel® architecture
• Remote Administration of terminal services and user accounts enabled via graphical user interface
• Compatible with most RFB-enabled mobile devices as implemented by Virtual Network Computing (VNC)
• Compatible with several X11 thin clients
• Compatible with most RDP thin clients
• Support for numerous simultaneous sessions per server
• Storage and maintenance of configuration files and applications on one central OS X server
• Compatible with Apple Workgroup Manager
• Compatibility with Directory Services

Components

Server Daemons: These background processes enable the Mac OS X server to host multiple, simultaneous client sessions.

Remote Frame Buffer (RFB): Aqua Connect Terminal Server includes an RFB server component that transfers the pixel information of the OS X environment to VNC-enabled clients according to RFB thin-client protocol. By design, RFB protocol makes very few demands on the client environment, so that RFB clients can run on the widest range of hardware with minimal implementation.

X11: Aqua Connect Terminal Server includes an X11 protocol server component that supports client connections using the XDMCP protocol.

RDP: Aqua Connect Terminal Server includes an RDP protocol server component that supports client connections which offer improved user experience by increasing speed and efficiency using the RDP protocol.

Directory Services Integration: Integrates with Directory Services such as LDAP, Open Directory, Active Directory, etc.

Administration Tool: This interface allows you to administer the Aqua Connect Terminal Server remotely. Administrative functions include:

• Authorization of users
• Current sessions
• Ability to audit users
• Terminal options
• Ability to manage administrators (add/delete/change passwords)

System Requirements & Licensing

Server requirements: Aqua Connect Terminal Server will run on any Intel based Macintosh running OS X Leopard Server that meets minimum system requirements. Refer to server documentation available at www.apple.com for details.

On servers with Intel processors, base requirement for Aqua Connect and Mac OS X Leopard server is 512 MB. The recommended minimum free disk space is 500 MB.

Server performance varies on usage patterns and memory requirements of programs used by clients.

Client requirements:

Client sessions require a recommended RAM of 64 MB per session. User sessions also require a minimum of 16 MB of disk space.

Any RDP, X11 or RFB-compatible device can function as an Aqua Connect Terminal Server client.

A Mac OS X Server v10.5 Leopard license is required for simultaneous client sessions. For ten connections, you must purchase one OS X server license. If you wish to support more than ten connections, you must purchase a Mac OS X Server v10.5 Leopard unlimited server license.

For more information, visit http://www.aquaconnect.net or contact the CCL team