TSplus Remote Access — A Lightweight Alternative to RDS and Citrix
What it is
TSplus Remote Access is software that takes a regular Windows Server and turns it into a remote access gateway. Instead of going through the full Microsoft RDS stack or setting up Citrix, admins can roll out TSplus and get users onto desktops or published apps through a simple web portal. It’s not aiming to compete head-on with Citrix at the enterprise level; the target is smaller companies that just want staff to reach business apps from home or while traveling, without paying for layers of CALs or managing a complex farm.
How it works
The setup is pretty straightforward. You install TSplus on a Windows Server. The product adds an HTML5 web gateway and a small client if you want native sessions. IT can publish either full desktops or just single applications. Users hit the portal in a browser, log in, and the session runs in the tab — no VPN required. If needed, the server can be clustered for load balancing, but many shops just run it on one or two hosts.
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Purpose | Remote desktop and app publishing for Windows |
| Platforms | Windows Server hosts; browser or client access |
| Features | Web portal, full desktops, published apps, load balancing (Enterprise) |
| Authentication | Local accounts, AD integration, MFA in higher editions |
| Security | HTTPS/SSL, IP filtering, access rights |
| Deployment | Install on Windows Server, configure apps/desktops, publish portal |
| Licensing | Commercial, perpetual license model |
Why admins use it
Less hassle than setting up Microsoft RDS with CALs. HTML5 client means nothing to install — works from Chrome, Edge, Firefox. One-time license instead of recurring per-user costs. Enough scalability for small and mid-size businesses. The web portal can be branded, which makes it look polished to end users.
Usage scenarios
– Small businesses exposing accounting or ERP software to remote employees.
– Schools letting students reach lab desktops through a browser.
– Organizations dropping Citrix because of cost but still needing application delivery.
– Remote staff connecting to office PCs without bothering with VPN.
Security notes
As it’s web-facing, HTTPS certificates should be in place from day one. MFA is recommended when licensing allows it, and AD integration makes life easier for larger teams. Admins usually restrict by IP and enable session logs for compliance. And since everything rides on Windows, patching both the OS and TSplus itself is critical.
Limitations
Windows-only hosting; no Linux servers here. Enterprise features (MFA, load balancing, advanced audit) are not in the base tier. Admin interface is functional but feels dated compared to Citrix or Horizon. Support relies on paid maintenance — community resources are limited.
Comparison snapshot
| Tool | Strengths | Best fit |
| TSplus Remote Access | Simple, cost-effective, browser sessions | SMBs needing remote app publishing |
| Microsoft RDS | Native Windows integration | Orgs already paying for CALs |
| Citrix Virtual Apps | Full enterprise scalability | Large enterprises with complex setups |
| VMware Horizon | Strong VDI features | VMware-centric enterprises |
| NoMachine | High-performance protocol | Graphics-intensive environments |
Minimal checklist
– Install TSplus on a Windows Server.
– Configure published apps or desktops.
– Set up HTTPS with a valid certificate.
– Connect AD and MFA if available.
– Test external browser access.
– Keep both Windows and TSplus patched.