Citrix

We want to use a workstation built on windows 7 pro.  Xendesktop wouldn't work better?

What do you want to do?

offer remote applications or access to virtual machines ?

and don't forget you would still, have to purchase licenses for 5 x Windows 7 OS.

from your question, you just want to give remote access to Excel running large spreadsheets ?

Excel was just an example.  There will be more program these users will need to access.  More like access to virtual machines i guess since they need to access the same data rather than just the same application.

That is not a requirement for virtual machines.

You could have a NAS or File Server, that the Server using Citrix XenApp access, and all users accessing applications, can share data.

Do you know the difference between Remote Desktop Services and VDI ?

I know a bit about them but just did some research and looks like VDI would be the better option for our purpose.  I was on a conference call yesterday with Citrix and they suggested ZenApp Fundamentals.  Each user will have they're own VM (with one workstation) and they will connect to another VM server (also in same workstation) which will hold all data for file sharing along with software.  They suggested hyperV for VM management which can can live on top of citrix.  Most of this makes sense to me but if this sounds like a good infracstructure to you please share your opinion!

Thanks

Will this method work?

Yes, that method will work. Which is what I suggested initially. Citrix XenApp.

Citrix XenApp is not VDI though, and users do not get their own virtual machine.

Citrix XenDesktop gives users a virtual machine.

Let's say we only want one user connected to this workstation at a time; then windows 7 pro should work correct?  Scope of requirements changed a bit so we only want one person logging in at one time.  Will create around 5 windows user accounts/profiles for 5 users (no VMs).  With ZenApp, can they connect to this workstation and then select which account profile to log into windows?

Correct, you can connect to Windows 7 Pro via RDP, one user at a time, e.g. non concurrent.

Create 5 accounts, 5 profiles, and use RDP, and 5 users can login, but not currently no Citrix is required for that!

If another user tries to login, it will kick the other user off.

Thanks.  Only reason I mentioned Citrix is because these users will also need to log into workstation remotely without VPN.

Remote Desktop Connection ? (RDP) is a protocol similar to Citrix ICA developed by Microsoft.

to connect via Remote desktop connection we would need to open port number on router correct?  Is process the same with Citrix or would it be simpler or easier to do for user?

RDP is 3389 TCP a single port.

Citrix could be a few more.

ok got it.  If I chose Citrix for this type remote connection, would ZenApp still be best option?

With Citrix the solution varies:

You would use a different product from Citrix called Netscaler for remote access. You would still need to open ports though.

In answer to your question though, Its not as simple as using remote desktop.