Citrix Access Essentials™ combines several innovative and patented techniques from Citrix and Microsoft that enable up to 75 users to securely access a small business’s central computing and storage facility. It builds on the multi-user access and I/O redirection features of Windows Terminal Services, while incorporating Terminal Services Client Access Licenses in its price, plus simple, wizard-driven administration.

A single Windows Small Business Server 2003 computer running Access Essentials is placed on the internal LAN behind the network firewall. When Windows Small Business Server (SBS) and/or other back-office servers are also in use, the separate Access Essentials front-end server fields requests for mail, database, SharePoint and similar services—thereby offering a central, secure access point for external and internal users through a common, convenient and simple Web interface. Even applications not designed for the Web may be accessed over the Internet using a standard Web browser.

1. The user connects to the Access Essentials server by pointing their Web browser to a company-specific Web address (URL).
2. A small piece of software known as the Citrix ICA® client is downloaded to the user’s computer (if not already installed). The software supports Windows, Windows Mobile, Mac OS, Linux and other popular desktop operating systems.
3. After the initial login, the user launches the desired application from a frame of choices, determined by their specific role and responsibilities. The client software transparently relays the remote user’s keystrokes and mouse clicks in real time over the network to the server, which in return sends screen updates and audio outputs directly to the user.