Evaluating Virtual Desktop Solutions: Thinfinity Workspace vs. Leostream Platform

Evaluating Virtual Desktop Solutions: Thinfinity Workspace vs. Leostream Platform

This whitepaper provides a comprehensive comparison of two leading solutions: Thinfinity Workspace and Leostream Platform. By examining their security features, technical capabilities, user experience, and pricing, this document aims to guide decision-makers in choosing the best fit for their organizational needs.

Introduction

As organizations increasingly adopt remote work models, the demand for secure, scalable, and user-friendly virtual desktop solutions has surged. Thinfinity Workspace and Leostream Platform, each offering unique features and capabilities. This whitepaper delves into a detailed analysis of these solutions, providing insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.

Overview of Thinfinity Workspace

Key Features:

  1. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Ensures secure access by verifying every user and device before granting access to resources.
  2. Application Virtualization: Supports running applications on remote servers while displaying them on local devices.
  3. Protocol Agnostic: Supports RDP, VNC, SSH, WAG, Telnet 3279/5250, and proprietary protocols like Thinfinity VNC and Thinfinity VirtualUI.
  4. Multi-Cloud Support: Facilitates deployment across various cloud platforms, enhancing flexibility and scalability.
  5. HTML5 Client: Enables access from any device with a browser, eliminating the need for client software installation.
  6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification.
  7. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Provides granular control over who can access specific resources.
  8. Single Sign-On (SSO): Simplifies user access by allowing them to use one set of credentials for multiple applications.
  9. Virtual Desktops in a Browser: Allows users to access virtual desktops directly from their web browser without needing additional plugins or software.
  10. Session Recording: Enables administrators to record user sessions for compliance and monitoring purposes.
  11. Web-based Management Console: Provides a centralized interface for managing and monitoring all virtual desktop instances and remote applications.
  12. Support for Multiple Monitors: Capable of supporting up to 16 monitors in the browser, enhancing the user experience and productivity.
  13. Cloud Agnostic: Allows deployment on-premises, hybrid, purely cloud, and multi-cloud, adapting to customer needs and avoiding vendor lock-in.
  14. Advanced Authentication: Supports OAuth and 2FA for enhanced security.
  15. Simplified Networking: Streamlines network management, reducing complexity and operational overhead.
  16. Unified Access: Provides a single point of access to all resources, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
  17. Comprehensive Compatibility: Supports a wide range of protocols and applications, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
  18. Optimized Performance: Ensures high-performance access to critical business applications and data.
  19. Enhanced User Experience: Offers a seamless and high-performance user experience with secure access to applications and desktops from any location.

Technologies Used:

  1. Cloud Tunneling: Ensures secure and efficient connections by using reverse connections, avoiding the need to open firewall ports and eliminating the requirement for a VPN.
  2. HTML5 and WebSockets: Provides high-performance web-based access.
  3. TLS 1.3 Encryption: Enhances security with state-of-the-art encryption protocols.
  4. Integration with Active Directory (AD): Facilitates streamlined user management and authentication.
  5. SAML/OAuth: Enables integration with federated users and identity providers.
  6. HOTP/TOTP: Provides native support for two-factor authentication (2FA).

Unique Selling Points:

  1. Ease of Use: The HTML5 client ensures that users can access their workspace from any device without additional software.
  2. Scalability: Multi-cloud and hybrid support allows organizations to scale their infrastructure according to their needs.
  3. Security: The implementation of ZTNA, MFA, RPAM and RBAC ensures a high level of security for remote access.
  4. Flexibility: Supports a wide range of applications and devices, making it suitable for diverse business environments.
  5. Browser-Based Access: Users can access their virtual desktops directly through a web browser, simplifying access and reducing the need for additional software installations.
  6. High Monitor Support: The ability to support up to 16 monitors in the browser enhances the user experience, particularly for professionals requiring extensive screen real estate.
  7. Cloud Agnostic Deployment: Allows deployment on-premises, hybrid, purely cloud, and multi-cloud, which adapts to customer needs and avoids vendor lock-in.
  8. Simplified Networking: Streamlines network management, reducing complexity and operational overhead.
  9. Unified Access: Provides a single point of access to all resources, ensuring seamless connectivity and management.
  10. Comprehensive Compatibility: Ensures seamless integration with existing infrastructure through support for a wide range of protocols and applications.
  11. Optimized Performance: Delivers high-performance access to critical business applications and data, enhancing productivity.
  12. Enhanced User Experience: Offers a seamless and high-performance user experience, ensuring secure access to applications and desktops from any location.

Overview of Leostream Platform

Key Features:

  1. Connection Broker: Centralizes the management of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), physical desktops, and applications.
  2. Multi Protocol: Supports a variety of display protocols such as RDP, PCoIP, and HDX.
  3. Multi-Cloud Support: Enables deployment and management across different cloud environments including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
  4. Security Integration: Incorporates MFA, SSO, and integration with identity providers like Active Directory and LDAP.
  5. Advanced Monitoring and Reporting: Provides detailed insights into usage patterns, performance metrics, and security events.
  6. High Availability and Load Balancing: Ensures reliability and performance by distributing workloads across multiple servers.
  7. User Profile Management: Manages user settings and configurations to provide a consistent experience across sessions.
  8. Endpoint Management: Manages and secures endpoints accessing the virtual environment.

Technologies Used:

  1. Leostream Connect: A client application that provides secure connectivity to virtual desktops.
  2. Leostream Gateway: Facilitates secure remote access without requiring a VPN.
  3. Integration with Major Hypervisors: Supports VMware, Hyper-V, XenServer, and others.
  4. RESTful API: Allows for extensive customization and integration with third-party tools and services.

Unique Selling Points:

  1. Comprehensive Management: The Leostream Connection Broker centralizes the management of diverse environments, making it easier to handle complex setups.
  2. Protocol Flexibility: Being protocol agnostic allows organizations to choose the best display protocol for their needs.
  3. Scalability: Supports both on-premises and cloud deployments, enabling organizations to scale their infrastructure as required.
  4. Robust Security Features: Advanced security measures, including integration with MFA and identity providers, ensure a secure remote access environment.
  5. User Experience: Advanced monitoring and user profile management contribute to a smooth and consistent user experience.


Detailed Comparison

Security

Feature

Thinfinity Workspace

Leostream Platform

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Yes

Yes

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Yes

Yes

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Yes

Yes

Integration with Identity Providers

Active Directory,Local Users, Intra AD Users,AIM users, Firebase users, SQL users, Okta Users, Ping Id Users

Active Directory

Secure Remote Access

Thinfinity Gateway, HTML5 client, MFA, RBAC

Leostream Gateway, MFA, RBAC

Advanced Authentication

OAuth,SAML, 2FA, MFA

                  2FA


Technical Features

Feature

Thinfinity Workspace

Leostream Platform

Hypervisor Support

VMware, Hyper-V, XenServer, etc.

VMware, Hyper-V, XenServer, etc.

Protocol Support

RDP, VNC, SSH, WAG, Telnet 3279/5250, Thinfinity VNC, Thinfinity VirtualUI

RDP, PCoIP, 

Multi-Cloud Support

Yes

Yes

VDI Management

Yes Thinfinity VDI Manager & Thinfinity Broker

Yes (Connection Broker)

VDI Auto Provisioning

Yes

NO

Application Virtualization

Yes

Yes

Endpoint Management

Limited

Extensive

API Integration

Yes

Yes

Low Code Integration

Yes

No

High Availability

Yes

Yes

Load Balancing

Yes

Yes

Cloud Agnostic

Yes (On-premises, hybrid, purely cloud, multi-cloud)

Yes (On premises, Hybrid) 

Simplified Networking

Yes

No

Unified Access

Yes

No


User Experience

Feature

Thinfinity Workspace

Leostream Platform

HTML5 Client

Yes

No

Client Software Requirement

None / Pure Html5

Leostream Connect

Mobile and tablets

Pure Html5 Optional* Android app /Ios App

No

User Profile Management

Advanced User Mapping

Yes

Monitoring and Reporting

Advanced

Advanced

Endpoint Flexibility

High (HTML5 support)

Moderate (Client required)

Browser-Based Access

Yes (Direct access in browser)

No

Session Recording

Yes

No

Support for Multiple Monitors

Up to 16 monitors in browser

Limited

Support for 4k Monitors

Yes

No

RTAV

Yes, Clientless

Limited




Web-Based Management Console

Yes

No

Simplified Deployment

Yes

No

Comprehensive Compatibility

Yes

No

User Experience

Enhanced

Moderate


Pricing

Feature
Thinfinity  Workspace
Leostream Platform
Licensing Model
Subscription-based
Subscription-based
Initial Setup Costs
Low
Moderate
Scalability Costs
Scalable with cloud or on premise resources
Scalable with cloud resources
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Medium
High


Deployment Options

Deployment Option
Thinfinity  Workspace
Leostream Platform
On-Premises
Yes
Yes
Hybrid Deployment
Yes
Yes
Purely Cloud
Yes
Yes
Multi-Cloud
Yes
Yes
Cloud Tunneling
Yes (Reverse connections, no firewall ports needed)
No
VPN Requirement
No (Eliminates the need for VPN)
Optional (Depends on configuration)
Integration with Cloud Providers
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Ionos
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Cloud Vendor Partnerships
Yes (Managed services Hybrid, cloud and Multi-cloud)
Yes (Hybrid Managed services) 

Conclusion and Recommendations

Thinfinity Workspace and Leostream Platform both offer robust solutions for virtual desktop infrastructure and remote access. However, Thinfinity Workspace stands out with its superior ease of use, HTML5 client, browser-based access, and extensive protocol compatibility. Its support for multiple monitors, advanced authentication options, and simplified networking make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking flexibility and a comprehensive user experience.

Thinfinity Workspace's cloud-agnostic deployment capabilities allow it to adapt to various environments, whether on-premises, hybrid, purely cloud, or multi-cloud, providing unparalleled flexibility and scalability. The ability to eliminate the need for VPNs through cloud tunneling and support for a wide range of protocols and applications further enhances its appeal.

In contrast, while Leostream Platform excels in comprehensive management and protocol flexibility, it lacks some of the user-friendly features and deployment flexibility offered by Thinfinity Workspace. Organizations that prioritize ease of access, extensive monitor support, high performance, and secure, streamlined network management will find Thinfinity Workspace to be the superior solution.

In summary, Thinfinity Workspace is recommended for businesses aiming for a seamless, high-performance, and secure virtual desktop infrastructure that is adaptable to any deployment scenario and ensures a top-notch user experience.