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MetaFrame™ is server-based computing software for Microsoft’s Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. MetaFrame delivers a comprehensive Server-based solution to the enterprise by extending Windows Terminal Server with additional client and server functionality -- including support for heterogeneous computing environments, enterprise-scale management and seamless desktop integration. MetaFrame transforms the way organizations deploy, manage and access business applications by providing improved application manageability, access, performance and security. Citrix MetaFrame system software, which incorporates Citrix’s Independent Computing Architecture (ICA), provides a complete Server-based Computing solution for multi-user NT 4.0 environments.

MetaFrame software extends Microsoft Terminal Server with additional client- and server-side functionality in the following key areas:

Heterogeneous Computing Environments. While Microsoft Terminal Server supports Windows-based devices and IP-based connections, MetaFrame delivers Windows-based application access to virtually all types of client hardware, operating platforms, network connections and LAN protocols. As a result, organizations can keep their existing infrastructure, yet still deploy the most advanced, 32-bit Windows-based applications across the enterprise.

• Client Devices. MetaFrame provides value-added functionality for all types of Windows clients including Windows 95, Windows CE, Windows NT Workstation, Windows for Workgroups and Windows 3.x systems. MetaFrame also supports non-Windows clients including DOS, UNIX, Mac OS, Java and OS/2 Warp and a broad range of client hardware including legacy PCs, Pentium PCs, Windows-based terminals, network computers, wireless devices and information appliances.
• Network Connections. MetaFrame connects users to the network through standard telephone lines, WAN links (T1, T3, 56Kb, X.25), broadband connections (ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless connections, corporate intranets and the Internet.
• LAN Protocols. MetaFrame supports popular LAN and WAN protocols including TCP/IP, IPX, SPX, NetBIOS and direct asynchronous connections.

Enterprise-Scale Management. Organizations building enterprise computing systems around Microsoft Terminal Server will want MetaFrame for its robust management tools that scale systems and simplify the support of multiple applications and thousands of users enterprise-wide. Servers can be added easily and transparently without touching user desktops. Applications can be administered across multiple servers from a single location. With MetaFrame software, organizations can cost-effectively manage and support large enterprises as they grow in size and complexity.

• Systems Management Tools. These tools provide greater manageability, scale ability and security, enabling administrators to reduce the computing costs and resources needed to support users and systems. Citrix Load Balancing Services allow multiple MetaFrame and WinFrame servers to be grouped into a unified “server farm” to meet the needs of a growing user base. As the size of the organization increases, administrators can simply add additional MetaFrame servers for more horizontal scale ability. To protect network data, Secure ICA Services offer end-to-end RSA RC5 encryption for the ICA data stream.
• Application Management Tools. These tools simplify and accelerate the initial deployment and subsequent updates of applications across the enterprise. Application Publishing utilities make it easy for administrators to deploy applications across multiple MetaFrame and WinFrame servers from a single point. Application Launching & Embedding (ALE) facilitates easy integration of Windows- and Web-based applications without rewriting code, saving time and money. The Ready Connect Client can be predefined with published applications, phone numbers, IP addresses, server names and connection options prior to first-time installation, facilitating rapid, mass deployment of applications throughout the enterprise.
• User Management Tools. To improve the productivity of end-users and IT professionals, MetaFrame is equipped with tools such as Session Shadowing, which allows administrators to take control of a single user or multiple users’ sessions for support, diagnosis and training. With the Automatic Client Update utility, Citrix ICA client software can be updated automatically from the server, reducing the time and expense associated with physically “touching” every client machine to install new client software.