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Introduction
Well once in a while we all must have been in a position where we want to access our desktop applications remotely. Today we have lots of apps and services to provide this feature. But what if we want it while managing the AWS resources? Amazon AppStream 2 is the solution to our problem.
Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an application streaming service that allows us to access our desktop programs from anywhere while managing the AWS resources required to host and execute our applications.
In this article, we will learn about the Amazon AppStream 2, its features, core concepts, and Accessing Appstream 2.0. So, let's get started with our blog.
Source: Giphy
Amazon AppStream
Source: aws.amazon.com
Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an application streaming service that allows customers to access their desktop programs from anywhere. AppStream 2.0 expands automatically and gives on-demand access to the users while managing the AWS resources required to host and execute our applications. AppStream 2.0 offers us access to the apps we need on our preferred device, with a snappy, fluid user interface identical to natively installed apps.
We can quickly add our desktop apps to AWS with AppStream 2.0 and allow our users to stream them instantaneously. Windows users can utilize the AppStream 2.0 client on an HTML5-capable web browser for application streaming.
Out users always enjoy a high-performance, and secure experience since our application runs on AWS compute resources, and the data is never stored on their devices.
The working and setup of Amazon AppStream 2 are quite simple. Let’s try to understand that with the below image.
Working of Amazon AppStream 2
Source: aws.amazon.com
Step 1: At first, we need to install our desktop operating system or the application we want on our AWS server the same way we do on any local computer.
Step 2: After that, we need to connect our existing solutions like identity, network, or storage solutions. Alternatively, we can use the AppStream 2.0’s in-built user management and persistent storage.
Step 3: After the setup, Amazon AppStream 2.0 centrally manages all non-persistent desktops and applications, and streams them to the users.
Step 4: Now, the users can access their desktops and applications securely through browsers on any computer or mobile device.
Key Features
The following are some of the benefits of using Amazon AppStream 2.0:
Use any compatible device to securely access desktop programs: On PCs and mobile phones, we can securely access our desktop programs using an HTML5-capable web browser. Alternatively, the AppStream 2.0 client can be used to stream applications for supported Windows versions.
Secure applications and data: Applications and data are kept secure on AWS, with only encrypted pixels being sent to consumers. AppStream 2.0 instances are devoted to each user, ensuring that computational resources are not shared. Applications can run inside our virtual private cloud (VPC), and access can be controlled using Amazon VPC security measures. This allows us to isolate and securely deliver our apps.
Consistent and scalable results
AppStream 2.0 operates on AWS and has access to compute resources that aren't available on local devices, ensuring that your apps run at peak speed. You can quickly scale globally and locally while providing a low-latency experience for your users. Unlike on-premises solutions, you can instantly deploy your apps to the AWS region nearest to your users and begin streaming without additional capital investments.
Integrate with our IT infrastructure
Integrate with our current AWS services and on-premises infrastructure. Our users have access to data and other resources in AWS by running applications inside our VPCs. This speeds up the user experience by reducing data transit between AWS and our environment.
Select the type of fleet that best suits your requirements.
Amazon AppStream 2 let us select the type of fleet that best suits our requirements. The following are the fleet types:
Always-On: Streaming instances are always active, even if no one is streaming programs or desktops.
On-Demand: Streaming instances are only active when clients are streaming apps or desktops.
Elastic: AppStream 2.0 is overseeing the pool of streaming instances. After the app blocks have been loaded and connected to a streaming instance, your users will be able to stream after selecting their app or desktop to open.
Concepts
Understand the following core concepts to get the most out of AppStream 2.0:
Application:
The information needed to launch the application we want to stream to our consumers is contained in an application. An application is linked to a resource, which holds the files required to run it, such as an app block or an image.
App Block:
An app block comprises the application files we want to stream to our users, as well as the configuration information.
Image Builder:
A virtual computer you utilize to create an image is known as an image builder. The AppStream 2.0 console can be used to start and connect to an image builder. We can install, add, and test our applications after connecting to an image builder and then use the image builder to make an image. We can start new picture builders with our own private photographs.
Image
An image comprises software that we may stream to our users and basic system and application settings to help them get up and running quickly with their apps. AWS supplies base images from which we can build image builders to produce images with our applications. We cannot alter a picture once it has been created.
Fleet
Fleet instances (also known as streaming instances) run the programs and desktops we specify in a fleet. One instance is required for each user.
Stack
A connected fleet, user access controls, and storage settings make up a stack. We create a stack and begin distributing programs to users.
Interacting with AppStream 2.0
You can use any of the below interfaces to interact with AppStream 2.0:
AWS Administration Console The console is a web-based management interface for AppStream 2.0 resources.
AWS command-line utilities The AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI) and the AWS Tools for Windows PowerShell are two sets of command-line tools provided by AWS.
AWS SDKs AppStream 2.0 is available in several programming languages. Tasks like these are handled automatically by the SDKs:
Getting an AppStream 2.0 stack or fleet up and running
Adding a streaming application URL to your stack
Specifying your assets
Enable and Administer Persistent Storage
For users in your company, Amazon AppStream 2.0 supports the following persistent storage options:
Home folders
G Suite users have access to Google Drive.
OneDrive for Business
For our organization, we can enable one or more choices. To enable and administer persistent storage for our users, we must know how to do the following activities as an AppStream 2.0 administrator.
Using a web browser or the AppStream 2.0 software on a compatible device, users can access AppStream 2.0 streaming sessions.
We can enable user access to AppStream 2.0 streaming sessions in one of three ways, depending on our organization's needs: setting up identity federation using SAML 2.0, using an AppStream 2.0 user pool, or defining a streaming URL. The following are some suggestions for selecting a connection technique.
SAML 2.0: When we have an identity provider that controls your user accounts and supports SAML 2.0 federation, utilze this connection method.
AppStream 2.0 user pools: Use this connection method when:
a.) We want to set up a Proof-of-Concept (POC) quickly before you configure your SAML 2.0-compliant identity provider.
b.) We don't have a SAML 2.0-compliant identity provider.
c.) We want to manage users directly within the AppStream 2.0 console.
Streaming URL: Use this connection method when we want to programmatically provide access to AppStream 2.0 by using temporary URLs.
Security
At AWS, cloud security is a top focus. As an AWS customer, we have access to a data centre and network architecture designed to fulfil the needs of the most security-conscious businesses.
Amazon AppStream 2.0 comes with the “security of cloud” and the “Security in the cloud” which means that the security is a shared responsibility between the AWS and the users. AWS is responsible for securing the infrastructure that runs AWS services in the AWS Cloud. And we are responsible for keeping our services safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amazon AppStream 2.0?
Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an application streaming service that allows customers to access their desktop programs from anywhere. AppStream 2.0 expands automatically and gives on-demand access to their users while managing the AWS resources required to host and execute your applications.
What are the main features of Amazon AppStream?
By using Amazon AppStream, we can use any compatible device to securely access desktop programs, secure applications and data, and get consistent and scalable results.
What is the use of Amazon AppStream?
AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming solution that gives customers anywhere, anytime access to their desktop apps.
Which protocol is used by Amazon AppStream?
NICE DCV is used by Amazon AppStream 2.0 to stream your applications to your users. NICE DCV allows high-quality application video to be streamed over a wide range of network circumstances.
What's the difference between AppStream and Amazon WorkSpaces?
While the two AWS services are comparable, keep in mind that Amazon AppStream 2.0 focuses on hosting individual programs on AWS, whereas Amazon WorkSpaces generates virtual desktops that can be used to construct entire working environments for our team.
Conclusion
In this article, we studied in detail Amazon AppStream 2.0, its features, core concepts, security, and Accessing Appstream 2.0.
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