Citrix / VDI / RDS Alternative

Need Application Access Without Full VDI Complexity?

WebStream is designed for customers who need governed browser access to specific Windows application workflows without exposing a full desktop environment.

A straight answer

WebStream isn’t a like-for-like replacement for every Citrix, VDI, or RDS scenario — and we’ll tell you when it isn’t. It’s the right choice when you need secure browser delivery of specific Windows applications, without the cost and overhead of running full desktops.

How It Works

How WebStream delivers apps to the browser

No Delivery Controllers, VDAs, or master images. The application runs on Windows you control; only its interface streams to the browser.

Browser-native streaming

The application UI streams to any modern HTML5 browser over TLS. There is no Workspace app, plug-in, or agent to install on the endpoint.

No exposed RDP or VPN

Users never touch RDP port 3389 or a VPN client. Access is identity-gated through WebStream, keeping the Windows host off the open network.

Per-app entitlement & policy

Users launch a specific application, not a desktop. File transfer, clipboard, and print/PDF are governed by policy, with a full audit trail per session.

Runs on your infrastructure

Runs in your own cloud or data centre and is accessed entirely through the browser — nothing for end users to install. Paid tiers bill SessionHours — active streaming time, not seats or idle desktops.

Fit Guidance

Is WebStream the right tool?

We would rather tell you up front. Here is where WebStream fits — and where a full VDI platform is still the right call.

When WebStream is a good fit

  • You need to deliver specific applications, not a whole desktop
  • You want browser access (HTML5/TLS) with no endpoint client, plug-in, or Workspace app
  • You want to avoid standing up Delivery Controllers, VDAs, and master images to patch
  • You want a first app in the browser in hours and a fast proof of concept
  • You need governed file, print, and clipboard behaviour with full session audit

When full VDI may still be needed

  • You need a full persistent desktop replacement, not single-app delivery
  • You manage a large multi-image desktop estate with broad personalisation
  • Users require many unrelated applications and a Windows shell
  • You need OS-level profile management, roaming, and golden-image pipelines
  • Your requirement is general-purpose desktop computing
Comparison

App delivery vs the alternatives

How focused browser app delivery compares with VPN/RDP, traditional VDI, and a rewrite.

Capability WebStream VPN / RDP Traditional VDI Rewrite
Delivers specific app (not full desktop)YesNoNoYes
No endpoint client installYesNoOftenYes
Reduced desktop exposureYesNoNoYes
Setup and operational overheadLowMediumHighVery high
Time to first app in browserHoursDaysWeeksMonths+
Full desktop estate managementNoNoYesn/a
Security & Governance

Control without the full desktop

Deliver the application and keep the guardrails, without standing up a desktop estate.

Access control

Identity-driven, per-application access — users reach only what they are entitled to.

Data movement policy

File upload/download, clipboard, and print/PDF behaviour governed by policy.

Session audit

Full audit trail around every session, without exposing a general-purpose desktop.

See the Full App-to-Browser Workflow

Watch the demo

How a specific Windows application is delivered through the browser — no full desktop, no client.

Full WebStream demo — legacy Windows apps delivered through the browser on AWS.

Get Started

Book a fit assessment

Tell us what you need to deliver and we’ll be honest about fit. Prefer to give us full detail? Use the full assessment form.

FAQ

Common questions

Is WebStream a full Citrix or VDI replacement?

No. WebStream is not a like-for-like replacement for every Citrix, VDI, or RDS scenario. It is best suited when customers need secure browser delivery of specific Windows applications without the overhead of full desktop delivery.

When is WebStream a good fit?

When you need to deliver specific application workflows in the browser, with no endpoint install and reduced full-desktop exposure, and you want a fast proof of concept.

When might full VDI still be needed?

When you need a full desktop replacement, a complex persistent desktop estate, or broad desktop personalisation across many applications.

Do users need a client like Citrix Workspace?

No. Users access applications in any modern browser with no endpoint client to install or maintain.

Get Started

Find out if WebStream fits

Book a fit assessment, or start an evaluation with WebStream Core — hosted in your cloud or ours, accessed entirely through the browser. Actively planning a Citrix replacement? See the dedicated Citrix alternative page.