Amazon AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service that provides users with instant access to their desktop applications from anywhere.
AppStream 2.0 manages the AWS resources required to host and run your applications, scales automatically, and provides access to your users on demand.
With AppStream 2.0, you can easily add your existing desktop applications to AWS and enable your users to instantly stream them.
Your desktop applications can be accessed securely through an HTML5-capable web browser on Windows and Linux PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, iPads, and Android tablets. Or, for supported versions of Windows, the AppStream 2.0 client can be used for application streaming.
You can easily scale to any number of users across the globe without acquiring, provisioning, and operating hardware or infrastructure.
AppStream 2.0 is built on AWS, so you benefit from a data center and network architecture designed for the most security-sensitive organizations.
Integrate with your existing Microsoft Active Directory environment.
Configure identity federation, which allows your users to access their applications using their corporate credentials.
Each user has a fluid and responsive experience with your applications, including GPU-intensive 3D design and engineering ones, because your applications run on virtual machines (VMs) optimized for specific use cases and each streaming session automatically adjusts to network conditions.
Enterprises can use AppStream 2.0 to simplify application delivery and complete their migration to the cloud.
Examples: Educational institutions can provide every student access to the applications they need for class on any computer. Software vendors can use AppStream 2.0 to deliver trials, demos, and training for their applications with no downloads or installations. They can also develop a full software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution without rewriting their application.
Integrate with your existing AWS services and your on-premises environments. By running applications inside your VPCs, your users can access data and other resources that you have in AWS.
Two types of fleets:
Always-On — Your instances run all the time, even when no users are streaming applications. Use an Always-On fleet to provide your users with instant access to their applications.
On-Demand — Your instances run only when users are streaming applications. Idle instances that are available for streaming are in a stopped state. Use an On-Demand fleet to optimize your streaming charges and provide your users with access to their applications after a 1-2 minute wait.
Deliver desktop applications to any computer: Users can access the desktop applications they need at any time. AppStream 2.0 streams your applications from AWS to any computer, including Chromebooks, Macs, and PCs.
Scale without infrastructure: AppStream 2.0 is fully managed on AWS and globally available with pay-as-you-go pricing. You can easily scale your application streaming to any number of users across the globe.
Secure applications and data: Applications and data are not stored on users' computers. Your applications are streamed as encrypted pixels and access data secured within your network. Applications can run inside your own virtual private cloud (VPC), and you can use Amazon VPC security features to control access.
Provide a fluid and responsive user experience: Each user's applications are highly responsive because they run on VMs optimized for their use cases. The NICE DCV protocol automatically adjusts each streaming session to network conditions for a fluid user experience.
Centrally manage applications: Each user accesses the same version of your applications. You centrally manage your applications on AppStream 2.0 and can stop managing installations and updates on each user's computer.
Integrate with your IT: AppStream 2.0 connects to your Active Directory, network, cloud storage, and file shares. Users access applications using their existing credentials and your existing security policies manage access.
Image builder: An image builder is a virtual machine that you use to create an image. You can launch and connect to an image builder by using the AppStream 2.0 console. After you connect to an image builder, you can install, add, and test your applications, and then use the image builder to create an image. You can launch new image builders by using private images that you own.
Image: An image contains applications that you can stream to your users, and default Windows and application settings to enable your users to get started with their applications quickly. AWS provides base images that you can use to create images that include your own applications. After you create an image, you can't change it. To add other applications, update existing applications, or change image settings, you must create a new image. You can copy your images to other AWS Regions or share them with other AWS accounts in the same Region.
Fleet: A fleet consists of fleet instances (also known as streaming instances) that run the image that you specify. You can set the desired number of streaming instances for your fleet and configure policies to scale your fleet automatically based on demand. Note that one user requires one instance.
Stack: A stack consists of an associated fleet, user access policies, and storage configurations. You set up a stack to start streaming applications to users.
Streaming instance: A streaming instance (also known as a fleet instance) is an EC2 instance that is made available to a single user for application streaming.
User pool: Use the user pool to manage users and their assigned stacks.
While the two AWS services are somewhat similar, it’s important to remember that Amazon AppStream 2.0 is focused on hosting individual applications on AWS, while Amazon WorkSpaces creates virtual desktops that can be used to create entire working environments for you and your team.
Both AppStream 2.0 and Amazon WorkSpaces offer pay-as-you-go pricing, which is far superior to traditional on-premises solutions requiring significant upfront expenses.