How does AppStream differ from AWS Workspaces?

AWS AppStream 2.0 is focused on hosting individual applications on AWS (e.g. Adobe, Firefox, Word, WordPad…any windows app that you can think of)  while Amazon WorkSpaces creates virtual desktops that can be used to create entire working environments for you and your team.

An app is hosted using something  called a fleet. A fleet is based off a single app image – such as Adobe’s Exe.

A fleet, in turn, can belong to a stack. A stack, hence, can own multiple apps (multiple fleets).

User  Federation to AppStream Stacks?

The simplest approach is domain joining your appstream stack instances. From here on, you can set up AD to AppStream Identity Federation using ADFS 3.0. However, if you are not on Active Directory, and require a SAML based federation, read this post first.

For a step by step guide for gSuite to AWS AppStream Federation, including where you might trip up (as I did, because of unclear instructions), try this post.

Online Software Trials using AWS AppStream

Read this AWS Guide for building a demo environment for your product, using AppStream. This will  allow your customers to try your software via a web browser, and without involving any downloads or installations

Where can I learn more? Next Steps?

Read this post to get a grasp of AppStream Basics. Need help with your AppStream efforts? Start the conversation today.   

Anuj holds professional certifications in Google Cloud, AWS as well as certifications in Docker and App Performance Tools such as New Relic. He specializes in Cloud Security, Data Encryption and Container Technologies.

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