independent computing architecture (Citrix) (ICA)

The Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) is a server-based computing( SBC) architecture developed by Citrix to work with Windows NT or Windows 2000 servers. The ICA architecture, like Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol ( RDP) or Sun's X-Window protocol, is intended to simplify the distribution of applications and administrative tasks by providing resource-expanding features.

In server-based computing architectures, all applications are deployed at the server, where they are managed, supported and executed.

In the ICA concept, the protocol provides for the decoupling of the desktop, which is implemented in the server. Keyboard and mouse inputs are transmitted to the server and the execution is transmitted to the client, where they are displayed. The client, executed as an ICA client presents the application interface and the commands executed by the server. The concept is characterized by low bandwidth requirements and works across platforms.

Server-based computing architectures are characterized by a multi- user operating system, where several users can simultaneously process an independent application.