CloudHelm Stations FAQ

What is CloudHelm Stations?

Stations is a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offering.  Stations utilizes the high performance of CloudHelm IaaS with the leading desktop solution of Citrix.  All in an easy to manage package.

What is a Station?

A Station is simply a Desktop, either a shared and locked down desktop, or a dedicated desktop.

How can I get started with CloudHelm Stations?

Simply contact Cloudhelm at info@cloudhelm.com or fill out our contact us form.

What CloudHelm Station bundles are available?

For Dedicated, we offer small, medium and large desktops depending upon client and user need.  In addition, the shared desktop offers control of what the users have access to.

Which versions of desktops are available for use with CloudHelm Stations?

We offer Windows desktops and Linux.

How does a user get started with their CloudHelm Stations once it has been provisioned?

The Company Administrator will create and enable a user / desktop combination through our easy to use Portal.  The user will receive an email with a token for first login where they we need to set their first password.

What does a user need to use a CloudHelm Station?

Users can connect to Stations with any device supported by Citrix.  See https://docs.citrix.com/en-us/receiver/windows/4-3/receiver-windows-sys-reqs-43.html for a full list.  Citrix uses the ICA protocol to enhance the end user experience, and many end user devices are supported including PC’s, laptops, mobile, and terminals.

Once users connect to their CloudHelm Station can they personalize it with their favorite settings?

If the user is enabled for a dedicated desktop, yes, they will be able to modify their desktop per their company policy.  Many companies chose to use Active Directory to control this layer.  If the user is enabled for a shared desktop, the user will not be able to modify the desktop.  Shared is a common option within legal or restricted use environments.

Can users install applications on their CloudHelm Station?

If the user is enabled for a dedicated desktop, yes, they will be able to modify their desktop per their company policy.  Many companies chose to use Active Directory to control this layer.  If the user is enabled for a shared desktop, the user will not be able to modify the desktop.  Shared is a common option within legal or restricted use environments.

Are CloudHelm Stations persistent?

Yes

Do users need a CloudHelm account?

No, only the Company Administrator needs a CloudHelm account.  Users log into their desktop directly.

If I am located a significant distance from the region where my CloudHelm Station is located, will I have a good user experience?

CloudHelm uses Citrix on top of the CloudHelm high performance IaaS.  Connectivity can affect end user experience.  CloudHelm offers many connectivity options including Internet, Private line, and MPLS.  In addition the Citrix ICA protocol is optimized for the best user experience.

Do I need to use CloudHelm Control to get started with CloudHelm Stations?

No

Can I create custom images for CloudHelm Stations?

Yes, CloudHelm offers the ability to have a custom image for your company or individuals within your company.

How do I launch a CloudHelm Station from a custom image?

The Company Administrator has the ability to enable a custom image for each end user.

How many custom images can I create?

There is a fee for each custom image, but no limit on the number of custom images per company.

Can I update the image in an existing bundle?

Yes, this would be considered a new custom image.

Does CloudHelm Stations offer GPU-enabled cloud desktops?

Not at this time, but considering for the future.  If you have a need, please contact CloudHelm at info@cloudhelm.com and we may be able to accommodate.

Which credentials should be used to login to CloudHelm Stations?

Stations uses Active Directory, and the company has a choice of using AD Sync, or local isolated AD which is part of Stations.

What happens if a user forgets the password to access their CloudHelm Station?

Password reset functionality is built into the system.

How will CloudHelm Stations be protected from malware and viruses?

Each desktop includes McAfee / Intel Anti-Virus.

How do I remove a user’s access to their CloudHelm Station?

The Company Administrator has the ability to enable and disable a user / desktop.

Does CloudHelm Stations have an application that allows users to deploy and manage applications?

Yes, the Company Administrator has the ability to enable / disable client applications via the CloudHelm Portal Stations control module.

Can I use any other client (e.g., an RDP client) with CloudHelm Stations?

No, CloudHelm Stations uses Citrix and ICA for access and communiction only.

Which peripherals can be used with the CloudHelm Stations client applications?

Any Citrix supported device

Which kind of headsets can be used for audio conversations?

Any Citrix supported device

Can I use the built in microphone and speakers for making audio calls?

Any Citrix supported device

Does Audio-in work with mobile clients such as Android, iOS, and Chromebooks?

Any Citrix supported device

Can I access my CloudHelm Station through a web browser?

Yes

Which web browsers can I use to access CloudHelm Stations?

Any Citrix supported browser.

Do I need to install any additional software in order to access my CloudHelm Station through a web browser?

The user will be prompted to install the Citrix component.

Can I access CloudHelm Stations on any network?

Yes, any network that has access to the public internet.  Other options are available.

What local devices can I use when connecting to my CloudHelm Station through Chrome or Firefox?

Any Citrix supported device

How do I disconnect from my CloudHelm Station when accessing it through a web browser?

Simply logoff, or if left unattended the session will time out.

Can I control whether my users can access CloudHelm Stations over the web?

Yes, the Company Administrator has the ability to enable / disable client applications via the CloudHelm Portal Stations control module.

How do I remove a CloudHelm Station I no longer require?

The Company Administrator has the ability to enable / disable client applications via the CloudHelm Portal Stations control module.

Can I provide more than one CloudHelm Station per user?

Yes

How many CloudHelm Stations can I launch?

As many as needed.

Is there a minimum number of CloudHelm Stations or users I must provision?

No

How do I get support with CloudHelm Stations?

There are a number of support models for CloudHelm Stations.  Please contact info@cloudhelm.com for details.

How does billing work for CloudHelm Stations?

Monthly

Can I pay for CloudHelm Stations by the hour?

No, CloudHelm Stations is a monthly service.

Can I connect CloudHelm Stations to my CloudHelm IaaS machines?

Yes, this full company architecture is a strong point of choosing CloudHelm.

Can I connect to my existing Active Directory using my CloudHelm Stations?

Yes, there is an option for using AD Sync, which is one way sync from company to Stations.

Will my CloudHelm Stations be able to connect to the Internet to browse websites and download applications?

Yes, if the Company Administrator allows these actions.  The Stations system does have this functionality, but certain companies or users may be locked down by the Company Administrator for business purposes.

Can I integrate CloudHelm Stations with my existing on-premise active directory?

Yes, there is an option for using AD Sync, which is one way sync from company to Stations.

Can I apply the same group policy object settings from my on-premises Microsoft active directory to CloudHelm Stations?

If you chose the AD Sync option, yes.

Can I print from CloudHelm Stations?

Yes, using standard Citrix printing features and options.

What is the difference between the dedicated and shared CloudHelm Stations solutions?

Shared uses common virtual machines, where dedicated uses dedicated resources per user.

What is the ideal size customer for CloudHelm Stations customer?

Small to large, CloudHelm can help your business.

FAQ didn’t answer our question?

Here are several ways to contact us

Need Support?

Contact us at support@cloudhelm.com or call us at 555-555-5555.