Top Apache Guacamole Alternatives and Overview

There are a lot of options for users when it comes to Remote Desktop clients and with different functionalities. But most of them require installation of additional client software, plugins, and setups to work with some devices. This limits the usage to some extent and makes it difficult to configure on a per-device basis. Apache Guacamole tries to eliminate this by providing a browser-based setup.

HTML5 based remote access

Guacamole is a web-based remote desktop application, which means once it's installed on a server – it can control computers via a compatible web browser. The web browser should support the latest HTML5 standards and should be able to run background processes even when it's minimized. This is much better than existing systems because there are no extra plugins or setups involved in accessing the machines.

Cloud desktop compatible

It enables remote access not only to physically existing computers but also to desktops hosted in the cloud. Users can control their hosted Virtual machines in the cloud over the internet. This helps in harnessing the power of cloud computing and collaborating over the internet.

All that is necessary is a full desktop operating system installed on the cloud server, and the access credentials to connect to it. Apache Guacamole does the rest of the work for you.

Open-source software advantage

Guacamole is entirely free and open-source, which means the source code is available to everyone. Users may modify the original code to suit their organizational requirements and contribute to the development of newer versions in GitHub pages. Licensed with Apache License 2.0, the software is developed and maintained by a group of enthusiastic developers who themselves use the software for working remotely.

Works on well-documented APIs

It features a set of APIs which are available for anyone to use, and it's completely free. The API use cases are well-documented, and each concept is mentioned in the manual. It allows the functionality to be integrated into third-party applications easily. These applications may or may not be open-source.

Commercial uses

Guacamole can be used as commercial software via third-party offerings, including Arcisphere and Glyptodon. This can be adopted for enterprise and other companies to support the computers on a bulk basis. They run a modified version of Guacamole customized as per the company's request and provide customer support and manage installations.

Company Name: The Apache Software Foundation

Founded in: 1999