How to run Windows on your iPad

Apple’s iPad is a wonderful entertainment device and has started a tablet revolution.  Businesses of all sizes are trying to figure out how to leverage this light, portable, and small device to enhance productivity.  While it can do a few things natively with apps written specifically for it, it still isn’t compatible with what 90% of computer users use:  software written for a Windows PC.  Imagine if you could take your iPad with you while traveling and still access your company’s accounting, Point of Sale, or any other business software you need access to?  Or better yet, what if you could access your Windows desktop and run any application installed there?  With the right hardware and software, you can!

Any version of Windows “professional” since XP has a built in feature called Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).  This allows users and IT pros to remotely connect to other Windows desktops to run applications or manage that PC from another one.  In today’s world of virtualization, RDP is playing an even more important role.  Don’t confuse this built in feature with non-native remote apps like GoToMyPC or logmein.  Since this feature is built into Windows, you simple enable it and no other software is needed.  It also operates much faster and smoother than any third party application can.  RDP client software is available for just about any type of device and operating system, including the Apple iPad.  Once you install an RDP app on your iPad (or Iphone for that matter), you simply type in the address of your Windows PC and press connect.  Your Windows desktop will now fill the screen of your iPad and allow you to see and run any software that you would normally run while using your Windows PC!  This assumes you are using Wifi on your iPad and are on the same internal network as your Windows PC.

What if you’re outside of your corporate network and want to accomplish the same task?  The iPad has built in VPN software and will allow you to connect to your company’s firewall first,  then allow you to launch the RDP software and still connect to your Windows desktop!  This will work over 3G or Wifi and provides a secure, encrypted connection between you and your company’s network.

Contact us today so we can help you get your iPad connected to your Windows network!