As of version 10.1.1204, 2X Cloud Portal allows browsers to automatically open .2XA files without displaying the “Open With” dialog repeatedly.

We verified the following six commonly used browsers (on 2 separate test machine xpsp3x32 fully patched and w7sp1x64):

1. Internet Explorer 9
2. Internet Explorer 8 and previous versions
3. Firefox
4. Chrome
5. Safari  & Firefox on MAC OSX
6. Opera

Let me list you down some screenshots and a brief explanation showing the steps necessary to setup the 2xa file.

INTERNET EXPLORER 9

Upon connection, when you save the 2xa file, press CTRL-J to open the View Downloads window, and the underneath window will appear.

Ensure that you have unchecked the default option of “Always ask before opening this type of file”.

IE8 and previous versions

When using Internet Explorer 8 you have also to save the 2xa file , then uncheck the “Always ask before opening this type of file” (if you are using previous versions of Internet Explorer the solution should be more or less similar):

FIREFOX

When using Firefox, make sure the checkbox “Do this automatically for files like this from now on” is selected and its settings are set correctly (Open with>2X Client).

You could also go to Firefox>Options>Applications tab, and verify that you have “Use 2X Client2 as the specified action:

CHROME

On Chrome, after downloading the file for the first time, right click and check the option “Always open files of this type”

SAFARI & FIREFOX ON MAC OSX

When using Safari and Firefox on a MAC OSX, the apps will be launched automatically with the help of a plug-in that will be automatically installed. Therefore, no extra settings are required from the user.

OPERA

On Opera, make sure that for Open with the TSClient Application is selected, and that “Remember choice and do not show dialog again” is checked.

 Following those simple steps will definitely make your users’ web experience more pleasant.

Thank you for reading!

]]> http://www.2x.com/blog/2012/02/tech/setting-the-2xa-file-to-open-automatically-from-the-2x-cloud-portal/feed/ 0 http://www.2x.com/blog/2012/02/tech/setting-the-2xa-file-to-open-automatically-from-the-2x-cloud-portal/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/2x-blog/~3/UuFC_gmMepw/ http://www.2x.com/blog/2012/01/products-releases/seamless-saas-provisioning-with-2x-applicationserver-xg/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:25:20 +0000 Ryan Pope, Product Manager http://www.2x.com/blog/?p=1909 The “software as a service” (SaaS) model has become a popular method for hosting applications, a trend that will continue to gain traction as time progresses. At 2X, we work with many administrators interested in application and virtual desktop delivery options from hosted platforms. Today’s hosted environments a solution that is flexible, able to easily scale to accomodate additional users with maximum ease of use, to allow optimal efficiency and minimal downtime for users. Many existing solutions are far too expensive for most companies; at upwards of $200 per concurrent user, Citrix licensing can strain project rollouts and require administrators to think long and hard before moving to such an application and virtual desktop delivery solution. By providing a highly affordable per-server pricing model, while getting high marks for flexibility and usability in an SaaS setting, 2X ApplicationServer XG can serve as the solution of choice for most hosted environments.

A prime example of 2X ApplicationServer’s versatility in a hosted environment is Florida-based DataTech’s 2X deployment to the MacDonald Training Center in Tampa, FL. MacDonald Training Center (MTC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, offers people with disabilities living in and around Tampa, FL key services to allow them to improve their everyday lives, including vocational skills training, community living and employment services. The availability of these services allows 500 individuals annually to receive top-notch assistance in seeking to lead improved lives.  The critical nature of MTC’s mission of empowering people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose, means that facilitating technologies must be simple and easy to use, with unparalleled reliability.

Needing a trusted, reliable hosting provider, MTC looked to DataTech, a Florida-based hosting provider and value-added reseller, to provide a powerful yet cost-effective solution, given the organization’s budgetary concerns. Scott Dollar of DataTech explains that the company “wanted to provide MTC with an extremely reliable application and desktop delivery solution, hosted in our datacenter that met the organization’s needs in an extremely affordable way.” While Citrix was initially considered as a possible choice, Dollar notes that both Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop were “far beyond the price point that the MacDonald staff could reasonably support.” Having recommended 2X to other customers in the past, Dollar was pleased to use 2X ApplicationServer XG as “a perfect solution for providing MacDonald trainees and employees with quick, easy application and desktop delivery from any location, allowing worker productivity to soar.” MTC staff have since found 2X ApplicationServer XG to be a great fit from its ease of use and simple, intuitive interface, while its unparalleled affordability allowed such cloud computing benefits to become a workplace reality.

For simple, secure application and desktop delivery and remote access for MacDonald Training Center users, DataTech chose 2X ApplicationServer XG, 2X Software’s all-in-one platform for access to published applications and desktops, as well as published virtual desktops through virtually any hypervisor. The product was utilized on five terminal servers in the DataTech datacenter, with 2X including resource-based load balancing to achieve optimal server performance. Constant uptime is guaranteed by DataTech datacenter redundancy, with MacDonald Training Center using their terminal server resources for Microsoft Office and financial accounting software, along with payroll and donor management applications. MTC staff note that they strive to “run everything through 2X,” with users “easily able to understand how to use 2X to access any remote application they need.”

There’s no question that the move to 2X ApplicationServer XG has allowed MTC to enjoy much greater ease of use than continued reliance on their existing solution. MTC staff note that using stand-alone desktops, updates and upgrades were laborious, with technicians having to work individually on each stand-alone desktop. As the 2X pricing model allowed the organization to enjoy cloud computing benefits at an extremely affordable price, the organization has now been able to centralize application and desktop delivery in a seamless, secure way using DataTech’s datacenter. While DataTech has long trusted the “extremely reliable” 2X ApplicationServer XG as a trusted 2X Partner, MTC staff knew that all that was required to access the applications and desktops they need is to use the 2X Client on their desktops and mobile devices. As a result, Susan and Adelisa report that for accessing their core applications and desktops, “the process couldn’t be simpler!”

Using the 2X Client for remote access has greatly increased productivity and given more flexibility to MacDonald Training Center staff.  The organization is currently in the process using the 2X Client on an Android and Gallaxy Tablet device and it is working seamlessly.  A critical goal of the organization is to implement more mobile devices in order for coaches to complete tasks in the field and at individuals’ homes such as signing paperwork documents and translating case notes which will dramatically increase productivity. Susan and Adelisa explain that while in-house application and desktop delivery has proven effective, the ability to access such functionality on mobile devices will “hugely improve our capacity to serve the individuals we work with,” so the Center can “be confident in 2X Software’s commitment to provide clients for every major device on the market.” In short, Scott Dollar of DataTech notes the 2X benefits for both MacDonald Training Center and DataTech as “simplicity, efficiency and affordability….2X just works!”

For more information, please visit www.2x.com.

Check the dates below and sign up via the relevant link today!

*2X Partners, please email partners@2x.com for special training promotional offers.

San Diego, CA

Date and Time: March 5-6, 2012: 9 AM – 5 PM PST

Location:
Microsoft Corporation
9255 Towne Centre Drive, 4th Floor
San Diego, CA 92121 USA
Phone: 858-909-3800

Meeting Agenda: Click here.

Sign Up Here: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=WB2VPJ7

Iselin, NJ

Date and Time: June 11-12, 2012: 9 AM – 5 PM EST

Location:
Microsoft Corporation
101 Wood Ave S, Floor 9
Iselin, NJ 08830 USA
Phone: 732-476-5600

Meeting Agenda: Click here.

Sign Up Here: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=W22VPJ7

Dallas, TX

Date and Time: Aug. 15-16, 2012: 9 AM – 5 PM CST

Location:
Microsoft Corporation
Building 2, Room CBC 1105
7100 N. State Hwy 161
Irving, TX 75039 USA

Meeting Agenda: Click here.

Sign Up Here: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=RK2VPJ7

Tampa, FL

Date and Time: Nov. 12-13, 2012: 9 AM – 5 PM EST

Location:
Microsoft Corporation
5426 Bay Center Drive Suite 700, Room Siesta Key
Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: 813-281-3900

Meeting Agenda: Click here.

Sign Up Here: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=JD2VPJ7

Let’ get straight to the point and look at what’s new:

1.

In this new version we have added support for Android 4.0. As some of you may already know, on the latest tablet devices and latest Android versions, Google decided to remove the “menu” button and replace it with the “action button”. Mainly for this reason, we have introduced the “3 fingers menu”. The “3 fingers menu” is an interactive command which makes your interaction not only with the settings but also with your windows a lot easier.

When downloading the latest version of the 2X Client for Android v10.1.1206 and starting your first new session or application, you will be prompted with the following dialogue:

Touch the monitor of your device with 3 fingers and move down to get the menu, and do the same moving upwards to hide the menu. In order to continue, you will actually have to do the 3 fingers movement. This will be helpful while on a session when you want to show or hide the menu. Note that this applies to newer Android devices, as the old ones will still be working the exact same way as it used to be.

2.

You now have the ability to add shortcuts for published applications on your device home screen for your 2X connection (meaning on your connections to applications or desktops published through the 2X ApplicationServer XG Server). The way it works is simple, if you have a published desktop or application, instead of running through the path every time (open the connection, select the folder etc.), you can simply add a shortcut by holding down the app for 2 seconds and click on the “add shortcut” prompt. This will add the shortcut to your device home screen immediately, so that next time you will be able to start the application or desktop directly from clicking on the shortcut, saving yourself a few seconds!

3.

You now have the ability to “copy, cut, and paste” text from the android device to a published application/desktop via 2X and vice versa, with the added clipboard redirection. So if for example, you have just found an interesting website for your business by using your android internet browser, you can just copy the link of this website from this browser, then start your 2X connection and access this website immediately by simply pasting the link on your published browser etc.(remember this also works the other way around).

4.

Another really cool brand new feature is that now you now have the ability to redirect the sound to your device, with the Sound Redirection feature. In order to achieve this, this setting must first be enabled from your connection settings (meaning the connection to your farm from your device). When accessing the Sound redirection field, you will be prompted with 3 options:

- Do not play

- Leave at remote computer

- Redirect to device (yes this is the one to bring the sound to your device!)

After choosing one of the above, remember to press save and disconnect, as the first time you set this configuration requires a disconnection and a reconnection in order for it to start working.

What is also cool is that after enabling this feature, the volume control of your device will correlate with the volume control of your connection!

One last tip: remember to press on save whenever making any changes

To administrator standards, eG 2X Monitoring provides total performance visibility for 2X installations of all sizes, providing a comprehensive management solution for 2X farms, providing complete visibility and monitoring for all layers and tiers of the organization’s 2X infrastructure. Monitored layers include the network, servers, virtualization platform, storage and more. Administrators can seamlessly channel the power of eG 2X Monitoring to improve the discovery, diagnosis and resolution of solution performance issues to ultimately improve the end-user experience with virtual, cloud and physical infrastructures.

Key Features:

eG 2X Monitoring improves the monitoring and visibility of your 2X environment in multiple ways:
• Total Performance Visibility: Each layer is monitored so administrators know what’s working and what isn’t.
• User Session and Application Performance: In-depth user session visibility is provided so administrators can identify top users and what applications or desktops they access.
• Proactive Issue Detection and Resolution: Allows 2X environment settings to be auto-baselined, sending proactive alerts when infrastructure usage and performance are abnormal; administrators can automatically correlate across different metrics spot and fix issues before they are noticed by users.
• Powerful Reporting: By identifying prolific users and bottlenecks, as well as top applications and desktops accessed, 2X environments can be right-sized to provide maximum ROI.

For more information, please see the eG 2X Monitoring Solution Brief here.

To deploy eG 2X Monitoring in your environment, please contact your local 2X office, or sales@2x.com.

This new 2X product version is a big step forward in simplifying desktop and application delivery for SaaS Providers of all types and sizes. With an optional integration of eG Innovations 2X now fully supports high-end cloud performance management, monitoring and reporting 2X ApplicationServer XG 10.1 combines the best in application delivery and virtual desktop (VDI) management by giving SaaS Providers and Enterprises the possibility to publish applications and virtual desktops from an all-in-one platform. It integrates seamlessly with all of the popular virtualization platforms and delivers applications and desktops to all commonly used devices and OSs like PCs, netbooks, notebooks, mobile devices, thin clients, tablets and more.

For more information, please access the 2X Service Provider Guide here.

About 2X ApplicationServer XG

2X ApplicationServer XG allows users to experience the full benefits of desktop virtualization and improve desktop manageability, security, accessibility and performance by delivering virtual desktops and applications to Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS from any virtualization platform, rather than installing locally, all while enjoying additional features such as complete universal printing and scanning, virtual desktop pooling and templates, full RDP 7 and RemoteFX compatibility and more.

Features include:

• Publish virtual desktops and applications to Windows, Linux and Mac, rather than installing locally
• Hypervisor vendor-independent
• Use the same client to connect to virtual desktops and published applications
• Publish virtual desktops and applications based on username, group or IP
• Publish virtual desktops and applications to a web portal
• Integration with the 2X LoadBalancer
• SSL security and MAC address filtering
• Universal printing and scanning
• Windows 2008 R2 and Windows 7 ready
• Mobile client connectivity (iPad, Android, and more)
• eG Innovations monitoring and reporting support

Please see our 2X ApplicationServer XG features list for more information.

About 2X

2X Software offers tailor-made, easy-to-implement and cost-effective cloud and virtual computing solutions, including 2X ApplicationServer XG, 2X ThinClientServer as well as the 2X LoadBalancer. For more information, please visit: http://www.2x.com.

For pricing questions, please refer to our official price list. For questions about the product’s planned features, please email sales@2x.com; be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming release!

With 2X ApplicationServer XG, we provide network administrators features for extra layers of filtering and security. The main scope of doing so, is not only to make it easier for administrators – as in not having to configure thousands GPO’s every day – but also to let the administrator decide what the users will be able to see, access, and do.

In order to achieve this, there are a few possible ways combinable together that will help you in organizing access for users, user groups, or even specific machines. Let us take a look at the many options and let me give you a short explanation about their functionalities:

1.     Publishing:

The main concept of 2X ApplicationServer XG is to provide an easy-to-use application access solution. We made it possible for you to publish Applications, Folders and Desktops in a seamless way. The filtering on Publish is simply done on the Filtering tab; On the “Select Filtering Type” dropdown box you are able to select an item to a particular user, groups, clients or IP addresses. From here you can also set the filtering on either LDAP or WinNT.

2.     Gateways properties:

The Security tab also very important: it allows you to filter connections through your gateway by matching MAC addresses. Therefore, Administrators are able to block out MAC addresses or allow only the specified entries to run published application. In my opinion the best security option is to allow known Mac addresses only here!

From Farm>Gateways>Gateways>properties>network, you are able to configure the specific ports needed for your connections, which includes the 2X Secure Client Gateway Port (meaning that the 2X Clients will connect to 2X ASXG on this port and/or SSL port if needed), the RDP, the Citrix, and also the TFTP ports (TFTP for PXE booting).

Also from the properties>advanced tab there is a tick box (right at the end of this small window on your bottom left) called: “Enable RDP DOS Attack Filter”. This option is extremely helpful but could also be very tricky, depending on your environment. Enabling the ‘RDP DOS Attack Filter’ checkbox protects the Gateway from ‘Denial of Service’; this means that you have a storm of connections in one go, they will just get rejected, as this normally leads to a denial of services attacks that you get from bad hackers. Bear in mind though, if you are a massive company with over 300 users and they all start working at 9:00 am sharp, and they all login at the same time, you might want to do a couple of test with this one on or off to see if the result is your desired one.

On the properties>SSL/TLS tab, you can enable Secure Sockets Layer which provides end-to-end SSL encryption to your terminal servers, and assign to it the respective ports and certificates. Enabling ‘Allow only strong ciphers’ checkbox, will set the gateway from medium to a higher level of encryption. Keep in mind however that the 2X Secure Client Gateway offers the ability to tunnel SSL traffic over port 80!

3.     Connection:

Connection field>2x Publishing Agent tab: from here you will be able to configure the ports to use for the publishing agent service, and the authentication options. From here, you will also be able to enforce from which domain/s your users will be able to connect.

Connection field>Second Level authentication tab: from here you can configure your second level authentication options, and exclusions rules, not to set everyone to second level authentication.

Connection field>Published item listing: from here you can select which type and/or version of the 2X Client will be able to connect. This is very helpful when you need ‘lazy users with admin rights’ to upgrade to the latest and greatest version of the 2X Client.

4.     Tunneling policies

On the Tunneling Policies tab you can set specific filters so that native RDP & ICA connections can be redirected to specific terminal server(s). Load balancing rules are useful when assigning a group of terminal servers or a specific terminal server with a 2X Secure Client Gateway IP. Therefore connections initiated from that particular IP will be load balanced to a corresponding group or a particular terminal server. Remember that Load Balancing Rules are applicable only to non-published desktop sessions. Such kind of settings are useful when you want to allow connections from a certain interface.

5.     Client policies:

The client filtering helps you in setting up and customizing Client policies. In plain English, this is the function that controls connection properties and client options (to note that at present this is only available for 2X Clients installed on Windows, including Windows CE and XP Embedded).

To add a 2X Client Policy, all you need to do is to open the console, go to Client>2X Client Management Tab, and click on “Add”. You can then start by giving the new policy a name in the policy field, decide whether to use LDAP, or WinNT, when adding Users or Groups. Next, you can configure both ‘Connection Properties’ and the ‘Options’ that will be pushed to the users‟ 2X Client.

(for more about how to configure the Connection Properties for 2X Client, kindly refer to the following link: http://www.2x.com/docs/en/manuals/pdf/2XClientForWindows.pdf)

Your filtering and security couldn’t be any easier!

For further information and instructions, please do take a look at our manual and our documentation page on the following link:

http://www.2x.com/docs/en/manuals/pdf/2XApplicationServer.pdf

http://www.2x.com/documentation/

London, 18th November 2011 – 2X Software today announced the company has received Commended status in the CRN 2011 awards program in the Software Vendor of the Year category, with the company placing highly in the competition as runner-up to top award winner Microsoft. The award recognizes 2X Software’s commitment to its channel partners and achievements in providing state-of-the-art virtualization technology offerings to administrators simply and affordably, specifically through the recent release of 2X ApplicationServer XG.

More than 20 industry experts made up the two separate and independent judging panels evaluating the awards in multiple categories. Upon making the shortlist in September, each of 20 shortlist categories was assessed by a category-specific panel of judges from resellers, distributors and vendors, with finalists in the Software Vendor of the Year category invited to present their application to the judging panels in person. Final awards standings were revealed Thursday, Nov. 17^th, at the Battersea Park Events Arena in London.

2X Software CEO Nikolaos Makris noted, “We are honored to have been selected by the CRN expert judging panel for the ‘Commended’ Software Vendor of the Year, only surpassed by our strategic partner Microsoft. This award recognizes 2X Software’s commitment to provide our customers and channel partners with the most innovative virtualization technology available, in a simple, affordable way.”

To view the full list of CRN awards winners, click here.

About 2X Software

2X Software is a global leader of desktop and application delivery, remote access and cloud computing solutions. Thousands of enterprises worldwide trust in the reliability and scalability of 2X products. Cloud computing is shifting from a competitive advantage to an operational necessity. 2X offers a range of solutions to make every company’s leap to cloud computing simple and affordable, backed by the engineering excellence and expertise of the 2X development team.

Notable 2X customers include Fox News, Harvard University, H&B Foods, McKesson, Advance Auto Parts, Mazda and more. Click here to see a full customer list, selected testimonials from satisfied 2X administrators, and recent 2X product awards.

Contact Ryan Pope at +18669706262, or for more information, please visit: http://www.2x.com.

Dallas, TX, Nov. 10, 2011 – 2X Software announced today its selection as one of seven finalists for the CRN Software Vendor of the Year award. Setting the benchmark for excellence for channel-based ISVs, the prestigious CRN Channel Awards provide a spectacular opportunity for the entire industry to showcase and celebrate exceptional performance and innovation. CRN’s final selection for Software Vendor of the Year will be announced at a grand ceremony taking place Thursday, November 17th at Battersea Park Events Arena in London.

2X Software CEO Nikolaos Makris noted that, “being shortlisted for the CRN Software Vendor of the Year Award is a big honor and further indication of 2X Software’s impressive contribution to cloud computing technology. We attribute our success to our flagship product, 2X ApplicationServer XG, which has significantly expanded our installed customer-base by providing affordable, state-of-the-art virtualization. We feel we are in with a good chance to win the prize on November 17th.”

Please find more information on the 2011 CRN Vendor of the Year award here.

About 2X Software

2X Software is a global leader of desktop and application delivery, remote access and cloud computing solutions. Thousands of enterprises worldwide trust in the reliability and scalability of 2X products. Cloud computing is shifting from a competitive advantage to an operational necessity. 2X offers a range of solutions to make every company’s leap to cloud computing simple and affordable, backed by the engineering excellence and expertise of the 2X development team.

Notable 2X customers include Fox News, Harvard University, H&B Foods, McKesson, Advance Auto Parts, Mazda and more. Click here to see a full customer list, selected testimonials from satisfied 2X administrators, and recent 2X product awards.

Contact Ryan Pope at +18669706262, or for more information, please visit: http://www.2x.com.

Dallas, TX, Oct. 19, 2011 – 2X Software today announced the newly designed and updated website (www.2x.com) to better serve the needs of its fast-growing number of visitors. The new web design is eye-catching, clean, organized and well-structured. It invites the eye to scan and find something interesting with the goal of clicking through to another page. It  provides new and existing customers with the resources they need to stay up-to-date on new 2X products and upgrades, such as the recent release of 2X ApplicationServer XG, while educating visitors on the affordability and seamless performance of the 2X product line. The new site features an expanded content selection, with easy access to extensive product features, product demos, impressive customer testimonials, white papers, blog articles, troubleshooting tips and more. Customers, 2X Partners and new visitors alike will benefit from the significantly improved user experience.

“In response to the rapid increase in the number of our website visitors over the past year, we have renewed our commitment to provide all  the tools and information needed for planning and making a decision on Desktop and Application Virtualization ” explains Nikolaos Makris, CEO of 2X Software. ” We believe that our new website will better help visitors to understand the true performance and cost-saving advantages that come with a 2X virtualization solution, benefitting both our resellers and end-users alike.”

Please view the newly designed 2X website today, at www.2x.com.

About 2X ApplicationServer XG

2X ApplicationServer XG combines the best in application delivery and virtual desktop (VDI) management by allowing administrators to publish applications and virtual desktops from an all-in-one platform. Experience the full benefits of desktop virtualization and improve desktop manageability, security, accessibility and performance by delivering virtual desktops and applications to Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS from any virtualization platform, rather than installing locally, while enjoying additional features like complete universal printing and scanning, virtual desktop pooling and templates, full RDP 7 and RemoteFX compatibility and more.

Please see the full features list here.

About 2X

2X Software offers tailor-made, easy-to-implement and cost-effective cloud and virtual computing solutions, including 2X ApplicationServer XG and 2X LoadBalancer.

Contact Ryan Pope at +18669706262 for more information: http://www.2x.com.