The Host on Demand (HOD) is a web-based service that allows end users without any Host software to share their desktops instantly through the RAS Server. Unlike the regular installed Host, no local or network administrative privileges are required, and no reboot is necessary to run the HOD. In addition, after the end user logs out of his/her Windows session, the HOD will stop and its Host entry will be removed from the RAS server.
Following table shows some feature differences between HOD with the regular installed Host:
Host Feature
HOD
Installed Host
Installs as an application; requires a reboot
No
Yes
Requires local or network administrator privileges
No
Yes
Runs as a service when pinned; supports unattended access
Windows Only
Yes
Supports stealth mode (no visual or audio notifications for screen sharing)
No
Yes
Supports user-mode screen capture
Yes
Yes
Supports kernel-mode screen capture
No
Yes
Supports remote printing
Windows Only *
Yes
Supports remote management
No
Yes
* Remote printing is supported in Host on Demand by manually installing an additional component.
The HOD is hosted by and delivered from the RAS Server. A special license key is required to enable the RAS Server to run the HOD, but once licensed, end users with access to the Web Console will be able to install as many instances of HOD as they like. Each HOD instance will report back to and be accessible only through the RAS Server from which it was served.
NOTE: To turn on the HOD service in the RAS Server, the Share button must first be enabled in the Host on Demand section of the RAS > Web Console Settings sub tab.