TSPlus vs Citrix vs Microsoft RDS: Remote Access Comparison for Indian SMBs 2026
Indian SMBs looking for remote access and application delivery solutions often face a confusing choice between TSPlus, Citrix Virtual Apps, and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS). This comparison cuts through the complexity to help you choose the right remote access platform based on your budget, user count, and technical requirements.
What is TSPlus?
TSPlus is a Windows-based remote desktop software that extends Microsoft RDS to deliver web-based application publishing and desktop access through HTML5 browsers. TSPlus is used by 500,000+ users across 100+ countries and is particularly popular in India for Tally ERP remote access, legacy software delivery, and cost-effective work-from-home setups. TSPlus offers one-time perpetual licences — making it the most affordable option for Indian SMBs with tight IT budgets.
What is Citrix Virtual Apps?
Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops (CVAD) is an enterprise-grade application and desktop virtualisation platform using Citrix’s proprietary HDX display protocol. It offers the richest feature set including session recording, SmartScale, Citrix Gateway, and deep security controls. Citrix is the enterprise standard for large organisations and regulated industries but comes with higher licensing costs and infrastructure complexity.
What is Microsoft RDS?
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is built into Windows Server and provides the underlying technology for remote application and desktop delivery. RDS requires Windows Server CALs and RDS CALs but no third-party software licence. It is functional but lacks the web delivery, load balancing, session management, and security features of Citrix or TSPlus without additional configuration.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Cost (INR): TSPlus perpetual licence starts from ₹25,000 (5 users). Citrix CVAD per-user annual licence: ₹3,500–₹8,000/year. Microsoft RDS: Windows Server licence + RDS CAL (~₹3,000–₹5,000 per user). TSPlus is the most affordable one-time investment for SMBs.
Ease of Deployment: TSPlus installs on any Windows Server in under 30 minutes. Citrix requires dedicated servers, StoreFront, Delivery Controller, and typically a week-long deployment. Microsoft RDS is medium complexity with Group Policy configuration required.
Performance: Citrix HDX delivers superior performance especially over poor network connections. TSPlus and RDS both use the RDP protocol — adequate for most office applications but not ideal for multimedia-heavy applications over high-latency connections.
Security: Citrix provides enterprise security with multi-factor authentication, session recording, endpoint analysis, and SmartAccess policies. TSPlus Advanced Security adds brute-force protection, IP management, ransomware protection, and 2FA. Basic RDS requires additional security configuration.
Which Should Indian SMBs Choose?
Choose TSPlus if: You have 10–200 users, want one-time perpetual licensing, primarily need to access Tally, ERP, or Windows applications remotely, and want browser-based access without client software installation. Ideal for CAs, manufacturing SMBs, trading companies, and distributors.
Choose Citrix if: You have 200+ users, are in a regulated industry (BFSI, healthcare, pharma), require enterprise security controls, need high performance over variable internet connections, or have GPU workload requirements.
Choose RDS if: You already have Windows Server licences, have basic remote access needs, have an in-house IT team, and want to avoid any third-party software costs. Best for under 50 users with simple requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can TSPlus access Tally ERP remotely?
Yes. TSPlus is widely used in India for Tally ERP remote access. Users can access Tally running on a Windows Server from any browser — including mobile — without installing any client software.
Q: Is TSPlus secure for remote access?
TSPlus with Advanced Security module provides adequate security for SMBs including 2FA, brute-force protection, IP whitelisting, and ransomware protection. For enterprise-grade security, Citrix or Accops HySecure are more appropriate.
Not sure which remote access solution is right for your business? Contact Virajo AutoSoft for a free consultation. We help Indian SMBs and enterprises deploy the right solution for their budget and requirements.