This service is for faculty, staff, and students.
ITS provides remote access to specific software applications through the use of both Remote Desktop and Amazon AppStream.
For select courses, software access is facilitated through LabStats' Remote Access dashboards, where dedicated Windows PCs are visible to users for Remote Desktop connection. For other courses, Amazon AppStream provides access to a full desktop environment through a web browser.
All applications available for remote access are pre-approved by ITS. Software is offered through one of the two methods based on software licensing terms and other factors.
What are the benefits of using software in a virtual environment?
- All students can access the same version of software regardless of their device
- Students do not need to visit a particular lab computer to access software
- Provides access to software on demand from anywhere there is an Internet connection
- Hardware requirements are minimal for the student or end-user
- Scalable and cost-effective
How to log in and access virtual applications
Once the software is set up in the virtual environment, a sharable link is provided to faculty or staff for appropriate distribution.
For LabStats' Remote Access dashboards, users must first connect to the St. Thomas VPN using GlobalProtect. Once connected, users may visit their dashboard to connect to appropriate computers using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client software, as directed.
For AppStream, individuals will access the link from their browser and log in using their St. Thomas credentials.
In both cases, service will be available anywhere you have access to the Internet.
Who receives access?
Access is given based on users identified during setup, usually restricted to specific class rosters. Access may be customized depending on your specific need.
How long does access to the software last?
- For academic use - Once set up, the virtual applications will remain available for active students during the entirety of their semester in your course. Faculty will need to request their instance of software for each semester they plan to offer the course.
- For administrative use - This will be determined case by case.
How to setup a new virtual software application?
Please request access at least 4 weeks in advance by submitting a request from the Desktop and Application Virtualization page of our Service Catalog.
As requests are received, we first verify that existing software licensing permits use of the application in Remote Desktop or AppStream. If so, applications are built so that requestors can test them before making them accessible to end-users.
If after testing it is determined by the faculty member that the solution will meet the needs of the course, the environment is deployed to production and made available to students.
What software titles are currently approved for remote access?
The following applications are currently approved for remote access at St. Thomas. Note that some titles are limited to specific groups due to licensing constraints. If you would like to make one of the following apps available to your students, please contact us to begin the process.
- SPSS Statistics
- Minitab
- Mathematica
- JMP Pro
- STATA
- Microsoft Office (Remote Desktop only)
- Microsoft PowerBI
- Palisade Decision Tools (Remote Desktop only)
- Alteryx Designer
- Tableau and Tableau Prep
- R and RStudio
- ARGUS
- SOLIDWORKS
- EES
- CodeBlocks
- Visual Studio
How to open files and save data while using a virtual software?
Dedicated computers used with the LabStats' Remote Access dashboards allow you to save directly to OneDrive as you do on other university computers.
AppStream users may connect their OneDrive account to AppStream in order to save to OneDrive during their sessions.
To report a problem or receive additional troubleshooting, please contact the Tech Desk.