RDS Alternatives for Industrial ERP Applications in 2026

RDS Alternatives for Industrial ERP Applications in 2026

Industrial ERP applications power some of the most complex environments in manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations. These systems often manage everything from production planning and inventory control to shop floor integration and logistics. Because of their depth and specialization, many industrial ERPs are still delivered as Windows-based applications—and for years, Remote Desktop Services (RDS) has been the default way to provide remote access.

Why Industrial ERPs Rely on RDS

RDS became popular because it allowed ISVs to centralize their applications and provide remote desktop access without rewriting their software. For industrial ERP vendors, this was a practical way to support distributed users, multiple facilities, and hosted deployments.

But RDS was designed to deliver full desktop environments—not optimized application experiences. As industrial ERP vendors scale, the limitations of RDS become more apparent.

Why ISVs Are Moving Away from RDS

RDS introduces several challenges:

• Complex infrastructure (gateways, brokers, session hosts, licensing servers)
• High and layered costs (Windows Server, RDS CALs, multiple VMs)
• Inefficient resource usage (full desktops instead of application delivery)
• Operational overhead (patching, monitoring, scaling environments)

For industrial ERP ISVs, this complexity directly impacts margins and slows down innovation.

‍

{{CTAEMBED_IDENTIFIER}}

‍

Option 1: Rewriting as a Web Application

Some vendors consider rewriting their ERP as a cloud-native SaaS platform.

While appealing in theory, this approach is often:

• Time-consuming (multi-year development cycles)
• Expensive (millions in engineering investment)
• Risky (potential loss of functionality and performance)
• Incomplete (difficulty replicating years of industry-specific logic)
• Adoption (even if you build it, getting clients to switch from what they know if difficult)

Industrial ERPs are deeply tied to workflows, integrations, and real-world operations. Rewriting them rarely delivers full parity—and often disrupts existing customers.

Option 2: GO-Global as a Modern Alternative

GO-Global offers a more practical path forward.

Instead of replacing the application, GO-Global modernizes how it's delivered—publishing the ERP application directly rather than an entire desktop.

This results in:

• Simplified architecture (no complex RDS stack)
• Lower costs (up to 70% reduction vs. RDS environments)
• Efficient resource usage (optimized for concurrent users)
• Improved performance and user experience
• Preservation of existing code and functionality

For ISVs, this means they can leverage everything they've already built while delivering a modern, cloud-based experience.

Why Industrial ERP Vendors Are Making the Switch

In 2026, industrial ERP providers are under pressure to modernize without sacrificing reliability or profitability.

GO-Global provides the balance they need:

• No costly rewrite
• No complex RDS infrastructure
• Lower operating costs
• Faster path to cloud delivery

The result is a smarter, more efficient way to deliver industrial ERP applications—one that aligns with both technical and business realities.

Are you a industrial ERP application vendor or an ISV exploring cloud-based application delivery? Contact us to learn how GO-Global can help you streamline software access for your end users. Or download a free trial to test it yourself.