metaframe

Metaframe is a historical brand used by Citrix Systems to describe a family of software products designed to centralize and publish Windows applications and desktops for remote access. The core concept was to run applications on a central server and deliver them to users over a network, enabling administrators to manage software centrally and users to access apps from various devices. The Metaframe stack included a server component, historically called MetaFrame Presentation Server, and client technologies or web access options that utilized Citrix' ICA (Independent Computing Architecture) protocol, with later support for HDX and other enhancements. The platform provided features such as application publishing, session virtualization, load balancing, single sign-on, printer and drive redirection, and secure remote access.

Over time, the product line was rebranded as part of Citrix's evolution of its virtualization strategy. MetaFrame became Citrix Presentation Server, and the product family later split into XenApp (applications) and XenDesktop (desktops). In subsequent years, Citrix consolidated these offerings under the umbrella of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, which continues to deliver centralized delivery of Windows applications and desktops to users on various devices, including thin clients, desktops, and mobile devices.

Legacy Metaframe deployments are now considered part of the historical lineage of Citrix's virtualization products. The term is still seen in historical documentation, and some organizations may maintain old MetaFrame configurations or records, but current deployments use the Virtual Apps and Desktops architecture.