Workspaces - On Prem connection

1. Can we make local files accessible via Workspace?

To make local files accessible user needs to use a file syncing software.
AWS offers WorkDocs, a fully managed, secure content creation, storage, and collaboration service. With Amazon WorkDocs, you can easily create, edit, and share content, and because it’s stored centrally on AWS, access it from anywhere on any device.
Amazon WorkSpaces users receive access to WorkDocs for no additional charge. This includes 50 GB of storage per WorkSpaces user.
Other options include Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, The Box...

2. Does Workspace work with local peripherals e.g. Headsets?

Per WorkSpaces FAQ:

Q: Which peripherals can be used with the Amazon WorkSpaces client applications?

Amazon WorkSpaces clients support:
• Keyboard, mouse, and touch input (touch input is only supported on tablet clients). Amazon WorkSpaces do not currently support a 3D mouse.
• Audio output to client device
• Analog and USB headsets

Q: What kind of headsets can be used for audio conversations?

Most analog and USB headsets will work for audio conversations through WorkSpaces running Windows. For USB headsets, you should ensure they show up as a playback device locally on your client computer.

Q: Can I use the built in microphone and speakers for making audio calls?

Yes. For the best experience, we recommend using a headset for audio calls. However, you may experience an echo when using the built in microphone and speakers with certain communication applications.

3. Any limitations on what can be installed on a Workspace session?

From the FAQ:

Q: Can users install applications on their Amazon WorkSpace?

By default, users are configured as local administrators of their WorkSpaces. Administrators can change this setting and can restrict users’ ability to install applications with a technology such as Group Policy.

Windows 7 and Windows 10 desktop experiences are powered by Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2016 respectively. As long as the application is compatible with the server edition of Windows it can be installed. For Linux, it's even less restrictive. You can always add more software from the Amazon Linux repositories using yum.

However, if the application customer wants to install is a non-standard one, a prior test is strongly advised. Amazon WorkSpaces service offers a Free Tier for first time Workspaces customers, designed to allow hands-on experience of the service at no cost. The Free Tier offer provides two Standard bundle WorkSpaces for up to 40 hours of combined use per month, for two calendar months, from the time of creation of the first WorkSpace.