What is PCoIP (PC over IP)?
PCoIP, short for "PC over IP," is a protocol used for screen sharing in remote desktop environments. It was developed by the Canadian company Teradici and incorporated into VMware's VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) product, "VMware View," in November 2009. The product was later renamed VMware Horizon, but PCoIP remains a core protocol in its offering.
The key feature of PCoIP is its ability to compress and transfer virtual desktop display output via IP networks. It supports rendering of high-performance features like 3D graphics and automatically selects the most suitable compression method based on the output type, whether it involves text, photos, or videos. This ensures optimal viewing even on low-bandwidth networks.
Originally developed for applications such as 3D graphics or medical imaging in remote environments, PCoIP was initially released as hardware-based solutions. However, in 2008, VMware collaborated with Teradici to create a software-based version, which has since become widely adopted.
F5’s BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) includes PCoIP proxy functionality, enabling secure remote access to VMware Horizon environments.