We’re about to move into new offices and something that appeals is the potential for developers to work in smaller ‘project’ areas. Thinking semi-open-plan, with quiet rooms for getting stuff done, then as I say semi-partitioned areas (not closed room) with a few desks for those working on each project.

Anyway, part of this idea involves moving between areas or projects. Laptops are one obvious answer – possibly outfitting desks with additional monitors, equipment as necessary. However we build fairly chunky (large) enterprise systems and sometimes running databases, FE tools, BE tools and the app (which might consist of a few components/services) take a lot of resources. In terms of performance, battery considerations, upgradability and cost, desktops have many advantages. Point being, for the cost of a killer laptop, the corresponding desktop machine wipes the floor with it and I’d favour the responsiveness and performance.

My question is, is there viable tech to facilitate modern (backend/fullstack) software development using some remote access/terminal arrangement. In the same office – gigabit LAN etc – with dedicated machines hiding in a cupboard or rack somewhere.

I guess for me that means working with multiple monitors and ideally multiple desktops.

In years gone by I’ve seen Citrix, terminal services, RDC, VNC.. but I’d like to know if it’s viable for software engineering itself, and what kind of issues might crop up. Is the tech viable?

(Also: if there’s a better place to ask this, let me know. I know it’s no an SO question, I felt it was more SE than SU?)