The collaboration between Microsoft and Citrix has long aimed to enhance the value of their joint offerings, particularly in desktop virtualization. This partnership has led to significant advancements in Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions, notably through Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Citrix's innovative technologies. Together, they provide a comprehensive solution for organizations seeking to migrate their desktops to the cloud, offering increased flexibility for IT departments and cost savings compared to traditional on-premises setups.
Enhancing Azure Virtual Desktop with Citrix
Citrix optimizes the AVD experience in many ways including:
Optimal Performance and Cost Efficiency
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) has established itself as a popular choice for companies transitioning to cloud-based desktops, delivering greater flexibility and reduced costs. When integrated with Citrix, users experience an enhanced environment characterized by superior performance and cost-effectiveness. Citrix's unique capabilities in hybrid multi-cloud support extend to both on-premises resources and Azure, facilitated through a streamlined management interface. This integration accelerates the migration process, allowing businesses to reap the benefits of cloud computing swiftly.
Streamlined Operations and Cost Savings
Citrix's optimization capabilities further enhance the deployment and maintenance of Azure Virtual Desktop resources. By accelerating resource deployment and lifecycle management, Citrix enables quicker rollouts and a reduced time to value. This efficiency is coupled with advanced scalability and performance optimizations that help lower cloud spending. Organizations utilizing Citrix can realize significant cost reductions, with Citrix optimizations saving up to 25% over three years compared to using Azure Virtual Desktop alone.
Secure and High-Performance User Experience
Citrix also provides a secure, high-performance desktop experience across various devices and locations. Through Citrix HDX technology, users benefit from improved interface interactions, interactive voice and video support for applications like Microsoft Teams, and advanced controls for resource access management. Additional features such as full audit trails and session recording contribute to a robust security posture and user experience.
Economic Impact and Return on Investment
Recent studies underscore the economic benefits of combining Citrix with Azure Virtual Desktop. A Forrester study found that for an organization with 15,000 employees, the total economic impact of using Citrix in conjunction with Azure Virtual Desktop over three years amounts to $6.7 million, translating to a 153% return on investment (ROI). This substantial impact highlights the value of Citrix's optimizations and its role in maximizing the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop.
Future Developments with Windows 365 Cloud PC
The collaboration between Citrix and Microsoft continues to evolve with the introduction of Windows 365 Cloud PC. Citrix and Microsoft are working together to develop complementary solutions for this new category of cloud PCs. The product plan is currently being finalized, and further details will be shared soon. This initiative aims to simplify IT management for hybrid cloud deployments and offer a straightforward, flat-rate cloud PC solution.
Expanding Accessibility and Convenience
In addition to these advancements, Citrix is now available through the Azure Marketplace, allowing customers to apply their Azure consumption commitment towards Citrix desktop services and workspace solutions. This development enhances convenience for Azure customers and makes it easier to leverage Citrix's capabilities running on Azure.
The partnership between Citrix and Microsoft continues to drive innovation in Desktop as a Service. By combining cutting-edge technologies and optimizing the Azure Virtual Desktop experience, Citrix and Microsoft offer organizations a powerful solution for modern desktop management. As the landscape of virtual desktops evolves, these advancements will play a crucial role in delivering secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for businesses worldwide.
Learn more here.