Citrix, a business unit of Cloud Software Group, has unveiled its expanded capabilities for hybrid cloud solutions, catering to both cloud and on-premises environments. As part of this expansion, they now offer a Citrix Universal subscription that combines Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) offerings.
The recent addition to their offerings is the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 2305 release, which follows a series of new features introduced earlier this year. This enhanced flexibility is aimed at meeting customers' needs across various deployment scenarios, including on-premises, cloud, multi-cloud, hybrid, or a mix of these options.
According to Shannon Kalvar, research director at IDC, the future of computing lies in hybrid solutions as enterprises recognize the necessity of coordinating edge, cloud, data center, and endpoint computing to meet the diverse requirements of digital operations and hybrid workforces. Citrix has embraced this vision, responding to its customer's demands for a comprehensive desktop solution with hybrid cloud capabilities, showcasing its commitment to customer-centric innovation.
Citrix's focus on providing a single platform for zero-trust app and desktop access is evident in the introduction of new features such as SaaS app access through Citrix Secure Private Access and modern management via Citrix Web Studio™ in on-premises Virtual Apps and desktop environments. Unlike other DaaS and VDI solutions that limit users to either on-premises or specific cloud providers, Citrix Cloud allows IT to leverage any cloud, on-premises data center, or hybrid scenario without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Citrix's high-definition HDX user experience technologies further ensure top-notch security and a seamless end-user experience across all deployment options.
Sridhar Mullapudi, general manager of Citrix Cloud services, emphasized the importance of meeting customers where they are on their cloud journeys. Many organizations prefer the control offered by on-premises solutions combined with the scalability and flexibility of hybrid cloud models. Citrix's latest services and features aim to address these preferences, reducing administrative burdens, enhancing user experiences, and fortifying security for enterprises.
The recent releases from Citrix offer a range of benefits, contributing to improved operational and IT efficiency, increased workload and device flexibility, enhanced security and compliance, and streamlined employee experience technology. Some of the notable enhancements include:
- Enhancing Operational and IT Efficiency: IT managers can now take advantage of the streamlined management offered by cloud-based Web Studio, now available on-premises. Additionally, Web Studio enables admins to utilize Citrix Autoscale™ for cost-saving optimizations and automation while maintaining a seamless user experience. The introduction of the VDA Upgrade service allows for automated upgrades, further streamlining IT management.
- Enabling Workload and Device Flexibility: Customers can now leverage cloud services more effectively by integrating with Google, Microsoft Azure, and AWS. Authentication is simplified with Google Cloud Identity, and inventory filtering is now possible with Amazon Machine Image inventory. Additionally, users can shift to lower-tier storage options through Microsoft Azure.
- Strengthening Security and Compliance: Security remains a top priority for IT initiatives. Citrix introduces improved Session Recording capabilities, including a new dashboard for enhanced visibility, automatic emails for session recording events, and a new daemon that automatically resolves client issues. Furthermore, the new Citrix Application Discovery™ provides IT managers with increased visibility into internal private applications and user access, bolstering the zero-trust approach to security.
- Optimizing Employee Experience Technology: Employee satisfaction is crucial, and Citrix addresses this by introducing a new and improved user interface for Citrix Workspace™. This interface offers a less cluttered desktop experience with greater self-service options for employees, enhancing the overall user experience.
These latest enhancements build upon the previous releases, including the Citrix Universal subscription and HDX improvements. With the Citrix Universal subscription, businesses can deploy and manage application and desktop workloads across various environments, enabling support and optimization of on-premises apps and data while leveraging the cloud for other workloads. The HDX improvements allow teams to make the most of Microsoft Teams features, such as Simulcast and Background Blurring, and the partnership with Microsoft has resulted in Citrix for Windows 365. This integration provides Citrix customers with a high-definition experience, seamless third-party solution integration, support for numerous devices and peripherals, and added layers of security.
With these advancements, Citrix Cloud remains at the forefront of providing cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern enterprises, embracing the hybrid cloud approach to drive efficiency, security, and employee satisfaction.
