Cloud-based desktops and DaaS
Desktop virtualization is an evolving technology that is moving more to the cloud. There are many ways to host and deliver virtual desktops from the cloud, but organizations tend to fall into one of two categories: accessing desktop as a service (DaaS) virtual desktops from a public cloud hosted by a vendor or building a private cloud.
Top Stories
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Tip
08 Aug 2024
Comparing AWS WorkSpaces vs. Azure Virtual Desktop
AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop are stable and mature platforms that work equally well, but key factors set them apart. Learn more about how to decide between them. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2024
Comparing VMware Horizon vs. Azure Virtual Desktop
Two of the top desktop virtualization technologies are Azure Virtual Desktop and Omnissa Horizon -- formerly from VMware. Learn how to evaluate and choose one of these platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jul 2024
Comparing Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Citrix DaaS
There are reasons to choose either Azure Virtual Desktop or Citrix DaaS, so organizations should compare these services and deploy one or combine both. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2024
Learning the features and limitations of MSIX app attach
With MSIX app attach, IT can deploy and perform various management tasks for Windows applications. Despite new features, this tool still has some limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2024
When is Windows 10 end of life? How to extend support
Windows 10 end of support is a critical date for administrators to know about. While the simplest option is to move to Windows 11, organizations can extend support for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Jun 2024
By acquiring Cameyo, Google fully commits to enterprise EUC
With the acquisition of Cameyo, Google puts ChromeOS into consideration in enterprises alongside thin clients, repurposed PCs or even laptops running Windows. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2024
VMware EUC is now Omnissa: What we know so far
VMware EUC users waiting to see where the products would land after Broadcom's divestiture now have some answers. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2024
Understanding Microsoft 365 GCC High and other licenses
Government organizations should turn to the variety of dedicated services that Microsoft offers to deliver familiar productivity services to users with highly secured data. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2024
Understanding the basics of Windows 365 Government
Windows 365 Government isn't available to all Microsoft customers, but organizations such as governments and privileged contractors can benefit from this specialized offering. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
desktop as a service (DaaS)
Desktop as a service (DaaS) is a cloud computing offering in which a third party hosts the back end of a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployment. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2024
desktop virtualization
Desktop virtualization is the concept of isolating a logical operating system (OS) instance from the client used to access it. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Feb 2024
First thoughts on VMware EUC sale to private equity firm KKR
Broadcom's sale of VMware EUC to private equity firm KKR will likely mean big changes, but the deal shouldn't be compared to Citrix's sale to Vista. Here's why. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2024
Broadcom to sell VMware EUC division to KKR for $3.8B
Customers that pair VMware's hypervisor with Horizon and Workspace One desktops might feel licensing jitters, but the deal could lead to more flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2024
How to run Windows 365 on an iPad
It may be difficult for organizations to deliver all their internal apps and resources to a tablet such as an iPad. With Windows 365, this process can be simple for IT teams. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Jan 2024
VDI alternatives to Citrix and VMware for remote work
Many organizations will go with remote and virtual desktop services from Citrix, Microsoft and VMware, but there are many alternatives on the market. Check out these 11 vendors. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2023
How to run Windows 365 on Mac
IT teams must be prepared to deliver Windows 365 Cloud PCs to all sorts of endpoints -- not just Windows desktops. Admins can take steps to facilitate this access on Mac desktops. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2023
Desktop as a service vs. VDI: What's the difference?
For IT to choose between desktop as a service vs. VDI, they'll need to decide what's more important -- security and control or flexibility for development and maintenance. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Dec 2023
Broadcom intends to divest VMware EUC: What's next?
Broadcom officially intends to divest itself of VMware EUC, leaving questions about where the end user computing division and VMware's desktop technologies might land. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Nov 2023
Amazon thin client spurs conversation about replacing laptops
AWS bowed a new entry into the thin client space, which appeals to a limited audience of Amazon WorkSpaces-based orgs. What we really want is to ditch the work laptop for good. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Nov 2023
Amazon makes waves with a new… thin client?
The new thin client combines the third-generation Fire TV Cube with a newly-built thin client operating system called Fire TV enterprise edition. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Nov 2023
What happens to VMware EUC and Carbon Black under Broadcom?
Following the acquisition of VMware, there are a number of directions Broadcom could go with VMware's end user computing and Carbon Black business units. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2023
Compare 7 desktop-as-a-service providers
When choosing a DaaS provider, organizations may get overwhelmed by the options. Compare the features and capabilities of seven major vendors to determine the best fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2023
How to use Terraform to configure Azure Virtual Desktop
There are several ways to configure and test an Azure Virtual Desktop environment, but Terraform has some key strengths that can help IT improve their AVD management. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2023
Comparing AVD vs. VDI and how to start a migration plan
When organizations evaluate their existing business technologies, choosing a method to host and deliver virtual desktops is a critical decision. Find out how to make that decision. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2023
How to perform an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) migration
An Azure Virtual Desktop migration begins in the planning stages, which should entail weighing the options for moving to AVD, including alternatives to direct migration. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Aug 2023
Amazon WorkSpaces finally supports Office 365, but why now?
Microsoft has finally walked back one very specific angle of its Office 365 licensing policy, allowing enterprises to run it on Amazon WorkSpaces. Will others follow? Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jul 2023
PC as a service is an alternative and a complement to DaaS
When IT teams consider the best way to deploy and manage desktops and endpoints, PCaaS should be a strong consideration to replace or work with desktop virtualization. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2023
cloud telephony (cloud calling)
Cloud telephony (cloud calling) is a type of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) that offers voice communication services through a third-party host. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jul 2023
Citrix Cloud
Citrix Cloud is a management and delivery platform for IT administrators to design, deliver and manage virtual desktops and applications and other services, such as file sharing, on any device. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2023
4 PC lifecycle management best practices
There isn't a perfect PC lifecycle plan for all organizations, so IT teams and management should ask themselves these four questions to shape their PC policy. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 May 2023
Calculating sustainability and emissions for VDI and DaaS
Though VDI and DaaS are both desktop virtualization services, their sustainability can differ significantly, so business leaders should learn how to calculate their emissions. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Apr 2023
Forecasting VDI trends and the future of the market
VDI was once thought to be the future of managing desktops, but at times it can feel like a relic. However, VDI has certain characteristics that ensure it's here to stay. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2023
VMware vs. Citrix: Which is better for your organization?
VMware and Citrix both offer useful virtualization tools, but each one has its pros and cons. Explore the features and other factors that can help you decide between them. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2023
Thousands of Citrix, Tibco employees laid off following merger
Cloud Software Group lays off 2,250 workers following major changes to sales and product development after merging Citrix Systems with Tibco Software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Nov 2022
Analyzing the chaos in the desktop virtualization market
From major acquisitions to brand-new product launches and rebrands, Citrix, Microsoft and VMware have been shaking up the desktop virtualization space. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2022
Questions remain following Citrix-TIBCO merger
Investment firms Vista Equity Partners and Evergreen Coast Capital completed the acquisition of Citrix, but questions about partnerships and potential product spinoffs remain. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2022
VMware updates Horizon Cloud to reduce infrastructure needs
VMware has improved Horizon Cloud and added features to Workspace One UEM. It also plans to launch a managed virtual desktop product to support the various needs of hybrid work. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2022
Understanding the DaaS options for Macs
When people discuss desktop as a service, it is usually in the context of Windows desktops. For macOS, however, implementing DaaS can be more complicated. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2022
What are the key differences between DaaS and VPN?
VPN and DaaS can both give remote access to corporate resources, but they differ in key ways. IT admins should consider these factors when making the decision of DaaS vs. VPN. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2022
Comparing Windows 365 vs. Azure Virtual Desktop
While Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 both offer a virtual desktop service from Microsoft, major differences exist between an AVD machine and a Windows 365 Cloud PC. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2022
Windows 365 compared to Windows 10
Organizations may look at Windows 365 as a clear improvement from an administrative perspective, but a traditional Windows physical desktop environment still has its perks. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2022
device as a service (DaaS)
The device as a service (DaaS) model offers PCs, smartphones and other mobile computing devices as a paid service. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2022
What are the pros and cons of DaaS?
Desktop as a service stands out for its scalability, but IT admins should also keep factors such as customizability in mind when considering their desktop virtualization options. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2022
Microsoft brings Windows 365 Cloud PC closer to Windows 11
Microsoft will make Windows 365 more like a local install of Windows by letting employees work offline and switch between their local desktops and Cloud PC. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2022
Windows 365 security features for IT admins to know
Like any technology that supports end-user PCs, Windows 365 environments need properly configured security controls. IT must learn how to support these Cloud PCs before deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2022
Features and pricing for Windows 365 Enterprise and Business
Organizations considering Windows 365 must learn the difference between the Enterprise and Business editions and what resources are available to customers of each. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2022
What is Windows 365 and what does it offer?
The Windows 365 Cloud PC subscription brings a new option to the desktop virtualization landscape, with some familiar traits and several key distinctions. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2021
Azure Virtual Desktop requirements, customizations and more
Azure Virtual Desktop has some simple requirements, but organizations must look at their needs for a virtual desktop environment compared to the capabilities of AVD. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2021
Azure Virtual Desktop setup tutorial
When IT administrators set up an Azure Virtual Desktop environment, they must ensure that the proper prerequisites are in place and follow the process outlined below. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2021
Understanding how Azure Virtual Desktop pricing works
Organizations considering Azure Virtual Desktop should factor in all the components that affect pricing, such as VM type and virtual resources. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Microsoft puts its OS in the cloud with Windows 365
Microsoft said Windows 365 gives companies a simple way to use cloud-based desktops at a predictable price. The company will release two versions of the product in early August. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Jun 2021
A Windows Virtual Desktop overview for customers
WVD brings distinct advantages to the table, with a few caveats. Find out how WVD stacks up compared to the market. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2021
Why and when to use Windows Virtual Desktop
Organizations considering Windows Virtual Desktop should take a step back and evaluate when it makes sense to use WVD, and when to consider alternative options. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2021
4 Windows Virtual Desktop management limitations
WVD management isn't all the way there yet, despite Microsoft expanding its offering over the past year. Some capabilities still aren't as extensive as Citrix and VMware's offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2020
How Telus International addressed remote work challenges
Telus International CTO Jim Radzicki credits Google Cloud for the firm's rapid deployment of remote work technology, like virtual desktops, in the face of the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Jan 2020
A Windows Virtual Desktop demo on management tools for IT
In this Windows Virtual Desktop demo, IT pros can learn how to manage Microsoft's DaaS offering and what tools are available to help them take control of WVD. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2020
How VDI can extend Windows 7 end of life
As Microsoft stops supporting Windows 7, IT admins must plan to adapt. Run through the options, including transitioning to VDI with Windows 7 on Windows Virtual Desktop. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2019
VDI in 2020 will feature cloud, workspaces
2019 brought a lot of changes to the VDI industry, and 2020 will likely do the same. Check out these expert predictions for VDI market trends in 2020. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Dec 2019
One year since the acquisition, how has Nutanix Xi Frame progressed?
The DaaS market is getting hot, and that means more competition for players that had an early lead. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Nov 2019
Understand VDI market shifts from traditional VDI to cloud
As the VDI market shifts to cloud-based VDI and DaaS, it's important to understand the bigger picture. Understand the benefits and complexities of the changing market. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2019
Compare offerings from 3 major desktop-as-a-service providers
Three desktop-as-a-service providers, Citrix, VMware and Microsoft, all offer virtual desktops as a part of their cloud services. Delve into the pros and cons of their offerings. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Nov 2019
Microsoft Ignite 2019 news: Intune + SCCM = Endpoint Manager; WVD on Azure Stack Hub; & more
Now with Monday updates, including App Assure for WVD and Edge; IGEL support for WVD; and co-management as a destination. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2019
10 Microsoft Ignite 2019 sessions for VDI admins
VDI admins attending Microsoft Ignite 2019 could benefit from attending these 10 sessions. This guide can help to build a session schedule for the conference. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2019
4 unforeseen challenges of running VDI in the cloud
VDI in the cloud is different than an on-premises deployment, even if you take the lift-and-shift route. Here's what to expect during a transition to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2019
DaaS brings GPU-accelerated applications within reach
Cloud-hosted virtual desktops allow organizations that require GPU-accelerated apps to have more scalability, higher cost-effectiveness and be less focused on management. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2019
Windows Virtual Desktop is generally available
Microsoft released Windows Virtual Desktop to the general public, which is likely to have significant effects on the VDI market. Learn why, and what the service offers. Continue Reading
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Video
01 Aug 2019
How to save FSLogix profile containers to Azure Blob Storage
FSLogix profiles are a great way to take full advantage of Windows Virtual Desktop. IT can save time and money with this step-by-step process to save FSLogix profile containers to Azure Blob Storage. Continue Reading
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Guide
19 Jul 2019
Desktop as a service virtually eases deployment, hosting woes
If an organization wants to provide virtual desktops for its users without deploying and managing on-premises VDI, it can recruit desktop as a service. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2019
Evaluate Citrix Cloud cost concerns and advantages
VDI in the cloud isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Here's how to weigh pros and cons, using Citrix Cloud as an example, before purchasing a cloud subscription. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 May 2019
What’s new with printing for Windows Virtual Desktop
Bas van Kaam looks at how it works, and how third-party vendors are addressing WVD, including Tricerat and ThinPrint. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2019
How Citrix Cloud Connector integrates with Cisco infrastructure
Citrix and Cisco released an integration that helps organizations transition to Citrix Cloud for a hybrid model that moves desktop management to the cloud. So, how does it work? Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2019
DaaS providers faced with new delivery option
Microsoft's Windows Virtual Desktop ups the ante on DaaS with multisession Windows 10 desktops. Increased competition could encourage other DaaS providers to innovate. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2019
How do DaaS providers deliver cloud desktops?
Most DaaS providers offer either session- or client-based desktops. Services differ in the OSes that providers support and the configuration options at IT administrators' disposal. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2018
How to secure Azure RDP virtual machine access with a jumpbox
A jumpbox can be a handy tool to improve security in a Microsoft Azure deployment. For starters, it blocks the public IP address automatically associated with any VMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2018
Understand Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop and its benefits
Microsoft is bringing its virtual desktop offerings into the cloud era. Windows Virtual Desktop represents a big step forward. Continue Reading
- 27 Nov 2018
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News
20 Nov 2018
Microsoft acquisition of FSLogix to help push cloud desktops
FSLogix can help Microsoft solve problems that have plagued the integration of Office 365 and virtual desktops, and it will immediately benefit the new Windows Virtual Desktop. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2018
Windows Virtual Desktop poised to shake up the DaaS market
Microsoft is finally throwing its hat into the desktop-as-a-service ring with Windows Virtual Desktop. The DaaS offering could shake up the competition significantly. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2018
How to keep DaaS pricing stable and consistent
It's easy for DaaS subscription costs to spiral out of control unless IT takes the following five steps, including understanding how they will put the cloud-based desktops to use. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2018
Best practices for setting up Citrix Cloud services
Citrix Cloud enables organizations to host XenDesktop, XenApp and more in the cloud, but IT should first set up administration and Cloud Connectors and ensure high availability. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2018
The definitive DaaS provider criteria checklist
If IT wants to move its virtual desktops to a DaaS vendor, it's critical to know what to look for, including the disaster recovery options and monitoring capabilities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Jan 2018
How cloud-native application development affects VDI
As more and more applications become cloud-native, VDI shops should prepare for changes in the way users access their apps and desktops. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2017
Configure a complete enterprise DaaS deployment
There is a lot more than cost that goes into planning a DaaS deployment. Know the missteps to avoid and top vendors that will best fit an organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 May 2017
How does Office 365 VDI licensing work in nonpersistent deployments?
Setting up Office 365 generally involves multiple devices. With nonpersistent VDI, the rules of the game change for IT admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2014
What's the difference between a DaaS provider and a DaaS platform?
Some DaaS providers also have DaaS platforms, but the terms aren't synonymous. The platform is what makes DaaS run; the provider supplies it to you. Continue Reading
