Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Is it time for a new name for thin clients?

  The thin client market has evolved significantly to the point where these endpoints aren't all that thin. Find out the case for renaming these devices to 'rich clients.' Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Pros and cons of building up VDI in the current market

  Determining how to host and manage desktops for an entire organization is a major task, so business leaders need to understand the modern VDI market before making this decision. Continue Reading

• Alternatives to Citrix, Microsoft 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

• Understanding Azure Virtual Desktop management and storage

  In this Q&A, author Ryan Mangan discusses best practices for Azure Virtual Desktop management, the importance of storage and more from his book, 'Mastering Azure Virtual Desktop.'Continue Reading

• How do Citrix and VMware's on-premises VDI costs compare?

  To compare Citrix vs. VMware for VDI pricing, organizations must understand how some of their features impact costs. Learn how aspects like the hypervisor factor into VDI pricing.Continue Reading

• What are the best application delivery services and methods?

  With the help of different application delivery services, IT teams can deliver a quality user experience to workers, but these services are best suited to specific use cases.Continue Reading

• 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

• Comparing the features of Citrix and VMware's VDI software

  Citrix and VMware offer tools to simplify VDI deployment and management for IT. Understand the key differences between Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and VMware Horizon.Continue Reading

• Understanding remote desktop connection management tools

  With the influx of remote work, it's no surprise that organizations need a way to access and manage remote user desktops effectively. A few types of tools factor into this effort.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Choosing a thin client for remote desktop protocol access

  There are plenty of suitable thin client options for RDP environments, but each device has unique characteristics that make it a strong or poor fit for a particular organization.Continue Reading

• Understanding the difference between thin and thick clients

  How do thin and thick clients compare for licensing or flexibility? These two endpoint types each have their role in the enterprise, but they fit into organizations in very different ways.Continue Reading

• Compare Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops vs. WVD

  It's difficult to know exactly how Citrix's and Microsoft's virtual desktop offerings stack up against one another, but this article compares WVD vs. Citrix based on several factors.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to fix 8 common remote desktop connection problems

  When the connection between a desktop and its host fails, it's time to do some remote desktop troubleshooting. Check firewalls, security certificates and more if a remote desktop is not working.Continue Reading

• How to select the best Windows Virtual Desktop thin client

  While thin clients aren't the most feature-rich devices, they offer a secure endpoint for virtual desktop users. Learn how to evaluate different options for Windows Virtual Desktop.Continue Reading

• Citrix XenApp

  Citrix XenApp, now part of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, was a product that extends Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host (formerly known as Terminal Services) desktop sessions and applications to users through the Citrix HDX protocol.Continue Reading

• What is virtual desktop infrastructure? VDI explained

  Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a desktop virtualization technology wherein a desktop operating system, typically Microsoft Windows, runs and is managed in a data center.Continue Reading

• How to calculate VDI costs and keep them to a minimum

  When the true cost of VDI is hazy, it's a good idea to make a comprehensive calculation. Determine how to factor in costs related to hardware, infrastructure, licensing and more.Continue Reading

• Desktop as a service vs. VDI: What's the difference?

  The battle for desktop virtualization domination is on. DaaS is able to pack a punch at VDI with cost benefits, cloud services and more flexibility.Continue Reading

• Consider affordable VDI alternatives to Citrix and VMware

  Citrix, VMware and Microsoft aren't the only VDI vendors on the block. Check out alternatives to the major players and what lesser-known VDI vendors can offer.Continue Reading

• Monitor VDI with these top tools

  VDI monitoring helps IT pros get to the bottom of end-user experience issues. Understand what to monitor, and review some of the top VDI tools on the market.Continue Reading

• VDI vs. RDS: What are the differences?

  The difference between a VDI and an RDS desktop may be small for users, but for IT, the decision of how to host its virtual desktops is extremely important.Continue Reading

• VDI hardware comparison: Thin vs. thick vs. zero clients

  Thin clients aren't on a diet; they just do less processing than 'fat' clients. Devices such as the iPad are also VDI hardware options.Continue Reading

• Compare 7 desktop-as-a-service providers

  When it comes to choosing a DaaS provider, organizations may get overwhelmed by the options. Compare the features and capabilities of 7 major vendors to determine the best fit.Continue Reading

• 6 ways VDI can benefit your business

  As with any technology implementation, VDI requires a careful cost-benefit analysis. Evaluate these VDI benefits to determine whether it's a good fit for the business.Continue Reading

• How to evaluate VDI storage requirements

  There are a variety of factors that affect VDI storage, including system requirements and supported workloads. Evaluate these factors to ease the VDI planning process.Continue Reading

• Picking the right VDI use cases means understanding users

  When deciding whether or not to use VDI, IT pros should consider the user above all else, including how users will adjust, as well as what they do and where they work.Continue Reading

• Settle the thin client vs. PC debate for VDI endpoints

  IT has the responsibility to provide virtual desktop endpoints that maximize UX based on the use cases, so admins should learn the different sides of the thin client vs. PC debate.Continue Reading

• How does ControlUp monitoring fix Citrix performance issues?

  There are few more important aspects of managing virtual desktops than monitoring them for performance issues. This video tutorial explains how to use ControlUp for UX monitoring.Continue Reading

• Understanding persistent vs. nonpersistent VDI

  You have a big decision to make when you deploy virtual desktops: Do you go with persistent or nonpersistent VDI? The choice often comes down to storage..Continue Reading

• DaaS provider eases remote work issues for investment firm

  The pandemic forced many organizations to quickly transition to remote work, and DaaS subscribers such as Johnson Investment Counsel had a few key advantages during this process.Continue Reading

• Comparing AMD vs. Nvidia for virtual desktop GPU cards

  Both AMD and Nvidia bring virtual GPUs to virtual desktop users with resource-intensive applications, but organizations should learn what each vendor's vGPU cards can offer.Continue Reading

• Compare MSIX App Attach to other app layering tools

  With Microsoft's MSIX App Attach in public preview, IT professionals should learn the layer tool's capabilities and how it stacks up compared to tools from Liquidware and others.Continue Reading

• Differences in thin client support across VDI vendors

  The thin client support that virtualization vendors provide is often changing, and IT professionals must understand that each vendor takes a unique approach to thin clients.Continue Reading

• 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

• VMware vs. Citrix: VDI security showdown

  When it comes to VDI, Citrix and VMware are the two biggest players in the market. But which platform offers more security? Find out in this battle of security features: VMware vs. Citrix VDI.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 5 Windows Virtual Desktop management tools to consider

  Deep management capabilities are important, even in a cloud desktop implementation such as Windows Virtual Desktop. Discover five third-party tools that support a Windows Virtual Desktop deployment.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What features should IT look for in VDI monitoring tools?

  VDI monitoring tools can help IT get visibility into a complex environment. Here are five features every IT admin should look for in a VDI monitoring tool.Continue Reading

• When should IT use thin clients for VDI?

  Thin clients are less expensive than PCs, but they also come with limitations. Find out if thin clients will work well within your organization.Continue Reading

• Get to know Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops LTSR and CR

  Determine the differences between Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops LTSR and CR, and understand why many customers are reluctant to make the switch from LTSR to CR.Continue Reading

• Windows Virtual Desktop forces VDI market to adapt or risk failure

  In this Q&A with a company that helped developed Windows Virtual Desktop, dig into how it will affect the VDI market and the road that Microsoft took to develop the service.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Why perceived Citrix Cloud costs may not align with reality

  Citrix is encouraging its customers to move their VDI deployments to the cloud. But the company's marketing ploys don't often mention the real costs of moving to Citrix Cloud.Continue Reading

• Explore options for VDI disaster recovery

  Every VDI deployment should have a disaster recovery plan that doesn't break the bank. Explore some ways to implement VDI disaster recovery in an organization.Continue Reading

• What should IT consider when choosing VDI antivirus software?

  Virtual desktops are just as susceptible to cyberattacks as any physical desktop. Here's what IT administrators need to know about choosing the right VDI antivirus software.Continue Reading

• Explore pros and cons of virtual application streaming

  There are multiple ways to deliver virtual applications, and app streaming is one of them. Find out what app streaming means in a virtual desktop infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Navigate the challenges of VDI licensing

  Finding the right VDI license plan can be difficult. Navigate some of the major challenges of VDI licensing, and learn how to overcome them in VMware Horizon View.Continue Reading

• Indiana University virtualization pro talks VDI management

  Stephanie Cox helped to create Indiana University's award-winning virtual environment for staff and students. Here, she discusses lessons learned and VDI management challenges.Continue Reading

• When on-premises VDI deployments trump cloud applications

  Desktop as a service lessens IT management, but sacrifices granular control. Check out this handbook to learn more about cloud desktops vs. on-premises VDI.Continue Reading

• VDI applications maintain many use-case advantages over DaaS

  DaaS is growing rapidly, but on-premises VDI holds an edge in use cases that require granular control, network stability, application flexibility, OS licensing and secure data.Continue Reading

• Virtual application delivery methods to know

  It can be intimidating to choose the best virtual application delivery method. Take a look at the different options to determine the best one for your organization.Continue Reading

• 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

• Benefits of multi-user Windows 10 in Windows Virtual Desktop

  Windows Virtual Desktop could be a game-changer in the DaaS market with the introduction of multi-user Windows 10. Understand the pros and cons of this new service.Continue Reading

• Improve VDI load balancing for Hyper-V deployments

  Managing virtual machine workloads is one of the crucial aspects of VDI management on Hyper-V hosts. The preferred method is Microsoft's dynamic load balancing.Continue Reading

• How app layering can overcome app virtualization challenges

  App layering allows IT to manage applications independently. Learn about the other benefits of app layering and how it differs from application virtualization.Continue Reading

• A guide to enterprise thin client systems

  Thin client systems are more than just low-powered PCs. They offer many security and management benefits. Learn more about enterprise thin client benefits in this buyer's guide.Continue Reading

• What to look for in a VDI troubleshooting tool

  VDI management is complicated, but the right troubleshooting tool can make it less so. IT should consider these factors when choosing a troubleshooting tool for its VDI deployment.Continue Reading

• Can hyper-converged infrastructure cut VDI costs?

  Hyper-converged systems may cost more upfront, but organizations must also calculate long-term costs to determine if HCI is a fit for their virtual desktop infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Compare the top vendors of thin client systems

  Explore some of the top thin client systems currently on the market -- based on industry, cost and data usage -- to help you make the right buying decision.Continue Reading

• GPU use gains traction in VDI deployments

  The ability to share GPUs among multiple virtual desktop instances has contributed to a rise in GPU use in many VDI deployments.Continue Reading

• Build your business case for thin client hardware

  Take an in-depth look at thin clients, including the benefits, drawbacks and use cases, to determine if these endpoints can cut costs and protect data.Continue Reading

• Discover thin client hardware and learn the benefits it offers

  Thin clients can help many organizations, especially when it comes to storing information in one space. Learn about the different thin client designs, as well as their cost-saving benefits.Continue Reading

• Clear the confusion around Microsoft RDS

  Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is often pigeonholed as a session-based virtualization tool. IT can, however, use it for both VDI and app virtualization, as well.Continue Reading

• Diverse VDI endpoints require new management methods in 2019

  IT professionals must make sure they are prepared to manage different types of endpoints as a part of their VDI deployments because the modern workforce requires it.Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft RemoteApp server-based virtualization work?

  With RemoteApp, users can access virtual apps that reside in a data center or in a cloud-based VM rather than locally on their devices. The app still behaves as though it's local.Continue Reading

• 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

• Client and server-based virtual application delivery methods

  IT pros can deliver virtual apps to users with a client-based or server-based approach. The main difference is where the data lives.Continue Reading

• IT reaps the benefits of HCI for virtual desktops and apps

  Hyper-converged infrastructure can deliver benefits to IT on the back end, but many of those benefits can also directly affect virtual application delivery and performance.Continue Reading

• Understand the dangers of cloud-based VDI management

  Managing VDI with a cloud-based tool can become very complicated if IT hosts different aspects of its deployment through multiple cloud vendors.Continue Reading

• How should IT assess zero client vs. thin client devices?

  Zero clients and thin clients can simplify the endpoints users work with in VDI deployments. The makeup of each option affects the benefits it delivers.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of VDI vs. RDS for desktop hosting

  RDS and VDI each offer benefits for certain use cases. Test yourself to see if you know when RDS is a good idea and when organizations should opt for VDI.Continue Reading

• Are application layers always a good idea?

  App layering, which separates apps from the underlying OS, helps IT in several ways, including allowing it to deliver apps to specific groups, but it's not always a great fit.Continue Reading

• How Linux thin clients have improved

  VDI shops should consider Linux-based thin clients as endpoints for their users for several reasons, including the fact that they are cheaper than Windows thin clients.Continue Reading

• How are application layering and app virtualization different?

  If IT pros effectively use either app layering or app virtualization, they can simplify management while improving the end-user experience.Continue Reading

• Does application container technology differ from virtualization?

  When delivering virtual apps to users, IT has a few options up its sleeve, including containers, which isolate the app from the OS and other applications.Continue Reading

• 5 decisions for application and desktop virtualization

  IT has to make several major decisions to ensure that it makes the most of its application and desktop virtualization deployment, such as selecting a hosting method and end-user devices.Continue Reading

• What mobile thin clients offer and why to consider them

  The mobile thin client market might not be huge, but these portable devices can be a real boost for VDI shops in improving security and simplifying management.Continue Reading

• How workspaces can affect a virtual desktop deployment

  Workspaces are poised to redefine the desktops users work with. As a result, virtual desktops could become just a part of a larger end-user computing approach.Continue Reading

• Do you know the optimal VDI use cases?

  Any IT pro considering VDI must know where to apply it. Find out if you know when and where VDI is a good fit with this quiz on user types, important considerations and more.Continue Reading

• What IT pros need to know about Citrix certifications

  Citrix offers a slew of certifications that prove how well an IT pro knows a certain technology. To earn a certification, IT pros must pass exams that Citrix issues.Continue Reading

• Top tips for virtual desktop delivery success

  Successfully deploying virtual desktops is no easy feat. IT pros shared their stories of adopting virtual desktops in a customer panel at VMworld 2018.Continue Reading

• It's time to embrace mobile VDI access

  Mobile devices have not taken the thin client market by storm, but they could become more popular as virtual app and desktop vendors gear their products toward smartphones and tablets.Continue Reading

• How does a client-based application with Microsoft App-V work?

  The app virtualization world is confusing. Get some clarity on how client-based app deployment works by taking a closer look at Microsoft App-V.Continue Reading

• Best practices for managing user profiles

  When IT establishes user profiles for virtual desktops, it has several profile options. If users work from multiple endpoints, for example, IT should use roaming user profiles.Continue Reading

• What to look for in a virtual application monitoring tool

  Poor virtual app performance makes users unhappy and unproductive, which hurts an organization's bottom line. IT can fight problems by monitoring virtual app performance.Continue Reading

• How the move to Windows 10 could lead IT to deploy VDI

  When IT moves users to Windows 10, it should take the time to also look at the potential of VDI, a technology that has grown a lot in recent years and become more affordable.Continue Reading

• Can you use root cause analysis for VDI troubleshooting?

  When IT pros adopt root cause analysis for VDI, they must know how to best use it to solve performance problems before they affect end users. Take this quiz to see if you're ready.Continue Reading

• 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