Virtual and remote desktop strategies

When an organization elects to use remote or virtual desktops, it must make many strategic decisions. These decisions include how to deliver the applications and desktops, what endpoints users use and which vendors to choose for various tools.

Top Stories

Tip 22 May 2023
Mitigate VDI performance issues with resource management

To improve user experience, IT can take advantage of virtual desktop configurations that limit resource usage. This frees up resources for all desktops to perform basic functions. Continue Reading
Opinion 17 May 2023
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

Tip 11 May 2023

What are RDS CALs and how should IT use them?

IT teams rely on CALs to ensure that RDS users are properly licensed for their sessions, so they should know how to work with them and what different options they present. Continue Reading
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
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
Answer 25 Apr 2023

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
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
Tip 02 Mar 2023

How to fix keyboard connection issues on a remote desktop

When the keyboard for a remote desktop isn't working, sys admins will need to run through these steps to find the root cause of the problem and address it. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Mar 2023

Fixing issues with a computer mouse on a remote desktop

Running a remote desktop comes with all sorts of hardware considerations for IT to address, including how the desktop interacts with local hardware, such as a computer mouse. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Feb 2023

How to configure multiple monitors for remote desktop use

A remote desktop workstation may require specific configurations for the local hardware, including options to set up multiple monitors on an RDP desktop. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Feb 2023

Azure Virtual Desktop sizing guide for IT

Deploying Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) can provide synergy across Microsoft services, but there are decisions that IT must make to determine the capacity of the environment. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Dec 2022

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
Quiz 20 Dec 2022

Test your Azure Virtual Desktop storage management skills

Use these questions to test how well you know the best practices for managing Azure Virtual Desktop storage. Continue Reading
Opinion 08 Dec 2022

The enterprise endpoint device market heading into 2023

Modern enterprise organizations have numerous options to choose from on the endpoint market. Learn about some of the main offerings that business leaders should consider. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Nov 2022

How to fix a remote desktop microphone that's not working

Hybrid work can create new technical issues for employees, and a remote desktop microphone not working is one frustrating possibility. Understand how to troubleshoot the problem. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Nov 2022

Enabling and supporting webcam use on remote desktops

When IT teams manage employees using remote desktops, they should make sure they can set up and troubleshoot peripheral devices, such as webcams. Continue Reading
Tip 17 Nov 2022

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
Tip 28 Oct 2022

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
News 27 Sep 2022

Jamf to acquire ZecOps to bolster iOS security

Jamf will pay an undisclosed sum for ZecOps, which logs activity on iOS devices to find potential attacks. The companies expect the deal to close by 2023. Continue Reading
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
Tip 18 Aug 2022

6 steps for when remote desktop credentials are not working

Without a solid connection, remote desktops simply cannot function. When there are remote desktop connection issues, IT administrators should follow these steps. Continue Reading
News 13 Jul 2022

New CEO not likely to change Tibco once merged with Citrix

The analytics vendor's product leaders all remain in place, so while it will have a new company leader, its product development capabilities are expected to remain unchanged. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Jun 2022

How to approach Citrix performance troubleshooting

Citrix performance issues can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and troubleshoot them using various techniques, such as automation. Continue Reading
Tip 25 May 2022

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
Tip 24 May 2022

Using native and third-party Citrix troubleshooting tools

End-user issues will come up in any virtual desktop environment, so administrators must be prepared. For a Citrix environment, there are various tools at IT's disposal. Continue Reading
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
Tip 09 Dec 2021

How to configure automatic Azure Virtual Desktop scaling

Azure Virtual Desktop now supports VM automation for tasks such as scaling up and ramping down. These features can lead to a more efficient and cost-effective VDI environment. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Sep 2021

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
News 28 Jul 2021

HP to buy Teradici to improve virtual-desktop delivery

Teradici would provide HP with technology to help customers bolster the performance of their virtual desktops. HP expects to close the deal this year. Continue Reading
News 23 Jul 2021

Microsoft Windows 365 confuses tech buyers

Microsoft hasn't clearly defined when a company should pick Windows 365 over its other desktop as a service, Azure Virtual Desktop. The differences seem more subtle than dramatic. Continue Reading
News 10 Feb 2021

Citrix launches well-being microapps for Workspace

Citrix will help companies measure employee wellness with simple programs that can take surveys and distribute health and corporate news. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Dec 2020

Why COVID-19 fuels desktop virtualization trends

VDI products provide organizations with a foundation for remote employees, but they aren't a cure-all. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Nov 2020

Running GPU passthrough for a virtual desktop with Hyper-V

Any IT admin knows that desktop performance must be high quality to provide quality UX, and in some cases, admins may need to configure GPU passthrough for power user virtual desktops. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Oct 2020

8 key VDI deployment best practices

When IT plans for its VDI deployment, it must factor in best practices for the setup process, such as considering client options and designing the VDI to have high availability. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Oct 2020

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
Tip 30 Sep 2020

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
Feature 22 Sep 2020

VDI testing checklist: Key steps to test a VDI deployment

Whether IT is running VDI for the first time or simply tweaking the back-end hardware, admins should follow a VDI testing checklist to ensure positive UX and sufficient desktop resources. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Sep 2020

How to troubleshoot common VDI issues

VDI administrators must be adept at troubleshooting various VDI issues. Sufficient planning can prevent some, but IT should be prepared to deal with a few common issues. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Sep 2020

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
Feature 08 Sep 2020

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
Tip 01 Sep 2020

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
Feature 01 Sep 2020

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
Tip 14 Aug 2020

Three VDI challenges that can derail any project

IT shops need to look out for complexity, cost and performance problems when they put a VDI implementation plan in place. Continue Reading
Feature 30 Jun 2020

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
Opinion 03 Jun 2020

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
Answer 29 May 2020

What is a roaming profile and how does it work?

Although several newer tools are available, Microsoft roaming profiles is a simple and time-tested way to manage a user's profile across physical and virtual desktop environments. Continue Reading
Feature 20 May 2020

Design firm ups productivity with Workspot

Mead & Hunt is using Workspot virtual desktops to enable remote work during the pandemic -- and it's paying off in ways the firm didn't expect. Continue Reading
Opinion 17 Apr 2020

A deep dive into the internet, bandwidth, and how users in EUC and elsewhere affect capacity

Rachel Berry offers us a look into how the internet works and whether more people working from home could result in potential bandwidth issues. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Apr 2020

For VDI, coronavirus pandemic could require a new approach

Organizations may need to set up VDI deployments or alter existing infrastructure to support the influx of demand for remote work support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
News 09 Apr 2020

HPE bolsters VDI product offerings

With an eye toward maintaining business continuity, HPE is making VDI product moves. Experts said the news comes at a critical time for companies. Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2020

Remote work tools go from '0 to 100' in Corona

This city has turned to technology -- like Citrix virtual desktops -- to maintain services in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. CIO Chris McMasters discusses the lessons already learned. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Mar 2020

Workspot VDI key to engineering firm's pandemic planning

Southland Industries was in the process of transitioning to a virtual desktop service when COVID-19 emerged. In this Q&A, Israel Sumano discusses how the outbreak accelerated those plans. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Mar 2020

4 VDI automation use cases that lower IT's management burden

IT pros should understand the role of automation in VDI because automating certain tasks such as virtual desktop creation and monitoring can free up IT to focus on other issues. Continue Reading
Feature 05 Mar 2020

Coronavirus could spur desktop-as-a-service adoption

Some organizations -- like a city in California and a university in Australia -- have turned to desktop as a service in the face of disruptions like the coronavirus. Continue Reading
News 25 Feb 2020

Bank grows with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops without growing IT

For more than a decade, Renasant Bank has partnered with Citrix to accommodate growth without a drastic IT staff increase. Continue Reading
News 05 Feb 2020

Workspot launches Cloud Desktop Fabric

Workspot claims its new Cloud Desktop Fabric architecture will improve virtual desktop performance by connecting users to the cloud resources closest to them. Continue Reading
News 31 Jan 2020

Workspace focus splits virtualization market

The once-stable virtualization market is changing as some vendors begin to think more about workspaces. In this Q&A, IDC's Shannon Kalvar talks about what it all means. Continue Reading
Opinion 28 Jan 2020

IGEL Disrupt 2020: My initial report

Windows Virtual Desktop support is officially available; IGEL is working on Workspace ONE and Intune integration. Continue Reading
News 06 Dec 2019

Benefits of virtualization highlighted in top 10 stories of 2019

Based on our top 10 most-read stories of 2019, IT pros sought to learn the benefits of virtualization, as well as the drawbacks, as the technology gained ground. Continue Reading
Video 30 Oct 2019

How to automate software installation for Windows VDI

Software installation can be mind-numbingly tedious. Here's how to use Chocolatey, a package manager, to automate the process for virtual desktops running Windows. Continue Reading
News 09 Sep 2019

St. John's Health modernizes with digital workplace technology

St. John's Health modernized its workplace experience by simplifying IT's management of applications with VMware's Workspace One. Continue Reading
Answer 01 Jul 2019

What does IT need to know about VDI web browsers?

End users can easily access their virtual desktops and applications through any supported HTML5 web browser. Learn about the pros and cons of using VDI and web browsers together. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Jul 2019

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
Opinion 01 Jul 2019

Teradici unveiled “PCoIP Ultra.” How is it different from PCoIP and where does it fit in the market?

Teradici have evolved a lot in the last few years, but as in the past, they have an emphasis on high-end use cases. Now they’re bringing in support for H.264, and NVIDIA hardware encoding, too. Continue Reading
Opinion 24 Jun 2019

Raspberry Pi 4: Now the ultimate cheap thin client?

It has a lot more under the hood, and it’s still inexpensive. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Jun 2019

Manage Windows Virtual Desktop with a PowerShell script

IT admins can use PowerShell scripting to manage Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop. In this step-by-step guide, IT can learn the details of this management method. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jun 2019

Maximize application performance with VDI optimization tools

IT administrators should look into different VDI optimization tools to reduce the amount of resources used and maximize performance. Learn all about these tools and their benefits. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Jun 2019

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
Opinion 03 Jun 2019

When you have both IDaaS and UEM, where do you build your conditional access policies?

A lot of IDaaS and UEM capabilities overlap, including authentication, third-party security integration, and contextual policy engines. Continue Reading
News 30 May 2019

Citrix Cloud management adoption relies on integration, features

Before organizations adopt Citrix Cloud management for their virtual desktops and apps, they must familiarize themselves with the platform's strengths, newest features and limits. Continue Reading
Opinion 29 May 2019

Client virtualization still has its fans and use cases: A look at Hysolate and Qubes OS

Isolation starting from the operating system is one way to ensure data protection without restricting user productivity. Continue Reading
News 23 May 2019

Cloud hosting may be the future, but on-premises hosting is the present

Citrix has laid out a path to move to cloud-hosted desktops and applications, but many organizations have to focus on their needs today and maintain on-premises hosting. Continue Reading
Feature 23 May 2019

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
Tip 01 May 2019

How to use PowerShell to track VDI resources

It's never ideal to have underutilized servers in a VDI environment. Here's how IT pros can create a PowerShell script to track VDI resource utilization. Continue Reading
News 30 Apr 2019

Dell Unified Workspace could make life easier for IT admins

VMware's integration into Dell devices and services as part of the newly unveiled Unified Workspace product could be a boon for IT admins. Continue Reading
Answer 09 Apr 2019

What are the benefits of on-premises hosting for virtual desktops?

IT shouldn't overlook the benefits of on-premises desktop hosting, such as more choices for virtualization software. Cloud-hosted desktops also fall short in areas such as infrastructure control. Continue Reading
Opinion 03 Apr 2019

VDI image optimizers: Always useful, and now even more important

Thanks to Windows 10 and the cloud, you’re probably spending more time working on optimization than ever before. Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2019

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops gets UX, security upgrades

Citrix continues to add new capabilities to its cloud products, but getting consumers to adopt as-a-service offerings remains a hurdle. Continue Reading
Opinion 25 Mar 2019

Microsoft makes FSLogix free to all. What does this mean for the rest of the industry?

Functionality that third-party vendors once competed on will be freely available, allowing (or pushing) them to compete elsewhere. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Mar 2019

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
Tip 20 Feb 2019

Top 4 challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure for VDI

HCI and VDI often go well together, providing simpler scalability and flexibility for virtual desktops. But what happens when a VDI deployment has requirements outside the norm? Continue Reading
Opinion 19 Feb 2019

Client virtualization, part 2: How client VMs have evolved into current offerings

Vendors and open-source projects alike are using the benefits of client virtualization, while fixing some of the flaws. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Feb 2019

Secure VDI environments with these 3 tips

Virtual desktops present unique security concerns. Take these three steps to better secure VDI environments from the start. Continue Reading
Opinion 14 Feb 2019

Client virtualization, part 1: Is it the past or the future? (With a retrospective on XenClient)

Part 1 examines why type-1 (bare metal) hypervisor is the way to go, and uses XenClient XT as an example of why early efforts failed. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Feb 2019

Avoid disastrous bottlenecks, scale storage for VDI with HCI

HCI offers many benefits for VDI deployments, particularly when it comes to scaling resources. There are a few caveats to watch out for when planning storage for VDI, however. Continue Reading
Answer 31 Jan 2019

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
Opinion 29 Jan 2019

VDI Like a Pro team announces VDI Performance survey results

Evidently, just because your desktop is in the cloud doesn’t mean it will always perform at its best. Continue Reading
Opinion 17 Jan 2019

Talking to Ericom’s new CEO about Ericom Shield and cloud security

Incoming CEO David Canellos has a background in the cloud/web/SaaS security space, which is indicative of the potential in Ericom Shield. Continue Reading
Feature 03 Jan 2019

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
Feature 03 Jan 2019

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
Feature 19 Dec 2018

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
Feature 18 Dec 2018

VDI trends toward DaaS, mobility in 2019

With the new year approaching, the time is right to reset the VDI table and look at the rise of desktop as a service and mobile devices as VDI endpoints. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Dec 2018

3 VDI management New Year's resolutions for 2019

IT professionals making New Year's resolutions should take a look at their VDI management approach and find ways to improve it with technology such as AIOps. Continue Reading
Quiz 28 Nov 2018

Pop quiz: Desktop virtualization certifications for Citrix and VMware

VMware and Citrix offer numerous certifications for their virtual desktop and app products. Test yourself on the different levels and types of certifications and what each one covers. Continue Reading
Feature 27 Nov 2018

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
Opinion 31 Oct 2018

How DaaS platforms handle cost optimization in the public cloud

When virtual desktops are running in the cloud, we need to keep a close eye on resource consumption to keep costs down. Here’s how DaaS platforms do it. Continue Reading
Feature 03 Oct 2018

Get to know virtual desktop image optimization tools

Desktop image optimization tools can help IT run a more efficient VDI deployment by overriding certain native OS functions and utilities. Continue Reading
Photo Story 28 Sep 2018

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
News 24 Sep 2018

Microsoft breaks into DaaS with Windows Virtual Desktop

Microsoft jumps onto the desktop-as-a-service bandwagon with its Azure-hosted Windows Virtual Desktop platform, but the service faces tough competition from market leader Amazon Workspaces. Continue Reading
Feature 24 Sep 2018

How VDI provisioning can help IT effectively manage resources

VDI management requires more than simply monitoring desktops. IT must understand users' resource needs and provision its back-end infrastructure to reflect them. Continue Reading
Opinion 21 Sep 2018

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
Quiz 19 Sep 2018

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