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
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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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News
27 Nov 2023
AWS' remote work gambit: Amazon WorkSpaces Thin Client
AWS rolls out a computer in a Fire TV Cube box. The $195 device gives enterprises an inexpensive end-user hardware option for remote workers and promises tighter data security. 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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Feature
20 Nov 2023
6 benefits of desktop virtualization for businesses
There are several ways to manage and deliver desktops to end users, and a few of them involve desktop virtualization. Find out what the major benefits of virtualization are. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How to work with the new Windows LAPS feature
Microsoft updated this automated method to manage and back up passwords for local administrator accounts on Windows desktop and server systems. See what's new with Windows LAPS. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2023
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
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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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Answer
21 Jul 2023
How can IT identify and manage VDI usage fluctuations?
Unpredictable user behavior and boot storms can cause VDI resource usage fluctuations throughout the day. IT can take steps to identify and curtail the effects of these changes. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2023
How to avoid VDI overprovisioning
IT must allocate VDI resources in a balanced way to prevent VDI overprovisioning. Explore common overprovisioning mistakes and how to properly allocate resources. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
14 Aug 2020
3 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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