Over the last decade, the shift towards public clouds in IT has been undeniable, driven by the numerous benefits they offer. Scalability, flexibility, accessibility, and the outsourcing of IT expertise are just a few of the advantages that have led to the rapid growth of the cloud computing market.
Projections from CloudZero indicate that this market will reach $1 trillion by 2028, with cloud-based workloads representing 75% of applications within 20% of all companies.
However, beneath the surface of this cloud-driven revolution lies a concerning reality. Over 87% of enterprise cloud apps are unsanctioned, meaning that departments and teams of employees are purchasing new tools for productivity efforts that IT is not even aware of. The growth of “shadow IT” poses a significant risk to organizational security, compliance, and data integrity.
While this explosion in public cloud computing seems overwhelming, not all computing is destined to move outside organizations’ data centers. In fact, there remains plenty of technology that is best delivered internally, where IT can maintain control, security, and customization.
A central server plays a crucial role in this internal delivery, enhancing productivity and efficiency for end users regardless of their geographical location.
In this blog, we’ll explore why hybrid End User Computing (EUC) deployments still make sense for many organizations, and why not everything is meant to be in the public cloud.
What is End-User Computing (EUC)?
End-User Computing (EUC) refers to the suite of technologies and solutions that enable employees to access and interact with business applications, data, and services.
This encompasses a wide range of devices, including virtual desktops, desktop and notebook computers, and mobile devices. EUC solutions are designed to provide a seamless and efficient user experience, regardless of the device or location.
At its core, EUC aims to empower users by delivering the necessary tools and resources to perform their tasks effectively. This includes desktop operating systems, business applications, web apps, and mobile-friendly versions of software. By centralizing these user-facing resources, organizations can streamline management, enhance security, and improve overall productivity.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, EUC is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. It allows employees to work from anywhere, using any device, while ensuring that they have access to the same high-quality experience and resources.
This flexibility is particularly important as remote work and mobile computing become increasingly prevalent.
The Case for Hybrid EUC Deployments with Virtual Desktops
The End User Computing: State of the Union 2023 survey, found that 45% of EUC solutions operate in a hybrid environment – on-premises and public cloud. This approach, commonly referred to as “Cloud Smart”, where virtual desktops and applications run both on-premises and in public clouds, and is specific use case dependent.
End user computing services support this approach by enabling access to corporate applications across various platforms and supporting diverse endpoint devices.
- Security and Compliance: For organizations in highly regulated industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, hybrid EUC deployments offer a higher level of security and compliance. By keeping sensitive data and applications on-premises, organizations can better control access and ensure that sensitive information is protected.
- Customization and Control: Hybrid EUC deployments offer a higher level of customization and control. Organizations can tailor their EUC environment to meet their specific needs, and make changes as needed without relying on a third-party provider. An end user computing solution provides centralized access to applications and data, enhancing flexibility and scalability for various business needs.
- Performance and Reliability: Hybrid EUC deployments can offer better performance and reliability, particularly for organizations with high-bandwidth or low-latency requirements. By hosting applications and data on-premises, organizations ensure data sovereignty and availability of critical applications.
- Cost Savings: While cloud-based EUC solutions can offer cost savings in some cases, hybrid deployments can be more cost-effective for organizations with a large number of users or high-performance requirements.
Deploying an EUC platform in-house is critical for these scenarios:
- Highly Regulated Industries: Organizations in highly regulated industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, may require in-house EUC deployments to ensure compliance with strict regulations.
- High-Performance Requirements: Organizations with high-performance requirements, such as engineering, video production, or scientific research, may require in-house EUC deployments to ensure that critical applications are always available and performing at optimal levels.
- Large-Scale Deployments: Organizations with a sizable number of full-time employees using similar applications or shift-workers sharing equipment may find that in-house EUC deployments are more cost-effective.
- Customized Solutions: Organizations with unique requirements or custom applications may find that in-house EUC deployments offer the level of customization and control they need.
Apporto Hybrid End User Computing Solution
To address the challenges of traditional cloud deployments, hybrid Apporto EUC deployments have gained prominence in recent years. This approach combines the benefits of both on-premises infrastructure and public clouds, offering organizations greater flexibility and control over their IT environment.
Additionally, the solution supports a variety of endpoint devices, accommodating trends like BYOD and ensuring access across diverse hardware, software, and networks.
- Scalability: One of the significant advantages of hybrid Apporto EUC deployments is the ability to scale resources dynamically. Organizations can easily scale up or down based on their needs, ensuring optimal performance without incurring unnecessary costs.
This flexibility also allows businesses to experiment with new technologies and quickly adapt to evolving market conditions. An up-to-date operating system is crucial in this context, as it ensures compatibility and optimal performance across different environments. - Data Security and Compliance: Organizations can keep sensitive and critical data in their on-premises infrastructure while utilizing public clouds for other non-sensitive workloads. This segregation helps mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and ensures compliance with industry regulations.
- Disaster Recovery: By diversifying their IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments, organizations can enhance their resilience to potential outages or disasters.
This setup enables them to maintain business continuity and minimize downtime in the face of unforeseen events, safeguarding their operations and reputation.
Preparing Your Business for Apporto End User Computing Services
To prepare for the future of hybrid Apporto EUC deployments, businesses should stay informed about the latest technological advancements and industry trends. Regularly assessing and updating their cloud strategies will ensure they remain competitive and achieve their business objectives.
Workspace suites play a crucial role in managing a mobile workforce and integrating new technologies, although they may still face challenges related to compatibility and user experience.
Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within the organization will enable employees to embrace new technologies and leverage them effectively for business growth. Investing in training programs and providing employees with the necessary resources to upskill will be essential in staying ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cloud conundrum can be solved with the adoption of hybrid Apporto EUC deployments. By combining the benefits of on-premises infrastructure and public clouds, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, scalability, and control over their technology environment.
As the future of cloud computing evolves, keeping up-to-date with trends and preparing for new developments will be crucial for businesses to thrive in the digital landscape.
Our team of experts can help you determine the best approach for your organization and ensure a seamless deployment. Contact us today to learn more.
