Citrix is a software company that specializes in digital workspace and cloud computing solutions. Founded in 1989, the company has a global presence and is headquartered in Florida, USA.
Citrix is most recognized for its flagship products Virtual Apps and Desktops, formerly known as XenApp and XenDesktop. It is a virtualization solution that enables businesses to deliver virtual applications and desktops to their employees from a centralized location. This allows users to access their workspaces from any device, anywhere in the world while maintaining a high level of security and control.
Virtual Apps and Desktops are priced based on a subscription model, which includes a base license fee and an additional fee per user.
The base license fee includes the software license and basic support and maintenance services, such as software updates and patches. The additional fee per user is based on the number of concurrent users accessing the virtual desktops and applications.
Citrix offers different editions of Virtual Apps and Desktops, each with varying features and capabilities, and the pricing may vary depending on the edition, deployment option, and level of support required. The following is a general pricing structure for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops:
- Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Standard: This is the basic edition that provides application and desktop virtualization. The pricing starts at $12 per user per month.
- Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Advanced: This edition includes additional features such as remote PC access and virtual GPU support. The pricing starts at $21 per user per month.
- Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Premium: This edition includes advanced security features, such as secure browser and content collaboration, along with all the features of the Advanced edition. The pricing starts at $31 per user per month.
Citrix versus Azure Virtual Desktops
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft made a big splash in the market with their Azure Virtual Desktops product, formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktops. This offering quickly became an alternative to Citrix and other legacy on-premise solutions.
Comparing Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops with Azure Virtual Desktops depends on several factors, such as deployment options, features, pricing, and support. Here’s an overview of both solutions to help you understand the differences between the two:
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops:
Deployment Options: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. Citrix provides its own cloud infrastructure called Citrix Cloud, but the solution can also be deployed on other cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.
Features: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops provide a wide range of features such as application delivery, virtual desktops, secure remote access, and user management. It also offers advanced security features like secure browser and content collaboration.
Pricing: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops pricing starts at $12 per user per month for the Standard edition and goes up to $31 per user per month for the Premium edition.
Azure Virtual Desktop:
Deployment Options: Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-only solution that runs on the Microsoft Azure platform. It allows users to access virtual desktops and applications from anywhere in the world.
Features: Azure Virtual Desktop provides features such as virtual desktops, remote applications, and remote access. It also integrates with other Microsoft tools like Microsoft 365 and Power Platform.
Pricing: Azure Virtual Desktop pricing is based on the consumption of resources such as compute, storage, and network. The pricing can vary depending on the region, deployment options, and the level of support required.
Overall, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops offer more deployment options and features than Azure Virtual Desktop. However, Azure Virtual Desktop has the advantage of being a cloud-only solution and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools. When it comes to pricing, it can vary depending on the deployment options and level of support required for each solution.
Virtual Desktop Provider Comparison
Why Apporto is a Better Option for Virtual Desktops
While Citrix is the old standby and carries a long history in the market, Azure Virtual Desktops is the new technology that people want to experiment with. However, both fall into the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) category of virtual desktop solutions.
Apporto is a fully managed cloud-based virtual desktop solution that enables users to access their desktop applications and files from any device with an internet connection and a modern browser. It allows organizations to provide a centralized and secure desktop environment to their users without the need for expensive hardware or infrastructure.
One of the key benefits of Apporto is that it eliminates the need for customers to install and manage their own software and hardware. It also provides a high level of flexibility, as users can access their virtual desktops from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. Additionally, Apporto offers enhanced security features like best practices for zero-trust, least privilege access, and admin managed Network Objects.
Users will enjoy a best-in-class user experience for both performance and ease of use, ensuring anywhere access and increased productivity.
Apporto offers a range of pricing plans, including options for educational institutions, businesses, and individuals. It is also easy to set up and use, with no special technical skills required.
Happy Computing!
