Top VDI Alternatives to Citrix for 2024 Unleashing New Virtual Desktop Solutions

1. Top VDI Alternatives to Citrix for 2024: Unleashing New Virtual Desktop Solutions The demand for flexible, cost-effective virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions continues to grow. As the industry landscape shifts with the acquisitions of both Citrix and VMware, businesses are being forced to seek alternatives to traditional offerings like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops ad VMware Horizon. New VDI solutions promise to deliver enhanced user experiences, improved security, and streamlined management - all while lowering the total cost of ownership. In 2024, the VDI market is ripe with innovative alternatives that are challenging the status quo. In this article, we'll explore the top VDI alternatives to Citrix that is poised to transform the way organizations empower their remote and on-site workforces. Inuvika OVD Enterprise: A Linux-Powered VDI Powerhouse One of the standout VDI alternatives to Citrix is Inuvika OVD Enterprise. This Linux-based solution offers a compelling value proposition, particularly for organizations seeking to reduce their reliance on Microsoft Windows licenses and infrastructure. Inuvika OVD Enterprise's core strength lies in its ability to deliver both Windows and Linux applications through a single, web-based interface. This approach not only streamlines the user experience but also significantly lowers the overall cost of ownership. By leveraging the power of Linux, Inuvika OVD 1/3

2. Enterprise requires fewer Windows licenses and no SQL Server license at all, leading to potential savings of up to 60% compared to traditional Citrix or VMware Horizon deployments. Beyond the cost savings, Inuvika OVD Enterprise also excels in terms of security and manageability. Adopting a zero-trust architecture, the solution provides granular control over user access and functionality. Built-in multi-factor authentication and advanced encryption further enhance the security posture, offering a more secure alternative to traditional VPN solutions. From an administrative perspective, Inuvika OVD Enterprise shines with its intuitive, web-based management console. This centralized interface allows IT teams to manage every aspect of the virtual desktop environment, eliminating the need for additional management clients or servers. Parallels Remote Application Server: Bridging the Gap between Windows and Linux Another prominent VDI alternative to Citrix is Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS). This solution offers a unique approach by providing seamless integration between Windows and Linux environments, catering to the diverse needs of modern enterprises. Parallels RAS delivers Windows applications and virtual desktops to users, irrespective of their device or operating system. Whether your workforce is primarily Windows-based or includes a mix of platforms, Parallels RAS ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience. One of the key advantages of Parallels RAS is its ability to leverage existing investments in Microsoft technologies. The solution integrates seamlessly with Active Directory, simplifying user management and authentication. Additionally, Parallels RAS supports a wide range of hypervisors, including VMware, Citrix Hypervisor, and Microsoft Hyper-V, allowing organizations to maximize their existing infrastructure. Horizon Cloud: VMware's Cloud-Hosted VDI Solution As Citrix's long-standing rival, VMware has also introduced a compelling cloud-hosted VDI solution in the form of Horizon Cloud. This offering combines the power of VMware's virtualization expertise with the scalability and flexibility of the cloud, providing organizations with a comprehensive virtual desktop platform. However, VMware was purchased by Broadcom and Broadcom has subsequently sold the end user compute division that includes Horizon. It has been rebranded as Omnissa. At the time of publication, there has still been no schedule given for the separation of Omnissa from vSphere so their users will still be tied to VMware up the stack for a while yet. Horizon Cloud leverages VMware's robust technology stack, including vSphere and VMware Horizon, to deliver virtual desktops and applications. By hosting the infrastructure in the cloud, Horizon Cloud eliminates the need for on-premises hardware, reducing the overall IT footprint and simplifying the deployment process. One of the key advantages of Horizon Cloud is its ability to seamlessly integrate with various public cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This cloud-agnostic approach allows organizations to choose the cloud provider that best aligns with their specific requirements and existing infrastructure investments. 2/3

3. Additionally, Horizon Cloud offers a unified management experience, enabling IT teams to centrally manage virtual desktops, applications, and user entitlements across multiple cloud environments. This level of control and visibility helps IT professionals maintain governance and ensure consistent user experiences. Conclusion: As the VDI landscape evolves, businesses are presented with a wealth of innovative alternatives to Citrix that promise to redefine the way virtual desktop infrastructure is conceived and deployed. From Linux- powered solutions like Inuvika OVD Enterprise to cloud-hosted offerings like Horizon Cloud, organizations now have a broader range of options to meet their unique requirements and overcome the limitations of traditional VDI solutions. By exploring these VDI alternatives to Citrix, organizations can unlock new levels of cost savings, enhanced security, and streamlined management, all while empowering their workforce to be productive from anywhere. As the future of work continues to evolve, the adoption of these cutting-edge VDI solutions will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the digital transformation journeys of businesses across industries. 3/3