Citrix Accelerates Windows 10 Adoption & Simplifies

Citrix has announced new products and tools designed to help Microsoft customers accelerate the adoption of Windows 10 and simplify migrations to the new operating system.

Citrix said its app, desktop virtualisation software and migration tools enable partners and IT organisations to deliver access to business applications on Windows 10 PCs and tablets. These features also simplify the rollout of Windows 10 desktops and streamline the business app migration process.

Citrix Receiver for Window 10 devices is ready now. It allows employees to use Windows 10 devices to access current XenApp and XenDesktop apps and desktops – this will drive easier acceptance by IT for Windows 10 devices and enable the 10 Million Windows apps currently running Citrix to be accessible from Window 10 devices day 1.

The company said XenApp, in conjunction with the newly available Citrix Receiver for Windows 10, enables workers to remain productive throughout the migration.

In addition, to move existing Windows apps to Windows 10, IT can use Citrix AppDNA to help automate and analyse app capability and remediate issues, reducing the cost and complexity of application upgrades, migrations and updates by as much as 90 percent. AppDNA integrates with Microsoft App-V and System Center Configuration Manager to simplify packaging and deployment after validating compatibility.

Citrix is providing AppDNA application migration software to Citrix Solution Advisors (CSAs) free of charge.

Additionally, to aid in the deployment of Windows 10, Citrix will soon offer Windows 10 virtual desktop support in XenDesktop. This will enable IT to more easily deploy the new operating system across a multitude of new and legacy devices.

“We anticipate tremendous demand for XenApp and XenDesktop in the coming year as our IT organisations depend on Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop virtualisation technology to ensure successful Microsoft Windows migrations, which are ideal opportunities for enterprises to embrace virtualised mobile workspaces,” Nabeel Youakim, VP, product management, Windows App Delivery, Citrix, said.

“XenApp app delivery ensures employees with new Windows 10 devices can access vital Windows business applications optimised for previous Windows versions. Meanwhile, XenDesktop offers a way to dramatically reduce the cost and complexity involved in managing and maintaining Windows desktops.”

Lastly, to manage the new devices, XenMobile will provide instant support for devices running the latest version of Windows 10. This update will enable XenMobile customers to continue managing and securing the latest Windows devices, apps, and data with a comprehensive set of tools.

Citrix said it has more than 2700 partners ready to deliver subscription-based, business-ready applications, desktops and complete mobile workspaces, many of those built in the Microsoft Azure Cloud.

The company has also announced ShareFile Office 365 Connectors that enable “secure” mobile access and editing for documents stored in SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. For end-users who depend on Microsoft Skype for Business and Microsoft Lync for their primary voice connection, XenApp and XenDesktop recently released a feature pack with Lync and Skype optimisation that supports the full range of telephony and unified communications features, which includes those in Office 365.Lastly, to manage the new devices, XenMobile will provide instant support for devices running the latest version of Windows 10. This update will enable XenMobile customers to continue managing and securing the latest Windows devices, apps, and data with a comprehensive set of tools while giving users total mobile freedom.

Supporting the Enterprise Transition to the Cloud                 Many organizations will also take the Windows migration event as an opportunity to further their cloud adoption strategies, either by outsourcing desktop and device management to service providers or moving their own apps and desktops to cloud infrastructure. For the rapidly growing segment of businesses deciding to offload desktop management, more than 2,700 Citrix Service Provider partners stand ready to deliver subscription-based, business-ready applications, desktops and complete mobile workspaces, many of those built in the Microsoft Azure cloud. Those organizations looking to self-manage cloud-based Windows apps and desktops, with the guidance of Citrix Solution Advisors, can take advantage of Citrix reference architectures for deploying XenApp and XenDesktop as well as Citrix NetScaler on Azure.

Some businesses have mapped their cloud strategies around the adoption of SaaS solutions, such as Office 365. Citrix integrates with and adds value to these solutions with secure app and data delivery. Citrix also announced ShareFile Office 365 Connectors that enable secure mobile access and editing for documents stored in SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business, providing greater flexibility for businesses that subscribe to Office 365. For end-users who depend on Microsoft Skype for Business and Microsoft Lync for their primary voice connection, XenApp and XenDesktop recently released a feature pack with Lync and Skype optimization that supports the full range of telephony and unified communications features, which includes those in Office 365.