Outlook: End-User Computing in 2015

Table of Contents

  1. Summary
  2. Downsizing BYOD and the Growth of VDI
  3. VDI Appliances Everywhere
  4. DaaS Comes of Age
  5. Prospects for Microsoft Windows 10
  6. Key Takeaways
  7. About Simon Bramfitt

1. Summary

The year 2014 saw more than its fair share of end-user computing developments. VMware had a notable year with the acquisitions and integration of Desktone and CloudVolumes into Horizon. Amazon launched its Desktop as a Service (DaaS) entry, WorkSpaces, and delivered an improved Windows-based application hosting service with AppStream. Microsoft offered its own DaaS service when it revealed Project Mohoro as Azure RemoteApp, though the company  disappointed with a cumbersome image-management system and complex pricing model. Citrix, meanwhile, added updates to XenApp and XenDesktop and put the finishing touches on the first of a new breed of cloud-hosted virtual-workspace management platforms, something  the company hopes will lead the way into 2015.

Other trends and developments that will unfold in 2015 include:

  • Enterprise IT will attempt to put the brakes on BYOD as the reality of addressing its inherent risks and costs truly takes hold across enterprises.
  • Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is now evolved from disruptive innovation to just another desktop delivery mechanism. It is, however, still a niche technology that holds less than 10 percent of the desktop market, so there is ample room for growth. As VDI stabilizes, DaaS will take over as the most rapidly growing desktop technology.
  • Questions regarding Microsoft’s chances of maintaining its market share — not surprising, given the fact that every second OS is a hit. With Windows 8 already consigned to the scrapheap, flat PC sales, and increasing competition from Apple and Google, it is imperative that Microsoft delivers this time.

Image courtesy of mediaphotos/iStock.

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