VDI vs Citrix: The Difference Between Citrix and VDI

Citrix Virtual Apps, formerly known as Citrix XenApp, serves as an application delivery solution, granting access to Windows-based applications from any Citrix Receiver-compatible device. However, understanding the distinction between Citrix and VDI is crucial. VDI, an abbreviation for virtual desktop infrastructure, entails running desktops on a server within the data center, accessible from virtually any device. To leverage VDI with Citrix, one must acquire Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop, previously referred to as Citrix XenDesktop. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop, along with VMware Horizon, are renowned solutions for implementing and deploying virtual desktop infrastructures.

What is VDI?

VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, comprises host servers housing desktop operating systems and application software within guest virtual machines (VMs). These VMs are accessible from a wide array of devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, all within the network.

Users establish connections with these VMs, or their virtual desktops, using their preferred devices. These virtual desktops can be categorized as either single-use or multiple-user desktops:

• Single-use desktops are customizable by their assigned users.
• Multiple-user desktops revert to their default configuration after each user session.

What enables this functionality is an abstraction layer known as a hypervisor, facilitating the installation of guest VMs on a single server. Scalability is achieved by adding more servers with additional VMs, allowing IT infrastructure to adapt to demand. Hypervisors oversee VM management and broker connections to the VMs.

What Are the Different Types of VDI?

Although VDI has a standard definition, the implementation of Citrix VDI desktop offers a spectrum of methodologies, typically categorized into three primary approaches:

• Desktop-Based VDI: This involves running a desktop within a virtual machine hosted on a datacenter server.
• Server-Based VDI: Here, a desktop operates within a server’s operating system, accessible by a single user at any given time, often referred to as “Remote PC.”
• Session-Based VDI: This approach revolves around individual sessions running within a server’s operating system, which can be housed within either a virtual machine or a physical server.

VDI Vs. Citrix

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) and Citrix are related but distinct concepts in the world of virtualization and remote desktop solutions:

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

• VDI is a technology framework that allows organizations to host and manage virtual desktops on servers in a data center.
• With VDI, each user typically gets their own dedicated virtual desktop, which can be accessed remotely from various devices.
• VDI solutions can be implemented using various virtualization technologies, including VMware Horizon, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop), and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.

Citrix

• Citrix is a company that provides a range of virtualization and remote access solutions, including Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly known as XenApp and XenDesktop).
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a VDI solution provided by Citrix that enables organizations to deploy and manage virtual desktops and applications.
• Citrix’s VDI solution is known for its additional features, user experience optimization, and application delivery capabilities that enhance the standard VDI offerings.

To sum up, VDI is a broad concept for virtual desktop infrastructure, while Citrix is a specific vendor offering a VDI solution among its virtualization and remote access services. Citrix’s VDI solution, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, provides a comprehensive platform for implementing and managing VDI environments with additional features and enhancements. The choice between VDI and Citrix may depend on the specific needs, preferences, and existing infrastructure of an organization.

How to Deploy VDI with Citrix

When embarking on VDI deployment with Citrix, organizations must carefully deliberate the specific VDI approach that aligns with their infrastructure needs, be it desktop, server, or session-based. It’s imperative to recognize that publishing applications entails the utilization of either Citrix Virtual Apps or Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop Enterprise/Platinum editions.

Citrix’s VDI offering, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop, boasts versatility catering to both small-scale and large-scale environments, with a pronounced focus on medium and large enterprises. This dynamic solution is available in three distinct versions, accommodating a spectrum of organizational requirements.

Virtual Desktops Standard

The standard version offers fundamental Citrix virtualization technology, limiting delivery options to VDI for both pooled and dedicated services on Windows 7 and Windows 10. However, in terms of productivity, it lacks optimization for Skype and Microsoft Teams for business use. Moreover, it does not support Citrix casting, which enables the seamless transition of applications and desktops from a mobile device to any display-connected device within a Citrix Ready hub, nor does it include Workspace Environment Management capabilities.

Virtual Apps and Desktops Advanced

This version presents an expanded array of virtualization features, encompassing server-based hosted apps, server-based virtual desktops, VDI (supporting both pooled and dedicated services), Remote PC access, and VM-hosted applications.

Notably, the key advantage of this version lies in its inclusion of additional features, specifically the optimization for Skype and Microsoft Teams tailored for business use, which are absent in the Virtual Desktop Standard edition. However, it’s essential to note that this version does not offer Citrix casting or Citrix SD-WAN for WAN optimization, features that could potentially enhance organizational efficiency.

Virtual Apps and Desktops Premium Edition

This version encompasses the full spectrum of VDI features, augmented by an upgraded iteration of Citrix Virtual Apps, known as Virtual Apps Premium (formerly XenApp Platinum). Moreover, it incorporates a selection of supplementary features, including the seamless integration of local applications, a self-service password reset mechanism, and an in-depth UX network analysis tool.

To fortify your network against cyber threats, it is best to utilize a secure-access service, combined with a Citrix service. This may require you to seek help from an IT company, like Mobiz Inc., which specializes in implementing comprehensive network security solutions tailored to your business’s specific needs and challenges.

The Bottom Line

Citrix Virtual Apps provides Windows-based application access, but distinguishing Citrix from VDI is vital. VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, operates within guest virtual machines, accessible from varied devices. Deployment with Citrix involves considerations of desktop, server, or session-based VDI. Citrix’s Virtual Apps and Desktops suite offers tailored solutions for diverse organizations. The standard edition provides basic virtualization for Windows 7 and 10 but lacks Skype and Microsoft Teams optimization. The advanced version expands virtualization options and introduces these optimizations, although it lacks Citrix casting and SD-WAN. The premium edition encompasses comprehensive VDI features with additional productivity-enhancing elements, offering flexibility and efficiency in digital workspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citrix used for VDI?

Yes, Citrix is commonly used for VDI, which stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. Citrix offers solutions, including Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly known as Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp), designed to provide VDI capabilities. These solutions enable organizations to deliver virtualized desktops and applications to end-users, allowing them to access their desktop environment and software from various devices while maintaining centralized management and control over the virtualized resources. Citrix’s VDI solutions are widely adopted in both small and large enterprises to enhance flexibility, scalability, and remote access capabilities.

What are the 2 types of VDI?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) typically includes two main types:

• Persistent VDI: Each user has a dedicated virtual desktop that retains their customizations, ideal for knowledge workers who need a personalized desktop experience.
• Non-Persistent VDI: Users share virtual desktops that reset after use, suitable for task-based workers and scenarios prioritizing consistency and resource efficiency.

What is the difference between Citrix and AVD?

Citrix and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) differ significantly. Citrix is a versatile third-party solution deployable on multiple clouds or on-premises. AVD is Microsoft’s Azure-centric, cloud-native service. Citrix offers an extensive feature set and management layers, while AVD simplifies with native Azure tools. The choice hinges on customization, scalability, and feature needs based on your organization’s infrastructure and preferences.