Reviewing the Changes 2024 and the Rollercoaster Year Ahead
The state of EUC was the driving force behind the launch of the Office of the Technologist series, with an emphasis on the disruption and impact of the Citrix and VMware acquisitions on the End User Computing (EUC) space. As we step into 2025, it’s clear that EUC remains in-flux.
2025 will be another rollercoaster year, with vendors doubling down on core offerings, introducing AI, and tackling major transitions like Windows 11 migrations.
Today we will look at the state of EUC and the year ahead! Let’s start with one of the pillars of EUC over the last 30+ years.
Citrix: Back to Basics and Acquisitions
Post acquisition, Citrix stayed focused on its core products in 2024, releasing feature-rich updates and making strategic acquisitions such as uberAgent, deviceTrust and Strong Network. These respective solutions being added to the core offering by Citrix and bundled together for use with other platforms like Windows 365 could offer a premium best-in-class solution for those enterprises who operate at scale. These new technologies (especially those announced late last year) should enhance Citrix’s core platform in 2025, providing more value to customers.
Omnissa: The New Face of VMware EUC
VMware EUC was divested in 2024 after the Broadcom acquisition of VMware was completed. VMware EUC was subsequently acquired by KKR and is now branded Omnissa. As the acquisition by KKR closed last summer, it is fair to say Omnissa is still settling in. But it’s off to a strong start—announcing a partnership with VMware to ease customer concerns about ongoing support for their existing infrastructure and rolling out AI features in Workspace ONE to create a smarter, more efficient workspace. We can expect more innovation and updates including to the Horizon suite this year. Omnissa already has an impressive technology stack with DEX features, advanced security features and more. The introduction and enhancement of AI features in the workspace could differentiate them from the competition and give them a lead in terms of embracing emerging technologies.
Microsoft: A Big Year for Windows 365
Microsoft’s focus on Windows 365 continues, with enhancements to make the Frontline licensing more flexible, stronger, and more varied authentication options like FIDO and passkeys support, and the new Windows Link thin client. This thin client will reportedly only support Windows 365. It should prove an attractive option for organizations who wish to leverage Windows 365 Cloud PCs as a virtual desktop offering that can be managed like traditional physical endpoints and adopt this lightweight, relatively secure client device for use in difficult to secure environments such publicly accessible exam rooms in clinics, dentist offices and of course employee’s homes. We’ll see that device hit the market in 2025, along with further innovation of the Windows 365 Cloud PC offering which will further solidify Windows 365 as Microsoft’s flagship EUC solution.
Azure Virtual Desktop also saw improvements in 2024, with updates like App Attach supporting third-party application formats like our Cloudpaging containers – helping existing users maximize compatibility, performance, and security and making it easier than ever for new users to adopt the solution. Several enhancements for AVD entered preview late last year so we can expect further improvements to autoscaling and host pool management this year. AVD should continue to offer an option for organisations who wish to continue with non-persistent desktops and published applications and for those enterprises who require greater control over their virtual desktops.
Windows 11: The Clock is Ticking
Windows 11 adoption rose in 2024, but not fast enough. With Windows 10 support ending in October, organizations must accelerate migrations this year—or face costly security updates. It’s crunch time for IT teams.
Windows 11 migrations also present an opportunity for organizations to focus on modernizing the management of physical endpoints with the digital employee experience in mind and making application delivery and performance consistent and optimal across both physical and virtual desktops.
Layoffs vs. Hiring Trends
The industry saw layoffs in 2024 at major firms like Dell and Intel. Unfortunately, that trend continues in early 2025 with CRN.com confirming that Citrix let go several employees in January.
But there’s optimism in IT hiring! A recent Robert Half report states 46% of IT and tech hiring managers are planning to add new positions for permanent, full-time members of staff. 25% also plan to hire more contractors.
Whilst some vendors are undergoing large layoffs, in some cases to account for investment in AI, many companies require talented IT professionals to help them implement emerging technologies and will need help completing Windows 11 migrations and infrastructure upgrades.
AI: The Driving Force
That brings us to how AI is transforming EUC. Omnissa and Microsoft are embedding AI assistants into their platforms to improve workflows. Let’s be clear, AI is an enabler, not a replacement. Companies need humans to guide AI and ensure quality. AI technologies are one of those emerging technologies I just alluded to and the correct and safe implementation of these technologies in enterprises will require the knowledge and experience of skilled tech workers.
Conclusion
2025 will be another rollercoaster year for EUC. The need to support hybrid work, improve productivity, and adopt AI will drive IT investment. Organizations that embrace change and leverage AI responsibly will be best positioned to succeed.
If you would like to learn about what we at Numecent achieved in 2024, you can check out our wrapped blog post linked in the description and to be the first to hear about all of the exciting announcements we have planned for 2025 be sure to like and subscribe to our channel and follow us on all major social media platforms.
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