Migrating to Windows 10 is a hot topic. Thank you to all that attended the May 17 webinar, Simplify Windows 10 Migration and Management, and for the insightful questions you raised.

Due to the great participation we had during the live webinar, we received more questions than we were able to answer during the allotted time. So, I am going to address some of those questions here. If you missed the live webinar, you can watch it on-demand. And please feel free to ask any new questions using the comments below.

Q: We are looking to deploy Windows 10 S devices. How can Citrix help?

Windows 10 S is a locked down OS that runs the applications delivered from Windows Store only. Citrix Workspace can help you deliver many existing Win 32 apps, which are not in the store to the Windows 10 S devices. This way, you can enjoy the simplicity, security and cost-effectiveness of the Windows 10 S devices and still deliver business critical apps to those devices.

Q: What are the Citrix Cloud XenDesktop Essentials Service licensing requirements for hosting on Azure?

Citrix XenDesktop Essentials Service accelerates Windows 10 Enterprise migration for customers who prefer Microsoft Azure cloud solutions. XenDesktop Essentials is available through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace at $12 per user per month, with a 25 user minimum.

Q: When talking about “security teams” with regard to my Windows 10 migration, do you mean “network security”?

Yes. Windows 10 has introduced fundamental changes to your environment. Most organizations now treat such projects as part of a comprehensive “digital transformation” that requires working with decision makers responsible for security in your organization. Typically, we recommend involving the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and the network security team.

Q: Which deployment—physical or virtual—allows greater control over OS updates?

Virtual deployments, specifically those that utilize App Layering, provide greater control over updates, compatibility checks, and roll-back. Virtualization provides better IT efficiency when enterprise legacy apps must be tested and remediated to work with OS updates. For most organizations, the speed of Windows 10 updates and availability of skill sets make it challenging to manage OS updates on thousands of physical end-points that may be spread across many different locations.

Q: What are the advantages of using apps as VMs?

Published apps offer a wide variety of advantages, from security to ease of management. Centralizing apps in your datacenter or cloud removes the app from the individual user’s device. Because applications are secured in the datacenter, you can protect sensitive information and enhance corporate security. Plus, IT can manage that app in one place and publish it to many users, increasing efficiency. Users are given secure, remote access to their critical applications from any device, over any network. Learn more about the advantages of virtualizing apps at www.citrix.com/xenapp.

Q: How can Citrix effect Windows 10 for the education market?

We understand the unique needs of educational institutions for updating and maintaining their systems. Migrating to Windows 10 is a priority, especially in an industry that has no control over the types of devices that their users (students) are using to access their apps and data. Similar to businesses, a Citrix Workspace can help educational institutions migrate to Windows 10 more efficiently, and at a lower cost, than with traditional methods. Learn more at www.citrix.com/education.

Q: Is GPU required to use Windows 10 on VDI?

While GPU is highly recommended, it certainly is not mandatory. Citrix HDX protocols ensure a good user experience, with little to no lag, for knowledge-based workers even without GPU. Modern apps like Internet Explorer, Office 365 and Windows 10 tend to use GPU when available, which increases server availability for other apps. For workers that use graphics-intensive applications or other heavy bandwidth users, Citrix offers the best choice in price and performance options for GPU.

Q: What impact will Windows 10 upgrade have on VDI applications, like Skype for Business?

Applications, such as Skype for Business and other Office 365 apps have their own upgrade cycle, parallel to Windows 10 upgrades. By delivering them in VDI, admins eliminate version sprawl, ensure better compatibility, and complete upgrades faster than by managing individual end points.

Q: What are the pitfalls we should be aware of and how can we prepare?

Citrix Workspace can help you deliver Windows 10 in the fastest way, avoiding typical pitfalls associated with migrating individual endpoints. Things like security concerns, application compatibility, device management, moving files and ongoing maintenance can all be addressed through a Citrix Workspace. Learn more at now.citrix.com/windows10.

Q: I currently use AppDisk. Is there a migration path to App Layering?

Today there is not an automated tool to migrate from AppDisk to new App Layering. However we can help you make the move. Contact your Citrix representative for assistance.

Q: Do we need to run through the Windows 10 upgrade compatibility project for all applications within VDI?

AppDNA, included with Citrix Workspace, can minimize the time and effort required to verify app compatibility in the new OS. By automating the app compatibility checks for all apps within the virtual environment, you can save up to 90% of time on testing and remediation.

Watch Simplify Windows 10 Migration and Management on-demand

If you missed the webinar, you can watch it anytime on-demand. And if I didn’t address your question above, please add it to the comments and I’ll be sure we get back to you.

Simplify Windows 10 Migration – and Management
Available on-demand: Watch NOW!

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