Virtual Desktop and Apps: A Buyer’s Guide

Why Read This Research

In spring 2020, higher education institutions closed campuses and transitioned to remote instruction because of COVID-19. Many IT leaders temporarily contracted or expanded licensing with virtual app and desktop providers to facilitate remote access. Today, having not returned to pre-pandemic activity, institutions need to explore sustainable, long-term virtualization solutions. The extended duration calls for a strategic, intentional approach to virtual computer labs. The Tambellini Group has reviewed popular virtual app and desktop products, identified top performers, and matched specific products with typical use cases.

Key Questions Answered

• What criteria should institutions use when choosing a solution?
• How do popular virtual computing products compare in the categories of administration and pricing, security and technology, and end-user experience?
• What are the most common use cases of virtualization solutions in higher education?
• Which solutions are best suited for each use case?

Features

• Vendors in Focus: Amazon Web Services, Apporto, Citrix, dinCloud, eLumin, Microsoft, Parallels International, Software2, VMWare
• Software Category in Focus: Virtual Desktops & Applications
• Author: Laura Gogia, Research Director, Learning Technologies and Student Success, and Dave Kieffer, Vice President, Research, Large Enterprise Systems, The Tambellini Group
• Research Availability: January 2021

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Product Comparison
4. Use Cases