The shift to remote work has changed the way companies manage their IT infrastructure, and virtual desktop solutions have become essential for many organizations.
As companies expand, they often find themselves at a crossroads when evaluating remote desktop technologies. Citrix, once the leader in this space, now faces stiff competition from alternatives that offer similar functionality at different price points and with different deployment models.
Particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, the effort and cost of an enterprise-level virtual desktop infrastructure can be prohibitive. Many growing companies are looking for solutions that enable secure remote access without the hassle of full VDI implementations. The market has responded with a range of options specifically aimed at businesses seeking easier deployment, lower total cost of ownership and flexible access methods.
The market now includes options ranging from cloud-based desktop-as-a-service products to hybrid solutions that combine local control with cloud flexibility. These options often feature browser-based access, simplified licensing models and integration into existing IT infrastructure, making them particularly attractive for companies with limited IT resources or special compliance requirements.
Why SMBs are moving away from legacy remote desktop systems
UK businesses are increasingly moving away from traditional remote desktop systems as they look for more flexible and cost-effective solutions. Many companies are seeing a strong trend towards modern alternatives and cloud-based models.
SMEs in the UK often struggle with legacy systems as licensing is typically based on complicated calculations of user numbers and feature sets. Older VDI providers may require separate licenses for different types of access and security modules.
Smaller IT departments rarely have dedicated licensing specialists, making forecasting errors more likely. Deploying traditional VDI often requires configuring multiple server roles and following complex procedures.
Four key factors when choosing remote desktop technology
When considering remote desktop solutions, UK businesses need to weigh up several issues that impact long-term success. The deployment model is perhaps the most fundamental decision, affecting everything from initial costs to ongoing management requirements.
Security and compliance requirements require particular attention, particularly given UK data protection standards. Any solution must take into account the specific legal framework that applies to your industry.
The total cost of ownership goes well beyond the initial license fees. A thorough analysis must include infrastructure costs, ongoing management, support needs and potential productivity changes.
User experience requirements vary depending on the staff profile. Some teams require full desktop environments, while others only need access to specific applications. Choosing a solution that accurately reflects existing workforce usage patterns can help improve productivity.
Delivery models that fit your growth phase
Cloud-first deployment models offer robust benefits for fast-growing companies. They eliminate the need for significant upfront infrastructure investments and provide significant growth capacity. Cloud solutions eliminate the need for hardware investments and allow companies to adapt their resources as needed.
Hybrid approaches balance flexibility and control by combining cloud capabilities with on-premises infrastructure. This model is well suited for companies that have already invested in server hardware but want to expand its capabilities without further capital expenditure.
On-premises solutions remain relevant for companies that have specific compliance requirements or require complete control over their infrastructure. Financial services, healthcare, and government contractors often fall into this category due to strict data sovereignty rules.
Basics of the security framework
Multi-factor authentication is a common feature in many remote desktop solutions, but support varies by platform and client. Because not all solutions require deployment, companies should review feature lists to ensure the platform they choose meets security requirements.
The principles of Zero Trust architecture shape how organizations approach network security. Cloud-native platforms enable better integration with IT service management tools and workflows. This direction supports more granular access controls and improved auditing capabilities.
To comply with GDPR in the UK, remote desktop deployments should take practical steps to meet both technical and legal requirements. Choose solutions that store remote user data on UK-based servers. Enable granular access controls to define who can access sensitive records.
Leading remote desktop technologies for UK businesses
There is no single top option for UK businesses looking for cloud-based desktop access. Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 Cloud PC are well-known options on the market. Other solutions such as ISL Online, Chrome Remote Desktop and Splashtop offer multi-platform compatibility.
Amazon WorkSpaces and AppStream 2.0 offer additional cloud-based options with different strengths. WorkSpaces offers persistent virtual desktops with hourly or monthly billing options. AppStream 2.0 focuses on application streaming rather than full desktop environments.
There are lightweight alternatives that focus on application delivery rather than full VDI, such as Chrome Remote Desktop. These solutions provide free browser-based access for specific use cases. They are particularly useful for companies that only need to deploy targeted applications.
Browser-based solutions have transformed endpoint management by eliminating the need for specialized client software. Users can access their work environment from virtually any device with a modern web browser. This reduces the need for support and enables flexible working from anywhere.
The remote desktop software market now includes a wide range of cloud-based and hybrid options. Many offer browser-based access and easier licensing. For UK businesses, finding the right Citrix alternative is an important consideration in the process.
The success of the implementation depends on whether the technology meets the goals, user needs and compliance requirements. Identifying key criteria and understanding solution strengths helps IT teams build systems that can quickly adapt to changing business needs.
Implementation roadmap for a successful migration
A successful migration depends on a clear assessment of current remote access needs and challenges. This process should identify which applications are most important, what performance requirements are, and what security controls must be adhered to.
Pilot testing provides helpful feedback before full deployment. UK SMEs with fewer IT resources should leverage a small, representative user group that spans different roles and work patterns. This approach allows teams to identify potential issues and refine the implementation plan.
Phased adoption strategies can help reduce business impact by gradually transitioning users to the new platform. Starting with less critical applications or departments gives you time to resolve unexpected issues before moving core business functions.
Training plans should address different user groups. Some employees may require basic training, while others may require more detailed technical instruction. Tailored strategies help ensure that everyone can make good use of the new system.
Cost-benefit analysis framework
Calculating the direct and indirect costs of migration requires a detailed plan. Direct costs include licensing, infrastructure, implementation services and training. Indirect costs include productivity changes during the transition, ongoing management and possible adjustments to support processes.
Measuring productivity gains can help justify investment in new remote desktop technology. Key metrics could include reduced downtime, faster application access, better collaboration options, or greater mobility support.
Verifying long-term scalability is important for companies planning for future growth. The remote desktop solution should handle expected user and workload increases over time. Review vendor documentation and case studies to see if others have successfully scaled the product.
When evaluating options, consider how finding the right Citrix alternative can impact your total cost of ownership. Modern solutions often offer more transparent licensing and simpler deployment paths than legacy systems.
