- Old PCs may run elux but they do not avoid Netscaler’s history of security error
- Virtual Desktops don’t save you if your team can’t handle VDI’s load and latency
- Citrix says “Skip Hardware” but it doesn’t mention its own rising software fees
Citrix places virtualization platforms as a cost -saving solution in the midst of rising hardware prices set by the US customs in April 2025.
In a recent blog post, Vice President of the Product Philipp Benkler suggested that organizations can avoid buying new, customs -up business cs by expanding the life of their existing hardware.
He suggested replacing Windows with Elux, a Linux-based operating system Citrix that was acquired in January through his purchase of Unicon, and pairs it with Citrix’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) platform.
Tariffs and windows transitions create a timely opening
The time of this proposal is strategic. As Windows 10 approaches its end of life and Windows 11 upgrades threatening, pressure on companies is to modernize.
At the same time, the hardware costs increase. Citrix claims that the most cost -effective path forward is to run centrally managed remote desktops from existing final points, something VDI is designed to support.
There are still practical challenges. VDI environments are vulnerable to problems such as “boot storms” – sudden spikes in user activity that can cause sluggish login, reduced performance or even system instability.
Tackling this requires robust infrastructure and traffic control. Citrix claims that the Netscaler platform reduces these problems and promotes it as a virtual device that can run on existing servers, potentially avoiding additional hardware purchases.
However, Citrix’s message here is not without self -interest. While the company frames this approach as a way of bypassing customs related cost increases, it also clearly aims to drive its newly extended software portfolio.
There is an underlying endorsement of the belief that US trade policy will exert the domestic IT budget, a concern recognized by the government, but framed as short-term pain for prolonged benefits. Citrix seems eager to take advantage of the short -term disturbance.
Although Citrix markets this as a cost -saving solution, it has also recently changed its license model, reportedly raising prices.
Organizations considering the VDI route must weigh these license costs against the potential savings from avoiding hardware upgrades.
Security is another factor. Citrix is highly dependent on Netscaler, a core component of its proposal, but netscals are often targeted by cyber criminals. Running of non -defective or poorly maintained cases could introduce new vulnerabilities and create risk instead of savings.
In short, Citrix offers a solution, but it comes with trade -off, complexity and potential risk. Whether it is a viable solution depends on an organization’s specific IT environment, budgetary restrictions and appetite for technical overhead.
