Quick Summary
Cortex is at the forefront of the AWS WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances launch—an efficient way to shift your existing VDI setup to the cloud. This solution lets you retain full EC2 control while AWS handles patching, monitoring, and maintenance for just $0.02 per instance-hour. Continue using your current Citrix environment, scale globally, and optimize costs with Reserved Instances or Savings Plans.
The Changing Reality of Traditional VDI
Legacy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) setups are increasingly unsustainable. Frequent hardware refresh cycles, expensive data center leases, and rapidly rising GPU costs are causing IT leaders to reconsider on-premises solutions. Research from Forrester highlights an average ROI of 241% from optimized cloud environments, clearly underscoring the necessity to shift towards cloud-based VDI.
Understanding AWS WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances
AWS WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances simplifies migrating Windows or Linux desktops directly onto Amazon EC2 instances. AWS takes care of essential backend responsibilities, including hypervisor management, routine OS patching, and monitoring.
Cost Breakdown:
- Standard EC2 pricing applies, plus a modest $0.02 per instance-hour management fee.
- Leverage Reserved Instances or Savings Plans to further reduce costs.
AWS WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances is ideal for incremental, phased migrations, allowing organizations to gradually move workloads to the cloud before scaling globally.
The Best of Both Worlds: Citrix + AWS
Combining Citrix's robust desktop management capabilities with AWS's expansive infrastructure creates a seamless, high-performance VDI solution:
Feature | Benefit |
Citrix Studio Control Plane | Maintain existing admin workflows seamlessly. |
Citrix HDX Protocol | Ensure superior graphics performance and optimize collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. |
AWS Global Regions | Achieve latency below 50 ms for over 90% of users globally. |
Five Key Advantages for IT and Financial Leaders
- Significant Cost Reduction: Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by up to 52% compared to traditional VDI.
- Rapid Provisioning: Provision desktops in hours or even minutes, rather than weeks or months.
- Simplified Patch Management: AWS-managed OS patches eliminate manual intervention during routine updates.
- Flexible GPU Options: Dynamically scale GPU resources to match the needs of developers and designers, eliminating expensive hardware refresh cycles.
- Built-In Disaster Recovery (DR): Effortlessly enable DR capabilities across multiple Availability Zones or AWS regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does WorkSpaces Core differ from traditional Amazon WorkSpaces?
WorkSpaces Core allows desktops to run directly within your AWS account, providing full EC2-level control while AWS handles backend maintenance. Traditional WorkSpaces are fully managed, with limited infrastructure control.
Can I continue using my existing Citrix configurations?
Absolutely. AWS WorkSpaces Core integrates seamlessly with Citrix DaaS, allowing existing Citrix Studio policies, image management tools (MCS/PVS), and performance optimizations to be retained without modification.
What potential cost savings can I expect from migrating?
Organizations typically achieve cost savings ranging from 38% to 52% by eliminating data center infrastructure and utilizing AWS EC2 Reserved Instances.
Does the solution meet regulatory compliance requirements?
Yes. AWS WorkSpaces Core desktops benefit from AWS's robust IAM security protocols, data encryption standards, and regional compliance frameworks, ensuring adherence to ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, and other compliance standards.
Ready to Modernize Your Virtual Desktops?
Schedule your complimentary architecture consultation today and secure your exclusive launch-partner credits before July 15, 2025.
Author:
Michael Guiblain, Product Director, Cortex (AWS Advanced Tier Partner, Citrix Certified Expert)