- The old PCs can execute Elux, but they will not escape from the history of Netscaler security failures
- Virtual desks will not keep it if your team cannot handle the load and latency of VDI
- Citrix says “omits hardware”, but does not mention its own growing software rates
Citrix is positioning virtualization platforms as a cost savings solution in the middle of the growing hardware prices caused by the American rates of April 2025.
In a recent blog post, Products Vice President Philipp Benkler suggested that organizations can avoid buying new commercial PCs impacted by tariffs by extending the useful life of their existing hardware.
He proposed to replace Windows with Elux, an operating system based on Linux Citrix acquired in January through its purchase of Unicon, and combine it with the Citrix virtual desktop infrastructure platform (VDI).
Windows rates and transitions create a timely opening
The moment of this proposal is strategic. With Windows 10 approaching their updates at the end of October’s life and Windows 11, the pressure is increasing for companies to modernize.
At the same time, hardware costs are increasing. Citrix argues that the most profitable path is to execute remote desks administered centrally from existing final points, something that VDI is designed to admit.
Even so, there are practical challenges. VDI environments are vulnerable to problems such as “starting storms”: sudden peaks in user activity that can cause slow session, reduced performance or even system instability.
Addressing this requires a solid infrastructure and traffic control. Citrix states that its Netscaler platform mitigates these problems and promotes it as a virtual device that can be executed on existing servers, potentially avoiding new hardware purchases.
However, Citrix’s message is not exempt from self -interest here. While the company frames this approach as a way to avoid increases in cost -related costs, it also aims to boost the adoption of its recently enlarged software portfolio.
There is an underlying support for the belief that the United States’s commercial policy will force national IT budgets, a concern recognized by the Government but framed as short -term pain for a long -term benefit. Citrix seems anxious to capitalize on this short -term interruption.
In addition, while Citrix markets this as a cost savings solution, its license model has also recently changed, according to reports, increasing prices.
Organizations that consider the VDI route must weigh these license costs with possible savings by avoiding hardware updates.
Security is another factor. Citrix is largely based on Netscaler, a central component of its proposal, however, Netscaler is frequently directed by cybercriminals. Executing instances without patches or poorly maintained could introduce new vulnerabilities, creating risks instead of savings.
In summary, Citrix offers a solution, but comes with compensation, complexity and potential risk. If it is a viable solution depends on the specific IT environment of an organization, the budgetary limitations and the appetite for general expenses.
