Amazon WorkSpaces (VDI) Pilot Review
May 17, 2021
Amazon WorkSpaces (VDI) Pilot Review
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Amazon WorkSpaces (VDI)
Amazon WorkSpaces is currently in an extended pilot in our organization as part of our post-COVID response to creating a "hardware device agnostic" infrastructure that does not depend on traditional hardware to enable employees to perform their computing functions normally. The goal is to be able to present any user with their full range of applications and services, as well as file, from any endpoint. The current trial involves employees in multiple departments using the service to access a virtualized Windows Desktop.
- Quick, clean access to the VDI images.
- Easy provisioning of images to use based on multiple criteria.
- Integrating with our other products (AV/AM, productivity, etc.).
- Streaming of media to the endpoint.
- Fast provisioning.
- Integration with existing apps and procedures.
- Security of the session and the authentication.
- Positive: Easy access to Windows virtual desktops.
- Negative: Somewhat cantankerous media playback.
- Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly XenDesktop)
We haven't finished our selection process yet, but are leaning towards Amazon due to the ability to host in Amazon's datacenter rather than our own (this aligns with our current strategem of pursuing a web/cloud-first philosophy). While Citrix definitely does better with media, being the inventor of thin protocols and all, Amazon's offering meets the needs for business consumers quite well.
Do you think Amazon WorkSpaces delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Amazon WorkSpaces's feature set?
Yes
Did Amazon WorkSpaces live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Amazon WorkSpaces go as expected?
No
Would you buy Amazon WorkSpaces again?
Yes