Citrix, widely known as a desktop-as-a-service provider, is shifting focus to provide what it calls workspaces-as-a-service.
This was revealed by David Jones, VP for corporate communications at Citrix, in an interview with ITWeb during the Citrix Synergy conference in Los Angeles yesterday.
"The conversation is now changing from being a product conversation to being something bigger," said Jones.
"Though app and desktop virtualisation are still our core businesses, we clearly need to do more than that around network optimisation, security, collaboration and project management, among others."
He pointed out that with Citrix, users can get a desktop anywhere, an app anywhere and data anywhere, including services like video conferencing as well as support.
"With our offerings, the workspace environment is improved. It's now an end-to-end solution," he said.
Jones also noted that Citrix believes the trend in software should be delivered on a pay-as-you-go model.
"We think that applications and desktops should be delivered in a similar way. So rather than you owning it, your data, apps etc, someone else can do it for you."
Workspace-as-service would be more than just a desktop, Jones said, explaining that it includes aspects like storage, security and collaboration tools.
During the event, Citrix revealed that that Quest, one of the first and largest desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) providers, aligned with Citrix to offer services using Citrix DaaS technologies, including Citrix XenApp and Citrix XenDesktop virtual app and desktop delivery, to provide workspaces-as-a-service for businesses.
"We are excited to begin working with Citrix as a service provider," says Tim Burke, president and CEO of Quest.
"Our customers expect hosted desktops and hosted applications from us with the very best user experience, scalability and fit-for-purpose customisation. Our companies are also highly aligned in our visions to provide customers with entire workspace services going forward."
Mitch Parker, VP and GM for Citrix Cloud Services, says Citrix is also upbeat to add Quest as a Citrix Service Provider (CSP).
"With a long track record of delivering specialised services to its customers, Quest is a strong, experienced and notable addition to the over 1 500 CSPs delivering desktops and apps as a service today using Citrix products.
"By leveraging Citrix app and desktop virtualisation solutions, Quest is able to support the delivery of a mobile workspace for businesses. We are looking forward to a strong partnership with Quest in growing the DaaS market," says Parker.
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