Desktop and Application Streaming

Citrix announces general availability of Citrix DaaS Machine Creation Services on Amazon WorkSpaces Core

Introduction

With Citrix announcing general availability of Citrix DaaS Machine Creation Services (MCS) on Amazon WorkSpaces Core, organizations can now leverage Citrix’s powerful provisioning capabilities with WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances. This integration simplifies virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) migrations while providing highly customizable instance configurations for organizations requiring specific compute, memory, or graphics requirements.

Additional Information

To learn more about this release, read the Citrix announcement for complete details about the Citrix DaaS MCS integration, visit the Citrix on WorkSpaces Core page, and check out the What’s New post on WorkSpaces Managed Instances.

Enhanced Operational Control with Managed Instances

WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances delivers a new operator service model where WorkSpaces manages EC2 infrastructure within your AWS account. This approach provides organizations with full visibility of their resources while maintaining access to a broad range of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) instance types, including accelerated graphics instances.

Cost Optimization and Flexibility

With Citrix DaaS MCS on WorkSpaces Core, organizations can now use AWS Savings Plans for WorkSpaces while maintaining the security and governance boundaries of their AWS account. This makes the solution ideal for organizations migrating from on-premises VDI environments or existing AWS customers seeking enhanced cost optimization without sacrificing control over their infrastructure configurations. The integration supports using existing EC2 Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) as images for WorkSpaces, protecting prior investments in image management and customization.

Operating System and License Management

At launch, Citrix DaaS MCS on WorkSpaces Core supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 11 Desktop (BYOL), Windows Server, Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS, and Debian 12. Organizations can bring their existing Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise licenses, providing flexibility in license management and cost optimization.

Identity and Infrastructure Flexibility

The solution supports both Active Directory and Microsoft Entra hybrid joined instances, allowing organizations to maintain their existing authentication infrastructure. Additionally, customers can choose between shared hardware and dedicated instances, providing flexibility in how they deploy and manage their virtual desktop infrastructure.

Comprehensive Management Capabilities

Citrix DaaS MCS on WorkSpaces Core provides streamlined virtual machine lifecycle management through familiar administrative tools. The Studio management console delivers comprehensive control over:

  • Session brokering and management
  • HDX protocol settings
  • Performance monitoring through Citrix Director
  • VM lifecycle operations (create, view, update, delete)

This consistency ensures a smooth transition for teams already experienced with Citrix technologies while providing powerful new capabilities for virtual desktop delivery.

Familiar Administrative Experience

Citrix administrators will find themselves in familiar territory with consistent workflows for:

  • Resource location setup
  • Host connection configuration
  • Image management
  • Machine Catalog creation processes

The solution maintains the same administrative experience as traditional Citrix environments, minimizing the learning curve for existing administrators.

Getting Started

To learn more about setting up your AWS account as a Citrix DaaS resource location and to compare Citrix DaaS MCS for WorkSpaces Core with Quick Deploy (QCS) for Amazon WorkSpaces Core, visit this page. To get started, enable WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances in the WorkSpaces console and continue using Citrix DaaS to configure your host connection, images, and machine catalogs.

For videos on Amazon WorkSpaces Core solutions and concepts, please see our AWS End User Computing Tutorials YouTube playlist. You can also find written articles on everything AWS EUC on the AWS Builder Center.

We’re excited to announce our launch partners for Amazon WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances, who are ready to help customers implement and optimize their Citrix DaaS deployments:

  • Presidio – As a global digital services provider, Presidio specializes in modernizing IT infrastructure and operations. Their End User Computing practice expertly integrates Citrix DaaS with Amazon WorkSpaces Core, delivering flexible, cloud-based desktop solutions with comprehensive implementation, optimization, and management support.
  • SoftwareOne – SoftwareOne’s comprehensive End User Computing (EUC) solutions combine deep AWS expertise with collaborative engagement to assess, deploy, migrate, automate, and manage AWS services. Their team works closely with customers to deliver secure and efficient virtual desktop environments that drive business innovation.
  • E360 – Through their Desktop360 solution, E360 enables organizations to seamlessly deploy Citrix DaaS on AWS, supporting remote workforces with Windows-based virtual applications and desktops. Their initial offering supports up to 10 virtual desktops and five virtual applications, providing a flexible foundation for workforce mobility.
  • Cloud Bridge – Cloud Bridge brings specialized expertise in modernizing digital workspace strategies through AWS End User Computing services. They offer funded proof-of-concept engagements and outcome-led services, helping organizations navigate device management, remote work, and legacy infrastructure challenges with cloud-first desktop solutions.
  • Gotham Technology Group – As a launch partner, Gotham Technology Group provides expert-led services for organizations looking to modernize, migrate, and manage their virtual desktop environments. Their comprehensive approach helps customers confidently deploy and optimize Citrix DaaS on AWS WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances.

These partners bring extensive experience in end-user computing and AWS services, ensuring customers can successfully implement and manage their Citrix DaaS deployments on WorkSpaces Core Managed Instances.

Conclusion

This integration represents a significant milestone in virtual desktop infrastructure, combining the best of Citrix and AWS technologies. Organizations can now leverage the operational benefits of WorkSpaces Core with the flexibility of EC2, all while maintaining their existing Citrix DaaS MCS workflows. The solution is ideal for modernizing virtual desktop delivery while optimizing costs and maintaining operational consistency. Simplify and accelerate your VDI migration to Citrix DaaS on Amazon WorkSpaces Core today!

Andrew Defoe With more than 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Andrew is a Principal Product Manager at AWS. In his role, he is focused on shaping the vision and direction for AWS End User Computing services including Amazon WorkSpaces and AppStream 2.0, providing the security, features, availability, and resiliency users need to get their work done.
Justin Grego is a Senior End User Computing Specialist Solutions Architect. As part of the EUC Service Aligned SA Team, he helps enable both customers and fellow SAs get up to speed on and be successful with new AWS EUC features and services.