In the dynamic landscape of End User Computing (EUC), technologies evolve rapidly, and strategies shift to meet the changing needs of businesses and users. One such evolution is the story of PCoIP (PC-over-IP), a protocol that has played a significant role in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments, particularly within the VMware ecosystem. Let’s take a journey through the history of PCoIP, its recent developments, and how Stratodesk is facilitating the transition for organizations amidst these changes.
The Legacy of Zero Client & PCoIP
In 2009, VMware embraced Teradici’s PCoIP as the foundational protocol for its VMware Horizon platform. This marked a significant milestone with millions of Zero Clients powered by Teradici’s Tera2 processors being sold worldwide and predominantly connecting to VMware Horizon backends. PCoIP became synonymous with VMware Horizon, providing users with a seamless remote desktop experience.
However, the landscape began to shift in 2016 when VMware introduced Blast Extreme, its in-house remoting protocol, alongside PCoIP. Despite this, PCoIP remained a staple for many organizations invested in VMware Horizon.
Recent Developments and Challenges
Fast forward to May 2022, when Broadcom announced its intent to acquire VMware, setting the stage for subsequent developments in the EUC market. In March 2023, HP unveiled Project Pharos, signaling its commitment to the next generation of trusted zero clients. Simultaneously, VMware announced the end of shipping and support for PCoIP, signaling a transition towards Blast Extreme.
This transition accelerated with the introduction of PCoIP Ultra by HP in August 2023, offering enhanced capabilities, performance, and efficiency. In November 2023, Broadcom announced its acquisition of VMware, followed by its intent to divest the EUC business, including VMware Horizon. Recently in 2024, KKR announced their intent to acquire the former VMware EUC business for about $4B.
Customer Scenarios and Challenges
For many organizations, these changes presented challenges, particularly for those heavily invested in legacy Zero Clients and PCoIP. Customers faced the dilemma of transitioning to new protocols while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and the challenge of the continuous delivery of the best possible experience to end-users.
Common scenarios included:
- Customers with hundreds or thousands of legacy Zero Clients reliant on PCoIP
- Organizations that had standardized on PCoIP across various devices and operating systems.
- Users leveraging alternative backends supporting PCoIP, such as HP Anywhere ( aka Teradici CAS), AWS Workspaces, or Leostream.
How Stratodesk Facilitates the Transition
Amidst these transitions, Stratodesk emerged as a key facilitator, offering solutions to navigate the evolving EUC landscape. Here’s how Stratodesk helps:
- Support for PCoIP Ultra: Collaborating with HP, Stratodesk ensures support for PCoIP Ultra, enabling users to leverage the enhanced security and performance features offered by HP Anywhere.
- NoTouch OS: A platform-agnostic, secure operating system compatible with a wide range of endpoints. Stratodesk NoTouch supports the latest software clients for VMware Horizon and HP Anywhere, ensuring seamless transitions and compatibility with the latest protocols.
- Device Compatibility: Through partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers, Stratodesk offers a comprehensive range of devices, catering to various form factors, performance requirements, and security needs.
- Transition Support: Stratodesk assists organizations in transitioning from PCoIP to Blast Extreme seamlessly. With its NoTouch OS and NoTouch Center management console, organizations can manage and configure their endpoints with ease.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of EUC with Stratodesk
In the ever-evolving landscape of EUC, organizations must adapt to changes while ensuring continuity and security. Stratodesk’s innovative solutions empower organizations to navigate these transitions effectively, leveraging the latest protocols while maintaining compatibility with legacy infrastructure. As businesses embrace the future of EUC, Stratodesk remains a trusted partner in enabling seamless, secure, and efficient endpoint management.
Start your journey with Stratodesk and get a free trial or schedule a demo today!
