End User Computing: State of the Union 2024-2025 - Key Takeaways

As businesses continue to evolve, so does the digital landscape that supports them. The latest insights from the DaaS Like A Pro team, authored by experts like Ruben Spruijt, Mark Plettenberg, Dennis Damen, and Christiaan Brinkhoff, shed light on the current state of End User Computing (EUC) and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) for 2024-2025. This comprehensive report explores the growing adoption of DaaS solutions, the challenges that accompany this shift, and the future direction of virtual desktops, apps, and cloud services.

Key Trends Driving DaaS Adoption

Remote work remains a critical driver for DaaS adoption, with ease of management and faster desktop deployment also high on the list of motivations. Companies are drawn to the flexibility, security, and the ability to provide employees access from any device—vital in today’s hybrid work environments.

Notably, over 70% of organizations surveyed have already adopted DaaS solutions, with many predicting further growth. However, cost remains a persistent challenge, along with integration and user experience concerns. These hurdles must be addressed as companies navigate the complexities of managing both on-premises and cloud-based environments.

Broad Adoption Across Industries

The findings from the State of the Union report underscore how DaaS is being widely adopted across industries. With respondents from sectors like technology, financial services, and healthcare, it’s clear that DaaS solutions are no longer confined to tech-heavy businesses. This diversity reflects the growing need for scalable, flexible, and secure solutions in various verticals.

Interestingly, the survey also highlights a balanced representation from small and large organizations alike, suggesting that DaaS is adaptable to a broad range of user base sizes—from small teams to enterprises with over 100,000 users.

Public Cloud vs. Hybrid Models: The Future of Virtual Desktops

Microsoft Azure continues to lead the way in cloud DaaS adoption, with over 40% of respondents using Azure for their workloads. However, many organizations are opting for hybrid environments, integrating both cloud and on-premises infrastructures. This hybrid approach offers flexibility and resilience, with AWS and other cloud providers like Google Cloud following in popularity.

The report also highlights a growing preference for published applications over desktops, suggesting a shift towards app-centric setups that prioritize ease of use and deployment speed.

Overcoming DaaS Challenges

Cost remains the top concern, particularly as organizations scale their DaaS operations. Respondents cited integration issues and maintaining a seamless user experience as significant barriers, alongside performance concerns and a lack of control during outages. As businesses strive to optimize their DaaS environments, addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of virtual desktops and applications.

The low adoption of GPU-powered virtual machines (VMs) is another noted challenge, particularly in industries requiring high-performance graphical processing. With AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs still underutilized, there’s a clear opportunity for growth in this area.

Security, DEX, and AI: The Path Forward

As DaaS adoption grows, so does the emphasis on security. The report highlights the increasing role of AI in automating security tasks, monitoring performance, and enhancing the Digital Employee Experience (DEX). AI is becoming integral in driving efficiency, predicting maintenance needs, and personalizing user environments.

However, skepticism remains around the broader adoption of AI, with some respondents wary of its current capabilities and costs. Yet, as AI tools mature, particularly in areas like security and automation, the potential benefits for organizations will likely outweigh these concerns.

Strategic Shifts: Moving Beyond VMware and Citrix

The ongoing changes at VMware and Citrix, coupled with the rise of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and other platforms, are prompting organizations to reconsider their EUC strategies. While some remain loyal to legacy platforms, others are embracing newer, more agile solutions like Windows 365 and Parallels. This shift reflects the broader industry trend towards cloud migration, cost optimization, and improved user experience.

Conclusion: Amazon Workspaces – A True Challenger to AVD and Windows 365

As the 2024-2025 End User Computing State of the Union report highlights the growing adoption of DaaS solutions, it’s clear that the landscape is becoming more competitive, especially in the UK. While Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 remain dominant players, Amazon Workspaces is emerging as a formidable challenger. Offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, Amazon Workspaces presents UK businesses with an attractive alternative to Microsoft's cloud offerings.

For companies looking to reduce their dependency on traditional vendors, Amazon Workspaces offers a solution that is well-suited for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. With a strong emphasis on performance, security, and user experience, it provides the reliability businesses need to support remote workforces efficiently. Additionally, Amazon’s transparent pricing model can be a significant advantage, particularly for organisations looking to manage costs without compromising on performance.

In this evolving DaaS market, Amazon Workspaces stands as a serious contender for UK businesses considering alternatives to AVD and Windows 365, providing the agility and flexibility required to stay competitive in today's digital world.

At PilotIQ, we specialise in supporting all your Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and DaaS needs. Whether you are looking to implement a new VDI or migrate away from a legacy version, our expert team can guide your organisation through the complexities of VDI, offering tailored solutions to optimise performance, security, and user experience. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business leverage the best DaaS solutions for success.