Websites using Citrix

Okay, let s break down Citrix: its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Citrix Overview

Citrix Systems, Inc. is a multinational cloud computing and virtualization technology company. It provides a range of software and services designed to enable secure remote access to applications and data, regardless of device or location. Essentially, Citrix helps businesses deliver virtual apps and desktops securely.

• Core Focus:
  • Virtualization: Citrix is known for its virtualization technologies, which allow users to access applications and desktops remotely without installing them locally.
  • Remote Access: Enables secure access to applications and data from any device, anywhere.
  • Application Delivery: Optimizes the delivery of applications to users, improving performance and user experience.
  • Security: Emphasizes security features to protect sensitive data and applications.
• Key Products/Solutions:
  • Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops: A primary product for delivering virtualized applications and desktops. This is the core of their virtualization platform.
  • Citrix DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service): A cloud-based solution for delivering virtual desktops and applications.
  • Citrix ADC (Application Delivery Controller): Used for optimizing application delivery, load balancing, and security. Formerly known as NetScaler.
  • Citrix SD-WAN: Optimizes network performance for branch offices and remote users.
  • Citrix Content Collaboration (ShareFile): Secure file sharing and collaboration.

Revenue

Citrix was acquired by Cloud Software Group in 2022 and is no longer a publicly traded company. Therefore, its revenue is not publicly reported in the same way it used to be. Cloud Software Group also owns Tibco. You ll need to look for news releases from Cloud Software Group or industry analyst reports to get estimates or insights into the performance of the Citrix business unit within CSG.

In its last publicly reported year (2021), Citrix reported revenue of $3.22 billion.

Alternatives to Citrix

There are several alternatives to Citrix, depending on the specific needs of the organization. Here s a breakdown of some prominent options:

• VMware Horizon: A direct competitor to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, offering similar virtualization and remote access capabilities. Often considered a leading alternative.
• Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop): Microsoft s cloud-based desktop and application virtualization service, integrated with Azure. Strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Amazon WorkSpaces: Amazon s Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering, running on AWS. Pay-as-you-go pricing model.
• Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server): Provides virtual application and desktop delivery, often seen as a more cost-effective alternative.
• Nutanix Frame: A DaaS solution that runs on various cloud platforms. Focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
• Cameyo: A virtual application delivery platform that streams applications to any device, without requiring installation.
• Ericom Connect: Provides secure remote access to applications and desktops.
• Shells: A cloud-based operating system that lets you access a desktop environment from any device.
• NoMachine: A remote desktop access software that is known for its speed and ease of use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative:

• Cost: Licensing models, infrastructure costs (on-premises vs. cloud), and ongoing maintenance.
• Scalability: The ability to scale up or down to meet changing demands.
• Security: Security features, compliance certifications, and data protection capabilities.
• Performance: User experience, application responsiveness, and network optimization.
• Integration: Compatibility with existing infrastructure, applications, and services.
• Management: Ease of deployment, configuration, and ongoing management.
• Specific Use Cases: Consider the unique requirements of your business. Are you primarily focused on virtualizing a few key applications, or are you looking for a full desktop virtualization solution? Do you need strong graphics support for CAD/CAM applications?

Pricing

Since Citrix is now part of Cloud Software Group, pricing isn t as transparently listed as it was when it was a public company. Citrix s pricing models are generally based on:

• Per-user licensing: A fixed cost per user, usually billed monthly or annually.
• Concurrent licensing: A fixed cost based on the maximum number of users who will access the system simultaneously.
• Subscription-based: A recurring fee for access to the software and services.
• Consumption-based (especially for Citrix DaaS): Pricing based on the resources consumed (e.g., CPU, memory, storage).

How to Get Pricing Information:

1. Contact a Citrix Partner: Citrix sells its products primarily through its partner network. A partner can assess your needs and provide a customized quote.
2. Contact Cloud Software Group/Citrix Sales: Reach out to Citrix sales directly through their website to discuss your requirements and request pricing.
3. Request a Demo/Trial: Many vendors offer free trials or demos that can give you a better understanding of the product s capabilities and potential cost.

General Pricing Considerations:

• Hidden Costs: Factor in costs beyond the software license, such as hardware, implementation services, training, and ongoing maintenance.
• Negotiation: Pricing is often negotiable, especially for larger deployments.

Customer Care Details

Citrix (now under Cloud Software Group) provides customer care through various channels:

• Citrix Support Website: This is your primary resource for documentation, knowledge base articles, downloads, and support forums.
• Support Portal: A dedicated portal for submitting support tickets, tracking progress, and managing support cases. You ll need a Citrix account to access this.
• Phone Support: Citrix offers phone support based on your support level and geographic region. You can find the appropriate phone number on the Citrix Support website.
• Online Chat: Chat support may be available for certain issues or support tiers.
• Community Forums: Citrix has an active online community where users can ask questions, share solutions, and connect with other Citrix users.
• Citrix Partners: Citrix partners often provide support services as part of their offerings. They can offer more personalized support and expertise.
• Citrix Consulting Services: For complex deployments or migrations, Citrix Consulting Services can provide expert guidance and support.

Key Customer Care Considerations:

• Support Level: Citrix offers different support levels (e.g., Basic, Select, Priority) with varying levels of service and response times. Choose the support level that meets your business needs.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Pay attention to the SLAs associated with your support level, which define the guaranteed response times and uptime.
• Documentation: Citrix has extensive documentation, but it can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Use the search function and filter by product version.

In Summary

Citrix remains a powerful platform for virtualizing applications and desktops. While no longer a public company, it continues to be a key player in the market. When evaluating Citrix or its alternatives, carefully consider your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities. Directly contacting Citrix or a partner is the best way to get up-to-date and accurate pricing and support information.