Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Creating flexibility & choice for VDI management w/Amazon WorkSpaces (EUC203)

Summary

• Kevin Goodman, director in EUC at AWS, and Andrew Kloman, a partner SA, discuss the challenges of VDI migration and introduce Amazon WorkSpaces Core as a solution.
• WorkSpaces Core is designed for hybrid cloud environments and offers a set of APIs for builders to integrate WorkSpaces capabilities into their applications.
• The session covers the difficulties of managing on-prem and cloud VDI, the need for expertise in both areas, and the challenges of capacity management and over-provisioning.
• WorkSpaces Core aims to simplify VDI management by allowing the use of existing on-prem clients and control planes, reducing the need for retraining users and administrators.
• The service offers rapid deployment, unified management, and optimized spending, with curated machine choices and a simplified billing model.
• A demonstration of Horizon 8 on WorkSpaces Core is provided, showcasing the ease of migration and management.
• The session emphasizes user satisfaction, IT resource efficiency, and better performance due to proximity to AWS data centers.

Insights

• WorkSpaces Core addresses a significant pain point in VDI management by providing a hybrid solution that leverages the cloud's scalability and flexibility without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems and processes.
• The emphasis on not needing to retrain users or administrators when migrating to WorkSpaces Core is a key selling point, as it reduces the friction and costs associated with adopting new technologies.
• The partnership with VMware and the integration of Horizon 8 into WorkSpaces Core is a strategic move that combines AWS's cloud infrastructure with VMware's VDI expertise, potentially offering a best-of-both-worlds scenario for customers.
• The demonstration of the migration process and the management of WorkSpaces Core highlights AWS's commitment to making cloud adoption as seamless as possible for enterprises.
• The discussion on cost savings, both in terms of direct costs (up to 41% savings on hardware refreshes) and indirect costs (increased IT productivity), positions WorkSpaces Core as a cost-effective solution for organizations looking to optimize their VDI deployments.
• The session's focus on user satisfaction and performance indicates that AWS is prioritizing end-user experience in their service offerings, recognizing that the success of cloud services is not just about technology but also about how well they meet user needs.