End-user Computing
End-user Computing
In its most strict sense, end-user computing (EUC) refers to computer systems and platforms that help non-programmers create applications. However, there is a lot more to EUC and its related technology, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), which essentially hosts desktop environments on a central server. It is considered a form of desktop virtualization.
Key to the success of an EUC/VDI initiative is bringing the components of the platform to users and managers without requiring systems expertise, allowing a more fluid introduction of new technologies to end users. Given the scope of roles and responsibilities, any platform that is used to support an initiative should be intuitive, agile, scalable, and manageable. These features reduce the level of expertise required to keep up with the changing digital workplace.
What’s important is that a well-designed EUC/VDI plan can allow users to access the digital platforms they need to be productive, both on-premises and working remotely in the cloud.
Why use EUC?
It’s no secret the work environment has changed dramatically. Businesses require new ways of working to survive, remain successful and return to growth. Resiliency and business continuity are driving organizations to redesign and recalibrate operations. EUC/VDI is at the forefront as application delivery to a remote workforce becomes critical for success.
At the same time, today’s users have changed. As creators and consumers of content they demand access to increasingly rich data, images, video and sound in order to do their jobs, while some of the more extreme users need to interact with images at high precision. Many organizations have all types of users, from the task-based up to the 3D graphical image user.
The ability to change and adapt to these new requirements defines an organization. To achieve the required level of desktop flexibility, agility and mobility often requires new cloud optimized infrastructures that can be scaled on demand with simple, automated, processes and tools.
End user computing also covers the technologies that IT Professionals use to provide access to those resources, such as:
- Windows management and security tools
- Enterprise file sync and share services.
- Desktop and application virtualization platforms and management tools
- Enterprise mobility management software, which includes mobile device management and mobile application management
Advantages and disadvantages
End-user computing benefits organizations by securely enabling a mobile, distributed workforce.
Its major disadvantage, despite all the work that has gone into unified management, is its complexity.
Most organizations have not yet migrated to windows 10, which means they cant take advantage of UEM, and they have to use separate products to manage PCs and mobile devices. Workspace suite do not yet provide complete integration between all the disparate products they bundle together and trying to run applications on an operating system or device that it wasn’t built for can result in problems around complexity and user experience.