AWS re:Invent highlights, VMware+Broadcom, and more..

Hello all,

This week's edition is special, as we try to cover top highlights from the last two weeks. I was on vacation last week, hence couldn't write the last edition. But much has happened in these two weeks.

Before we delve into the key happenings in the past two weeks, wanted to re-share a recent cartoon I did based on what I often hear in vendor briefings.

With that, here is a quick snapshot of key highlights of the past two weeks.

End User Technology

AWS brings Thin Client device

Amazon Web Services (AWS) , in its annual re: Invent 23 event, introduced its new Amazon WorkSpaces Thin Client device. This device will leverage Amazon FireTV Cube technology to let users access virtual desktops with Amazon WorkSpaces, Appstream, and WorkSpaces Web. More details here:

AWS continues to innovate with its virtual desktop and end-user computing offerings. A few months ago, AWS announced access to Microsoft 365 for its VDI DaaS offering with BYOL, and now it has come up with a new thin client device. It is a cost-effective solution for AWS clients as it costs only $195, and users can manage these thin clients by leveraging the common AWS console. WorkSpaces forms a small percentage of all VDI DaaS enterprise clients. However, the potential inclusion of WorkSpaces Core, (which lets WorkSpaces work with Workspot, Leostream, Citrix (upcoming), and VMWare Horizon 8 with AWS WorkSpaces), within Thin Client could be a real game changer for the clients leveraging these solutions.

VMware Broadcom acquisition done

博通 announced that it has completed the acquisition of VMware . More details here:

As I see in my LinkedIn feed, some great leaders from VMware are no longer with the firm now. Broadcom just announced today that it is considering a "strategic direction" for the EUC business. However, I believe a the VMware end-user computing business is too big to fizzle out soon. It has strong roots in device management and virtual desktops, and many enterprise clients are deeply invested in the VMware EUC environment. But this will be a challenging phase for many friends at VMware and a concerning time for enterprise clients.

IGEL's update with ControlUp and Imprivata

IGEL Technology made two important announcements. One, IGEL App Portal, an integral part of IGEL Cosmos, has now added ControlUp EdgeDX and RemoteDX. More details here:

This is another feather in the partnership cap of the DEX vendor and IGEL. The new ControlUp CEO is ex-IGEL. ControlUp is identified as a Rising Star in the ISG report on DEX that I authored.

Second, IGEL OS now supports integration with Imprivata a digital identity solution provider for the mission-critical life sciences industry. Imprivata life Sciences users accessing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or Cloud PC can use single sign-on on IGEL OS supporting endpoints. More details here:

Blackberry signs deal with Govt. of Malaysia

黑莓 announced last week that the government of Malaysia has chosen the Blackberry Cybersecurity solution suite for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). It will also set up CoE for cybersecurity to help build cybersecurity talent in the country. More details here:

Blackberry has always been a vendor of choice in UEM for regulated industries and a government body choosing its solution to strengthen its security and device management is no surprise. However, I wasn't aware that Blackberry SecuSuite is NATO-certified!

Managed Workplace Services

Managed Workplace Services

HCLTech announcing focused service on M365 Copilot

HCLTech has announced a new service offering focusing on enabling clients to best leverage the Microsoft 365 Copilot functionality. More details here:

This area is increasingly becoming more and more competitive. While consulting services within managed digital workplace services was all about preparing client for Microsoft technology ecosystem or persona segmentation, Copilot has enhanced the scope of services and soon there will be a clear distinction between service provider groups; one that offers professional services around Copilot and the likes and other, that don't (though I doubt that there would be any large MSP who would want to be in the latter category!)

Hexaware expands in the UK

Hexaware Technologies has opened a new office in Birmingham, UK that will focus on delivering end-user computing and service desk-managed services. More details here:

Hexaware is a strong provider in the managed digital workplace services space. It has been identified as a Leader for the mid-market segment in the UK in the ISG Provider Lens report authored by my friend and colleague Kevin Turner. It's great to see the provider expanding its footprint in the region.

Infosys to provide digital workplace and other services to TK Elevator

印孚瑟斯 announced recently that it has signed a contract with TK Elevator to provide multiple IT services, including digital workplace services. More details here:

Infosys is known for large-scale deals involving multiple service towers and has been identified as a leader in the ISG Provider Lens report for multiple regions. Its ability to have more footprint in client business assists in providing visible business benefits with its digital workplace services.

DXC signs new contract with HanesBrands

DXC Technology recently announced that it has signed a new managed workplace services contract with Hanesbrands Inc. for digital workplace services. More details here:

DXC is already a strong leader in the managed digital workplace services in the U.S. also validated by my recent ISG Provider Lens report. It's exciting to see that clients from diverse industries are beginning to see value in UPtime, which indeed is a promising solution.

UCaaS

Zoom launches Surveys

Zoom has launched a new Survey feature within its platform. More details here:

Zoom is rapidly transforming itself from only a meeting conferencing technology provider to a complete employee engagement provider. After Workvivo, this feature is another addition to gauge employee pulse and enhance engagement.

Cisco announces enhancements with AWS WorkSpaces

思科 announced that it will offer a new Webex plugin with Amazon WorkSpaces powered VDI technology leveraging Cisco meeting and conferencing solution. More details here:

The plugin will render the video feed and process audio feed on the local endpoint machine thus reducing dependency on the virtual desktop streaming and improving user experience. I am aware that many VDI vendors offer this with Zoom and it's great to see similar functionality offered for common clients of AWS and Cisco Webex.

Microsoft Teams plans to have in-app device purchase

One of the upcoming updates to 微软 Teams is the ability to purchase Teams-compatible devices, such as headphones, speakers, webcams, etc. More details here:

This feature is touted as useful for SMBs and will be limited to clients in the U.S. and Canada. It would be interesting to see if and when Microsoft puts up devices from its partners in such a store.

That's all for the week, folks. Please let me know your thoughts and highlight anything important that I may have missed.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks

-M