Thread regarding Citrix Systems Inc. layoffs

Very timely question about virtual apps solution options. I stumbled across this today
https://blogs.vmware.com/euc/2023/01/vmware-apps-on-demand-for-published-app-environments-is-generally-available.html

I see all the talk about switching from Citrix to VMware, AWS Workspace, AVD, etc., I see that as an easy lift and shift for orgs that give users a full published desktop.

What about those that just use Citrix Virtual Apps (aka: XenApp). Hospitals and retail use that quite a bit, and I wonder what a comparable product would be?

Being able to outline the product enhancement roadmap for the product line is likely a key factor. Meaning, VMware actually has a roadmap plan to share with customers, and it isn't tentative. Perhaps that could make a difference to CIOs when considering forward-looking risks.

A Citrix customer in EMEA told me that in addition to deep discounts, VMware was bundling professional services and training for new customers to ease their transition. They also provided local customer references that already made the switch.

Yes it is a calculated risk, but when the project ROI is less than a year it's an option that more CIOs might consider. Also, perhaps it's more appealing for customers who already want to transition from legacy on-prem to a modern cloud SaaS solution. So, it depends on several risk factors they must consider. Broadcom acquisition wasn't one of them.

"The key difference is long-term ownership. Vista's intentions are anybody's guess"

Agreed but still a risky move in addition to the support & pricing risks as no guarantees Broadcom has a long term strategy with VMWs EUC business. I would recommend customers to try to find other alternatives than VMware (and obviously the horrendous Citrix/CSG construct.. ). Extremely challenging situation as the two dominant players are very uncertain cards to play at this point. All current Citrix customers should engage as EARLY AS POSSIBLE in renewal discussions with CSG, have them show their hand, to avoid being pushed into a corner without a realistic migration path. I think we all know they WILL do whatever possible to force long term contracts that includes massive price increases and poor support.

"That would NOT be a wise move considering VMware is about to be aquired by Broadcom" perhaps, but customers see less volatility and more stability with VMware, when compared to the current and ongoing crisis at CSG. Time will tell.

The key difference is long-term ownership. Vista's intentions are anybody's guess.

"It's already in motion as several large enterprise clients are planning their shift to VMware, in particular. "

That would NOT be a wise move considering VMware is about to be aquired by Broadcom, where a similar business strategy (heavy RIF and steep price increases) implementation should be expected. Just look at what happened to Symantec, CA and Brocade. Exactly the same as what is happening to Citrix today. After all, Broadcom is where Tom Krause learn't all his tricks. Out of the ashes and into the fire ..

"It's already in motion as several large enterprise clients are planning their shift to VMware, in particular. Microsoft and several smaller DaaS vendors are also picking up some of the CSG client losses. Meanwhile, some customer CIOs are waiting for contract renewal discussions before they decide next steps."

Can confirm. VMware and many of their partners are in active discussions with many customers about options to convert existing Citrix deployments. I was hesitant to think that would happen en masse, as it's a pretty expensive and potentially risky effort, but we're seeing those inquiries coming in from VMW and from end customers every week. Others are indeed looking at doing "good enough" with AVD and Azure Stack while their applications move to SaaS or are rebuilt/replaced with a cloud-native or containerized microservices app stack. The top 1000 Citrix accounts will probably stick around for a while, but I don't really see the exit strategy happening that they were pitching to Citrites at the beginning of this deal where Citrix will come out bigger and better at the end.

"Just like many of the long-time Citrix employees who saw the writing on the wall and Jumped ship clients will too!"

It's already in motion as several large enterprise clients are planning their shift to VMware, in particular. Microsoft and several smaller DaaS vendors are also picking up some of the CSG client losses. Meanwhile, some customer CIOs are waiting for contract renewal discussions before they decide next steps.

thank you for your kind note! it's comforting to know there are people who can empathise and show solidarity. we are all not immune to situations like this (eg. just replace the Citrix company name to another one and it can still be relevant). things haven't been easy for all of us. but whether we were let go or had to stay, our time here has given us opportunities to serve our customers the best way we can. and wherever we are, we will continue to do so.. :-)

We had lots of issues at Citrix with pr---------n at conferences. Nobody would talk about it as long as the sales quotas were met.

Thanks - it's been a rough several months, I was finally let go today. To an extent I am happy I do not have to deal with this circuis any more. THanks for the kind words though.