Podcast #135: Modern DaaS with Amazon Thin Clients

Amazon WorkSpaces delivers a compelling alternative to traditional desktops.

This week, Brian follows up on a recent review for Amazon WorkSpaces posted in mid-October with an interesting conversation with Amazon’s Director of Product, End-User Computing, Melissa Stein.

Melissa has spent the past four+ years with AWS and specializes in setting product vision and strategy, management, storage, software, and databases, to name a few. Melissa will be speaking at the upcoming AWS re:Invent, covering contact center efficiency with Amazon WorkSpaces (EUC206: Boost contact center efficiency with Amazon WorkSpaces and Thin Client), complimenting this podcast.

For our subscribers interested in thin client technology, AWS, and cloud computing, give this podcast some attention. If you need to hop around, we have broken down the discussion in five-minute increments to help you navigate where you need to be.

00:00 – 05:00 – Introduction

The podcast covers topics from Amazon’s thin clients, desktop as a service, and changes in the industry.
New Solutions for End User Computing
- Amazon WorkSpaces
- AppStream
Developing thin clients
- Design goals
- Keep the costs down
- Repurpose devices to reduce turnover and improve security
Security
- Imposed restrictions for thin clients
- Keep data off the thin client
- Encrypt everything
- No access for sideloading applications or connecting removable media

05:00 – 10:00

Continue discussion around security
The boot process prevents unauthorized access
Streamlined fulfillment
Pandemic-inspired device availability
Simplicity

10:00 – 15:00

Thin clients are shipped with a video and brochure
- No need for help desk support
- Simple for hybrid and remote workers
Desktop as a service
Reminiscent of “dumb terminals”
Lag and poor performance are mitigated
Amazon WorkSpaces
- Scalable
- Easy to manage, easy to use

15:00 – 20:00

Further discussion about scalability
Addressing high turnover
Shifting computing power to the data center
- Addressing inefficiencies
- Leverage cloud-based solutions
- Reducing costs
- Catering to seasonal workloads (tax season, open enrollment)
Thin clients for smaller call centers
Amazon WorkSpaces for persistent desktop needs

20:00 – 26:00

WorkSpaces Pools
- Cost-effective
- Great for users who don’t require persistent desktops
Close integration between hardware and software
Complying with hardware regulations
Energy-efficient
Efficiencies extend to data centers
- Reports of a 75% reduction in endpoint expenses

26:00 – 30:00

Customers appreciate:
- Cost-savings
- Reduced maintenance
- Eliminate VPN requirements
Thin client strategy is not limited to a single device
Future developments with a focus on broader use cases

30:00 – 36:00

What’s happening at AWS re:Invent
- showcase thin clients
- Amazon WorkSpaces
- Amazon Connect
- AI-driven analytics
Testing to ensure performance and reliability
Secure browsers
Optimize user experience

Wrap-up

Engage with StorageReview

4 months ago

Harold Fritts

I have been in the tech industry since IBM created Selectric. My background, though, is writing. So I decided to get out of the pre-sales biz and return to my roots, doing a bit of writing but still being involved in technology.