Citrix to Azure – Decision Criteria & Option Mapping

Decision Guide – When to Choose What

🔹 Option 1: Citrix DaaS on Azure (Best for Modernization with Familiar UX)

Choose if:

• You want to retain Citrix experience (HDX, Studio, Gateway).

• You want to reduce infra overhead by offloading control plane to Citrix Cloud.

• You prefer a cloud-native design but retain app delivery/custom policies.

🔹 Option 2: Full Citrix Stack on Azure IaaS (Best for Regulatory or Custom Needs)

Choose if:

• You have strict control/compliance requirements.

• You need Citrix features not yet fully supported in Citrix Cloud.

• Your team has strong Citrix/Azure IaaS management expertise.

• You want to lift-and-shift Citrix as-is with minimal rearchitecture.

🔹 Option 3: Native Azure Virtual Desktop (Best for Simplification and Cost Reduction)

Choose if:

• You are ready to move away from Citrix and simplify.

• Users can work well with native RDP experience.

• You want deep integration with Microsoft 365 (Teams, OneDrive, Intune).

• You prioritize cost and operational simplicity.

🔹 Option 4: Hybrid Citrix + AVD (Best for Phased or Mixed Needs)

Choose if:

• You want to gradually transition from Citrix to AVD.

• Certain workloads still depend on Citrix-specific features.

• You want to test AVD with a pilot before full migration.

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🔑 Other Key Factors to Ask the Customer

• Do you need GPU-backed desktops or graphics-intensive workloads?

• How important is app compatibility with legacy software?

• Are you under a contract or license commitment with Citrix?

• What is your team's capability in managing cloud-native environments?

• Are you using Citrix Cloud Gateway, or do you have your own NetScaler?

Citrix to Azure – Option Mapping

Criteria	Citrix DaaS (Citrix Cloud + Azure)	Full Citrix on Azure IaaS	Native Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)	Hybrid (Citrix + AVD)
Current Citrix Investment	✅ Reuse Citrix licenses and tools	✅ Full control with existing infra	❌ Requires migration effort	✅ Allows phased move
Desire to Retain Citrix Features (ICA, HDX, WEM)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No HDX, uses RDP	✅ Partial Citrix retention
Management Overhead	🔽 Minimal (Citrix manages control plane)	🔼 High (You manage everything)	🔽 Minimal (Azure-native)	🔼 Medium
Azure Experience	🟡 Helpful, but not mandatory	✅ Required for infra design	✅ Required	✅ Required
Licensing Simplicity	🟡 Dual (Citrix + Microsoft)	🔴 Complex (RDS, Citrix, Azure)	✅ Simple with Microsoft 365	🔴 Dual licensing required
Scalability & Flexibility	✅ Built-in autoscale	🟡 Manual unless scripted	✅ Native autoscaling	🟡 Mixed
User Experience	✅ HDX & Teams optimization	✅ HDX & USB redirection	🟡 RDP only, good but less flexible	✅ Mixed
Profile Management	✅ Supports FSLogix & UPM	✅ Supports FSLogix & UPM	✅ FSLogix preferred	✅ Mixed
Use of Citrix App Layering or PVS/MCS	✅ Seamless	✅ Seamless	❌ Not applicable	🟡 Workaround possible
Internet Dependency (Control Plane)	✅ Needs Citrix Cloud access	❌ All local in Azure	✅ Native Azure access	✅ Mixed
Cost Sensitivity	🟡 Mid-cost (Citrix + Azure infra)	🔴 High (infra + license)	✅ Lower TCO	🟡 Depends on duration of coexistence
Timeline & Migration Complexity	🟡 Medium (adjust architecture)	🔴 High (rebuild Citrix stack)	✅ Easier setup	🟡 Depends on phase plan
Compliance/Control Needs	🟡 Limited control over Citrix Cloud infra	✅ Full control	✅ Native Microsoft security	✅ Flexible control