Citrix releases desktop as a service improvements

DaaS is a cloud-based compute platform that allows businesses to easily manage a suite of desktops that are used by employees. Today, Citrix announced three updates to its platform that service providers use to create DaaS offerings for end users.

One of the new features is an app orchestration research that allows service providers to automate the design, configuration, maintenance and launch of cloud services through a single console.

A second feature is what Citrix dubs seamless app research, which optimizes the delivery of local desktops being delivered through a cloud-based interface. This allows users to have one desktop that displays both cloud-based applications and those from a local or home desktop. For instance, a home version of an application can now be displayed on the user's work desktop, alongside applications that are hosted in the cloud.

The third feature optimizes DaaS offerings for touch-screen devices, including tablets. The software converts features of a Windows 7 desktop, for instance, that are meant to be used with a mouse into larger icon displays that are touch-friendly.

This article originally appeared at NetworkWorld.com. Network World staff writer Brandon Butler covers cloud computing and social media. He can be reached at BButler@nww.com and found on Twitter at @BButlerNWW.