Microsoft to end Azure RemoteApp service, partners with Citrix to develop a replacement

Azure RemoteApp delivers Windows applications from Azure. Users can access their applications remotely from anywhere and on a variety of devices. Although the applications appear to run on the users’ local device, they are centralized on Azure’s protected, reliable platform. Microsoft today announced that they will gradually wind down the Azure RemoteApp service over the next year. The reason behind it is their new expanded partnership with Citrix. They are working with Citrix in developing the next generation of the Azure RemoteApp service. Citrix is creating a new XenApp “express” service that will bring Microsoft’s vision of Azure RemoteApp to the next level by tapping XenApp technology to provide additional management, user experience, and security features.

The new cloud service expands on Azure RemoteApp as the next generation application virtualization and delivery service for Azure.

This new application virtualization service combines the power and flexibility of the Citrix Cloud platform with the simple, prescriptive, and easy-to-consume vision of Microsoft Azure RemoteApp by orchestrating application delivery from the cloud. The new Citrix XenApp “express” service will provide superior performance and flexibility by moving the backend infrastructure to the cloud. This offering will radically simplify app delivery without sacrificing management or end user experience.

Citrix and Microsoft are working closely together to develop migration tools that will help current Azure RemoteApp customers take advantage of the service when it becomes available. Microsoft mentioned the following info for current RemoteApp customers,

We are absolutely committed to ensuring our existing Azure RemoteApp customers have a smooth transition. Additional options for customers include moving to a hosted solution through one of our many hosting partners, as well as Remote Desktop Services deployed on Azure IaaS.

We will continue to support existing Azure RemoteApp customers on the service through August 31st, 2017, when the service will be wound down. We are following up directly with customers who are currently using Azure RemoteApp to ensure these options are understood and they have the support they need through this transition. New purchases of Azure RemoteApp will end as of October 1st, 2016.

Citrix will release a Tech Preview of the new XenApp “express” service in Q4 2016, with general availability in early 2017.

Read more about it here.