Amazon rolls out Linux virtual desktops for users looking for cost-effective virtualization
Roughly three years ago, Amazon released Amazon WorkSpaces, which allowed users to access a managed, secure cloud desktop service from anywhere, on any device.
This opened up huge opportunities for organizations that were looking for a way to handle cloud desktops without having to invest in the expensive infrastructure needed to set up in-house virtual servers.
Until now, all Amazon WorkSpaces used either Windows 7 or Windows 10, but Amazon recently announced that they’re expanding their WorkSpaces to support Linux. This is great news for organizations that are looking for an even more cost-effective way to quickly deploy cloud desktops.
New WorkSpaces feature Linux 2
Users are now able to launch a WorkSpace that is powered by Amazon Linux 2, which comes with a variety of useful pre-installed software including Evolution, Firefox, Pidgin, and Libre Office.
In addition, users have access to a fully-functional file manager, an image editor, and a terminal emulator for command-line access.
How can you use Amazon Linux WorkSpaces?
There are numerous ways that organizations can leverage the power of Amazon WorkSpaces and the affordability and versatility of Linux, including:
- The power of open source software – Not only is Linux itself open source, but many of the software programs that come preinstalled with Amazon Linux 2 are as well. These include productivity tools such as Libre Office, which gives you full access to word processing, spreadsheets, and other programs that would cost significantly more if purchased with a product like Microsoft Office.
Not only do you have access to these programs but thousands of others as well – including Firefox for web browsing, Pidgin for online chat, and Evolution for email, calendar, and address book management.
- Use as a development environment – Amazon WorkSpaces provides access to all of the AWS SDKs and tools that allow you to build and test applications prior to deploying them on-premises or in the cloud.
- Deploy kiosk-based applications – Thanks to the ease with which you can deploy Linux cloud desktops, you’ll be able to economically deploy applications running in kiosk mode on tablets. And they can all be managed from one central location using AWS.
- Scalable solutions – Regardless of what you’re using WorkSpaces for, scaling up or down is as easy as the click of a button. This applies to both networks as well as hardware infrastructure. WorkSpaces also provide full access to AWS storage and analytics.
- Financial benefits – It’s obvious that when you move your desktop needs to the cloud, you’ll no longer have to purchase new hardware. But even more important, it also removes the work of constantly upgrading the hardware and software of machines. All of this can be managed via one centralized dashboard as opposed to having your IT team manually access hundreds or even thousands of different machines.
How can I access Amazon WorkSpace?
Ease of access is one of the biggest benefits of Amazon WorkSpaces. Simply download the Amazon WorkSpaces client application, which is available for a number of different operating systems including:
- MacOS X
- Windows
- iPad
- Android
- Chromebook
- Web Access
- Fire Tablet
Keep your data secure with Amazon WorkSpaces
Amazon is one of the leaders in cloud security – and this priority is no different with WorkSpaces. AWS is deployed in an Amazon Virtual Private Network (VPC), which offers users access to encrypted data hosted in the AWS Cloud.
This encryption is made possible based on the AWS Key Management Service (KMS). No data is ever stored on the user’s local device.
Learn more by reaching out to CloudHesive today
As a longtime Amazon partner, CloudHesive has been using WorkSpaces since the very beginning. To learn more about whether cloud desktops may be a good option for your organization, reach out to our team today at 800-860-2040 or through our online contact form.
