Amazon Appstream vs Amazon WorkSpaces comparison

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service. You centrally manage your desktop applications on AppStream 2.0 and securely deliver them to any computer. You can easily scale to any number of users across the globe without acquiring, provisioning, and operating hardware or infrastructure. AppStream 2.0 is built on AWS, so you benefit from a data center and network architecture designed for the most security-sensitive organizations. Each user has a fluid and responsive experience with your applications, including GPU-intensive 3D design and engineering ones, because your applications run on virtual machines (VMs) optimized for specific use cases and each streaming session automatically adjusts to network conditions.
Enterprises can use AppStream 2.0 to simplify application delivery and complete their migration to the cloud. Educational institutions can provide every student access to the applications they need for class on any computer. Software vendors can use AppStream 2.0 to deliver trials, demos, and training for their applications with no downloads or installations. They can also develop a full software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution without rewriting their application.

Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solution provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to access a virtual desktop environment in the cloud from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and thin clients.

With Amazon WorkSpaces, users can have a complete desktop experience with their familiar applications and data, while the underlying infrastructure and management tasks are handled by AWS. The virtual desktops provided by Amazon WorkSpaces are persistent, meaning that user data and settings are retained even when disconnected from the virtual desktop.

Amazon WorkSpaces Features:

• Desktop Experience: Provides a complete Windows or Linux desktop experience for users.
• Device Flexibility: Accessible from various devices such as computers, tablets, and thin clients.
• Managed Service: AWS manages infrastructure, updates, patches, and backups.
• Flexible Scaling: Easily scale the number of virtual desktops based on needs.
• Security and Compliance: Built-in security features and compliance capabilities.
• Cost-Effective: Pay-as-you-go pricing model for optimized cost management.
• Integration with AWS Services: Seamlessly integrates with other AWS services.
• User Profile Management: Supports saving and applying user-specific settings.
• Application Compatibility: Supports a wide range of applications.

Amazon WorkSpaces Benefits:

• Flexible Accessibility: Users can access their virtual desktops from various devices, providing flexibility and mobility.
• Simplified Management: AWS manages the underlying infrastructure, reducing the burden of desktop management for organizations.
• Scalability: Easily scale the number of virtual desktops up or down based on business needs, accommodating workforce changes.
• Enhanced Security: Built-in security features and compliance capabilities ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
• Cost Savings: Pay-as-you-go pricing eliminates upfront infrastructure costs, allowing organizations to optimize their desktop infrastructure expenses.
• Integration with AWS Services: Seamlessly integrate with other AWS services for enhanced functionality and capabilities.
• User-Friendly Experience: Offers a familiar desktop environment with customizable settings and application compatibility.

Reviews from Real Users

Sachin Narvekar, IT-IS LEAD at Tata Consultancy, writes that "Amazon WorkSpaces is a virtual desktop platform. So, instead of having your laptops, and desktops, you can have your data on the cloud.”, he also adds, "Security, streaming, faster performance, scalability, and the fact that it is very much cost-effective, are some of the solution's valuable features."

Ravi-Bhardwaj, Manager at Ravi RITS Enterprice, states that “The solution has improved the organization because now any user who doesn't have a corporate laptop can connect to the system, security is still high, and it uses very low bandwidth.”