In many organizations using Citrix, I see the same picture. There are static workstations designed purely to connect to the Citrix environment. Often these are thin clients from Dell (Wyse), HP or IGEL. They do what they are supposed to do and therefore get little attention.
What is frequently forgotten in the process is that these workstations also simply run an operating system. And that operating system needs to be updated.
In practice, I often come across customers where the OS or Citrix Workspace App has not been updated for a long time. Sometimes because everything still seems to work, sometimes because updates are delayed. With IGEL, you see something additional to that. Updates are only available with an active subscription. This is often the case, but organizations deliberately try to save on this. As a result, updates are not performed or are performed too late, while workstations remain in production.
That creates a direct security risk. And that risk is literally at the front end of your Citrix environment.
This is where Unicon’s eLux and Scout come into play
In this type of situation, Unicon eLux and Scout are a logical step. Especially for organizations that already work with Citrix and have a Citrix UHMC license.
With eLux, you provide endpoints with a lightweight and secure operating system specifically for accessing virtual desktops and applications. Scout is used to centrally manage these endpoints.
The big difference with IGEL, for example, is that here you don’t have to rely on separate subscriptions to keep your OS up to date. Updates, configurations and management run centrally through Scout. That makes management more manageable and manageable, especially in the long run.
Give existing hardware a second life
eLux is often directly associated with thin clients. But it doesn’t stop there.
Older Windows PCs that are still technically fine can also be used excellently with eLux. By replacing Windows with a supported and lightweight operating system, you remove a lot of ballast. No local applications, no Windows updates, no drivers getting in the way.
In practice, this means that hardware can last longer, provided it is still supported. Especially with relatively recent PCs and thin clients, you see that eLux runs just fine on them. This postpones replacement and reduces the total costs over the lifetime of the workstation. Especially in environments with many fixed or shared workstations, this is directly reflected in the TCO.
Why endpoint management is often the weak link
You can have a Citrix environment in perfect technical order. Fast desktops, well-appointed profiles, neat policies. And yet reports keep coming in.
Slow startup. Jammed workstations. Users needing to “re-log in for a while.”
In many cases, the problem is not in Citrix itself, but in the endpoint before it.
Windows PCs are versatile, but also complex. They require maintenance, updates, attention and troubleshooting. Especially in environments with shared workstations, production sites or task-oriented users, that becomes a structural cost. And a risk.
Windows endpoints versus eLux
Let’s keep it simple.
Windows as an endpoint
- Lots of flexibility
- Lots of maintenance
- Regular updates, restarts and issues
- Larger attack surface
- More variety per device
eLux as an endpoint
- Lightweight and purposeful
- Focused on virtual desktops and applications
- Centrally managed
- Less local hassle
- Consistent user experience
eLux does not replace Citrix. It extends Citrix. Where Citrix delivers the digital workspace, eLux ensures that the front-end device does not create noise.
Get a grip on your clients with Scout
A different operating system alone won’t get you there. Management determines whether something remains workable.
Scout is the central management platform for eLux devices. Not a technical toy, but a practical management layer.
With Scout you can:
- Centrally manage all eLux workstations
- Grouping devices by department, role or location
- Deploy settings and updates centrally
- Gain insight into status and compliance
- Provide remote support without local hassles
Endpoint management thus becomes clear and manageable, even as the environment grows.
Case example
Many organizations are running IGEL OS 11. Which is still a stable choice for Citrix environments. At the same time, the end of the maintenance phase is approaching, with IGEL OS 11 reaching End of Maintenance on June 30, 2026.
That doesn’t mean the platform will be unusable tomorrow. It does mean that maintenance, updates and support will become increasingly limited. And that organizations will eventually have to make a choice.
This example shows well why it makes sense to look at alternatives now. Not because you have to, but because you then have the time to do so in a controlled way and without pressure.
Common objections, answered honestly
But Windows our users already know
True. And that is precisely why many problems persist. eLux does not change the Citrix experience itself. Users mainly notice that everything works faster and more stable.
Isn’t this just for thin clients
No. eLux also runs on existing PCs and laptops. The issue is the role of the endpoint, not the type of hardware.
Isn’t this extra complex
In practice, precisely not. Fewer exceptions, less local variation and less manual management actually make for simplicity.
What does this cost
Often less than expected. Especially when eLux and Scout are already available within existing Citrix licenses and management savings are factored in.
Why this fits with New Yard
At New Yard, we look not only at what is technically possible, but especially at what it delivers in practice. And how to get more out of licenses you already have.
A strong Citrix environment does not stop at the broker or desktop. The user experience starts at the endpoint. And that’s often where the most profit lies.
We help organizations include:
- Health Checks of Citrix and endpoint environments.
- Second opinions for structural performance problems
- Optimization of Digital Employee Experience
- Security and domain name protection
- Automation and simplification of management
Always with the goal of making IT manageable, predictable and scalable.
Find out if this works for you
Doubting whether eLux and Scout add value within your Citrix environment? If so, it doesn’t have to be a big stretch.
We’d be happy to take a non-binding look with you:
- What does the endpoint landscape look like
- Where are the biggest management costs
- Specifically, what does standardization provide
A brief introductory meeting is often enough to determine if this is of interest to you.