EUC Evolution: Trends on the Horizon for 2024

September 18, 2023

End-user computing (EUC) is a broad term encompassing the technologies and processes that allow end users to access and use the applications and data they need to do their jobs. It includes various technologies (whether supplied by the organization or the employee), including PCs, mobile devices, cloud-based applications, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), terminal services, and application virtualization.

EUC also includes the processes and policies organizations use to manage these technologies, such as user provisioning and deprovisioning, security and compliance, asset management, performance monitoring, and disaster recovery. Aiming to provide end users with the tools they need to be productive while ensuring the organization’s data and systems are secure.

Benefits and Challenges of EUC

With many benefits, including increased productivity, reduced costs, improved security, and increased flexibility, EUC can also bring some challenges. Said challenges can include an increased risk of security breaches, management complexity, high prices for large organizations, and compliance concerns.

According to IndustryARC™, the end-user computing market is projected to reach $11.17 billion by 2026, due in part to the continued growth in popularity of Bring Your Device (BYOD) and mobile computing, as well as the continued evolution of end-user computing technologies and improved end-user experience (EUX).

For this reason, organizations must stay ahead of the latest EUC trends and solutions. Failure to adapt and evolve the organization’s EUC delivery can significantly negatively impact an organization’s bottom line, productivity, and security.

Top EUC Predictions for 2024:

1. The Rise of Edge Computing

Edge computing and end-user computing are two complementary technologies that can work together to improve IT systems’ performance, security, and flexibility.

Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the data sources. This technology improves performance by reducing the distance data must travel to be processed, while also enhancing security by making it more difficult for attackers to access data.

There are several ways edge computing can improve the performance and security of EUC systems. For example, edge computing can be used to:

• Process data closer to the end user, which can reduce latency and improve the responsiveness of applications.
• Cache frequently accessed data at the edge, which can reduce the amount of data that needs to be transferred to the cloud.
• Run security applications at the edge, which can help to protect data from unauthorized access.

Beyond its contributions to the performance and security of EUC systems, edge computing emerges as a transformative force in enhancing their versatility. Specifically, it enables the strategic deployment of applications and services in close proximity to their demand points, consequently optimizing performance and minimizing latency.

Furthermore, edge computing empowers the support of mobile users, adeptly catering to situations where consistent cloud connectivity may be intermittent. Additionally, it proves instrumental in managing substantial data volumes, particularly those stemming from the prolific data output of IoT devices.

By combining the benefits of these two technologies, organizations can create a more agile and responsive IT environment that can meet the needs of today’s businesses.

2. Integration of AI and Automation

Many organizations are using AI-driven automation to streamline EUC processes, including: user provisioning, application deployment, security management, performance monitoring, and incident response. In the context of end-user computing, AI is being used to enhance user experiences, such as:

• Personalization: Tailor the user interface and content to the individual user’s preferences. For example, AI can be used to recommend applications and files that the user is likely to be interested in or provide personalized help and support.
• Predictive analytics: Predict user behavior and needs to improve the user experience by anticipating problems and providing proactive support.
• Automation: Automate redundant tasks currently performed by humans, freeing up users’ time so that they can focus on more creative and strategic work.

A Win-Win for End-Users and IT Admins: Integrating AI and Automation in EUC

These perks bring a real boost to the user experience by making things more personalized and taking care of tasks automatically. This, in turn, leads to happier and more satisfied users. Plus, AI-powered automation is like having an extra pair of hands in the IT department, giving IT admins more time to focus on strategic projects. What’s more, AI steps up the security game by spotting and tackling issues before they become problems. Additionally, all this automation enables organizations to save money by streamlining operations and making things run smoother overall.

3. The Shift Toward Multi-Cloud EUC Environments

Multi-cloud environments involve organizations using cloud computing services from multiple public cloud providers, private cloud, or some combination of public and private cloud. These environments offer advantages to EUC by diversifying services across multiple cloud providers, including:

• Increased flexibility: Choose the best cloud provider for each specific need. For example, an organization might use one cloud provider for its high-performance computing needs and another for disaster recovery.
• Improved reliability: If one cloud provider experiences an outage, the organization can still access its applications and data from the other cloud providers.
• Reduced costs: Negotiate better pricing with multiple cloud providers.
• Increased security: Spread data across multiple cloud providers, making it more difficult for attackers to access all their data.

Embracing a multi-cloud strategy can significantly improve the data management experience. It simplifies data accessibility, mobility, and disaster recovery, making operations more efficient and secure. With this approach, teams can easily access data from different locations, regardless of the cloud provider, enhancing overall accessibility. Multi-cloud setups also streamline data mobility, which is particularly helpful for meeting compliance requirements and ensuring smooth data migration.

Moreover, the multi-cloud approach strengthens disaster recovery capabilities by enabling data replication across various cloud providers. This ensures data remains accessible, even if one provider faces issues. It’s a practical way to safeguard your data and maintain business continuity.

Using Innovation to Unlock the Benefits of EUC

In the coming years, the IT landscape is poised to use innovation as a driving force to enhance EUC. With advancements in technology and changing user expectations, IT departments are exploring innovative solutions to transform EUC.

From AI-driven automation and personalized experiences to cloud-native applications and enhanced cybersecurity measures, the possibilities are vast. Organizations that embrace these innovations will likely reap the rewards of increased productivity, improved efficiency, and a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent, not to mention enhanced customer experiences.

However, the risk of not evolving and failing to adapt to these EUC advancements is significant. Those who lag behind may find themselves grappling with outdated systems, security vulnerabilities, and a competitive disadvantage in the ever-evolving tech landscape, ultimately impacting their bottom line and long-term sustainability. Staying at the forefront of EUC innovation will be essential for organizations to thrive in the years to come.

Want to explore more industry trends? Read our article on Why Some are Moving Away from the Cloud and Back to On-Premises.