OAS - DISCOVER HOW CITRIX-UNICON OS CAN LEVERAGE THE END OF SUPPORT OF WINDOWS 10 AND IGEL OS 11 TO CREATE A DISTINCT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Windows 10 and IGEL OS 11 both reach end of support in 2025. 

The looming deadline forces organizations to make tough decisions such as:

• Extended Security Updates – costly, temporary, and not a long-term fix.
• Hardware Refresh – expensive capital investment with supply chain delays.
• Disruptive Migrations – time-consuming, resource-heavy, and risky for users.

But there’s a smarter, future-ready option. 

“Citrix enables a fast, zero‑touch migration from Windows 10, IGEL OS 11, or Stratodesk NoTouch OS (now part of IGEL) to Unicon OS on existing PCs and thin clients. This same approach also works for Dell Wyse and HP ThinOS devices. Using the intuitive management platform and the automated migration tool, IT can deploy the new operating system remotely in minutes, no desk‑side visits, no manual imaging. Devices auto onboard and users keep the same Citrix experience. “ Citrix blog post 

The benefits are important

• Repurpose existing PCs and thin clients into secure, modern endpoints.
• Migrate remotely in minutes with zero impact on end users.
• Strengthen security with a hardened Linux-based OS.
• Extend device lifecycles while reducing IT costs. 

Therefore, instead of throwing money at stop-gap measures, companies can turn the end-of-support into an opportunity to modernize their digital workspace strategy—without disruption, and lower cost and stronger security. 

For IT leaders, this isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a strategic inflection point, as traditional options all come with challenges, such as, paying for Extended Security Updates that drains budget without adding long-term value including a full hardware refresh which inevitably locks up capital and slows down agility. 

Furthermore, it can cause disruptive migrations, risk downtime, productivity loss, and user frustration. 

From a security perspective, Unicon OS (specifically its Linux-based variant, eLux OS) offers a robust set of security features designed to protect endpoints in virtual desktop environments. 

Below are the key security benefits: 

1. Hardened, Read-Only File System 

• The OS is write-protected, meaning users cannot modify system files.
• Only digitally signed software can be installed, reducing the risk of malware, ransomware, and rootkits.

 2. TPM 2.0-Based Disk Encryption 

• Unicon OS supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which:

• Encrypts both the setup and system partitions. 
• Stores sensitive keys (e.g., SCEP client certificates) securely inside the TPM chip. Ensures that configuration data is only saved after encryption is applied. 

3. Secure Boot 

• Devices boot in UEFI mode with Secure Boot enabled.
• This ensures that only trusted, signed software is executed during startup, protecting against boot-level malware.

 4. Certificate-Based Network Authentication 

• Uses IEEE 802.1X for network access control.
• TLS-secured communication between devices and the management platform (Scout) prevents man-in-the-middle attacks.

 5. Granular Rights Management 

• IT admins can control user permissions, including:

• USB device access. 
• Application usage.
• Network settings. thus helps mitigate insider threats and unauthorized data access

 6. Seamless Security Updates 

• Updates are applied in the background using a dual-partition system.
• The OS can automatically revert to a previous “known good” image if needed.

Conclusion 

Forward-looking CIOs and CTOs are asking: How do we modernize without disruption and without breaking the budget? 

With Citrix and Unicon OS, the answer is clear.

By releasing trapped value within the current estate, postponing unnecessary capital expenditures, and reallocating budgets towards innovation and business growth, this solution presents remarkable advantages.

It’s not merely about surviving through 2025; it's about transforming this challenge into an opportunity to establish a future-ready digital workspace strategy.