[Seminar] Introducing AWS End User Computing Services (WorkSpaces & AppStream)

Welcome to the "Introducing AWS End User Computing Services" session by AWS Cloud Club at Sungkyunkwan University! This session will provide a comprehensive introduction to AWS End User Computing services, focusing on Amazon WorkSpaces and Amazon AppStream 2.0, which enable flexible, secure, and scalable computing environments in the cloud. Whether you're new to cloud computing or looking to expand your knowledge, this event will provide valuable insights into how these services can revolutionize workflows for individuals and organizations. We’re excited to have you join us and look forward to an engaging and informative session!

https://www.meetup.com/aws-cloud-club-in-south-korea/events/305548310/

AWS End User Computing Services (10 minutes)

• What is End User Computing?
• Use cases and benefits

Introducing Amazon WorkSpaces (10 minutes)

• Overview of Amazon WorkSpaces
• Key features and benefits
• WorkSpaces Personal vs. WorkSpaces Pools
• Common use cases

Demo: Hands-On Overview of Amazon WorkSpaces (15 minutes)

• Setting up Amazon WorkSpaces
• Using the client to launch the WorkSpace (https://clients.amazonworkspaces.com/)

Introducing Amazon AppStream 2.0 (10 minutes)

• Overview of Amazon AppStream 2.0
• Key features and benefits

Demo: Hands-On Overview of AppStream 2.0 (10-15 minutes)

• Streaming applications with AppStream 2.0
• Using the client to launch the AppStream (https://clients.amazonappstream.com/)

Q&A and Closing Remarks (5-10 minutes)

Attribution Information

• The thumbnail includes the following content: an illustration designed by macrovector / Freepik

AWS End User Computing Services

What is End User Computing?

End User Computing (EUC) refers to technologies that enable employees to securely access their desktops, applications, and data from anywhere, using any device. In today’s hybrid and remote work environments, EUC solutions are critical for maintaining productivity, security, and flexibility. AWS offers a suite of EUC services designed to streamline virtual desktop and application delivery while reducing infrastructure costs and complexity.

Use Cases and Benefits

• Remote and hybrid workforce: Employees can securely access their work environments from any location, ensuring business continuity.

• Contract and contingent workers: Quickly onboard temporary staff without provisioning physical hardware, while keeping data secure in the cloud.

• Contact centers: Provide agents with secure, scalable access to applications and virtual desktops, whether they work remotely or on-site.

• Training and demos: Deliver software trials and training sessions without local installations.

Key Benefits of AWS EUC Services:

• Enhanced security: Data remains in the cloud, reducing risks from lost or stolen devices.
• Cost efficiency: Pay-as-you-go pricing eliminates upfront hardware investments.
• Scalability: Instantly adjust resources to match workforce demands.
• Flexibility: Support Windows, Linux, and web-based applications across devices.

Introducing Amazon WorkSpaces

Overview of Amazon WorkSpaces

Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed cloud desktop service that allows businesses to provision virtual desktops running Windows, Linux, or macOS. It eliminates the need for physical hardware, simplifies IT management, and provides a seamless user experience across devices.

Key Features and Benefits

• Multiple OS options: Choose from Windows, Amazon Linux, Ubuntu, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

• Bring Your Own Licenses (BYOL): Integrate Microsoft 365 Apps and Active Directory for seamless access.

• High availability: Backed by a 99.9% uptime SLA with auto-scaling and load balancing.

• Security: Data encryption with AWS KMS, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and no local data storage.

WorkSpaces Personal vs. WorkSpaces Pools

Feature	WorkSpaces Personal	WorkSpaces Pools
Persistence	Persistent, personalized desktops	Non-persistent, shared environments
Use Case	Individual users needing dedicated setups	Temporary workers, task-based roles
Management	Full customization per user	Centrally managed, ephemeral instances
Cost Efficiency	Higher cost for dedicated resources	Lower cost with shared infrastructure

Common Use Cases

• Knowledge workers: Provide powerful, customized desktops with specialized apps (e.g., engineering, design).

• Administrative teams: Secure access for HR, finance, and payroll with strict compliance controls.

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Employees use personal devices without compromising corporate data.

Introducing Amazon AppStream 2.0

Overview of Amazon AppStream 2.0

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service that transforms traditional desktop apps into cloud-delivered SaaS solutions—without rewriting code. It’s ideal for scenarios requiring instant scalability and centralized management.

Key Features and Benefits

• No code refactoring: Stream legacy apps as SaaS with minimal changes.

• Multi-session support: Run multiple user sessions on a single instance to optimize costs.

• Global scalability: Deploy apps worldwide with low-latency streaming.

• Secure access: Data never leaves AWS, and admins control access policies.

Use Cases

• Software trials & demos: Let customers test applications without downloads.

• Education & training: Deliver lab environments over slow networks.

• GPU-intensive apps: Stream 3D design tools (e.g., Blender) smoothly.

Conclusion

AWS End User Computing services—Amazon WorkSpaces and Amazon AppStream 2.0—empower businesses to modernize their workforce infrastructure. Whether you need persistent virtual desktops or scalable app streaming, AWS provides secure, cost-effective solutions tailored to diverse use cases.

Q&As from the seminar

How do Amazon EUC services (WorkSpaces, AppStream) differ from cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce NOW?

AWS EUC services are about work in the cloud, providing the tools and environment for employees to be productive, whereas cloud gaming services are about play in the cloud, offering access to interactive entertainment. While both utilize cloud streaming, their primary purposes and target audiences are fundamentally different:

Amazon EUC Services (WorkSpaces, AppStream 2.0):

• Purpose: Designed for business productivity and professional use cases. They provide secure, managed virtual desktops or streamed applications for work-related tasks, document access, and specialized software.
• Content: Users access their own applications, operating systems, and data, often integrating with existing corporate IT infrastructure (e.g., Active Directory, Microsoft 365).
• Focus: Security, centralized management, compliance, data protection (data remains in the cloud), and cost-effective scaling for workforce needs.
• Examples: Running customized IDE software for engineers, or delivering training environments for software trials.

Cloud Gaming Services (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce NOW):

• Purpose: Primarily designed for entertainment and gaming. They stream high-fidelity video games to users.
• Content: Users access a library of games provided by the service (subscription model like Game Pass) or stream games they already own (like GeForce NOW connecting to Steam/Epic).
• Focus: Low-latency streaming, high graphical performance, large game libraries, and accessibility across various consumer devices.
• Examples: Playing the latest AAA games without needing a powerful local gaming PC or console, trying new games through a subscription.