What is a Workspace?

Quick snapshot

Quick snapshot of what is commonly understood as a Workspace or a Workspace Aggregator

A WORKSPACE AGGREGATOR is a software that offers:

Microsoft Windows, Web-based, published, SaaS, and native local and mobile applications, as well as entire HVDs
Appplication self-service stores
Centralized identity management (SSO)
Application life-cycle management
Consistent UI and context-aware access

According to PQR , the term Workspace Aggregator is used to describe software that unifies the delivery of multiple application or desktop types such as:

Native mobile applications;
Software as a Service (SaaS) applications;
Mobile web applications;
Windows Applications via application virtualization or installation;
Desktops, local, server Hosted Virtual Desktops (VDI) or published Desktops in SBC.

Core functionalities that every Workspace aggregator should offer:

Source: VDI Smackdown solutions overview and feature comparison matrix (PQR- 2013).

A workspace aggregator should also evaluate the user’s device to determine which applications are available for this user on this particular device and at this particular time (context-aware access).
Workspace aggregators also provide secure file data access from a broad range of devices.
A workspace aggregator simplifies the deployment and life cycle management of applications.
As the single point of access, (de)provisioning, auditing and monitoring is easily accomplished through security rules and policy enforcement.
Workspace aggregators that are available at the market today also provide Single Sign On capabilities to applications.
‘Workspace aggregation’ is a strategic function in the future’s workspace which is independent from hardware and is OS and browser neutral.
Workspace aggregators will mature and become more and more complete over the next