Wheelings & Dealings: Citrix Acquires Framehawk for Better User Experiences over Unreliable Networks

Ever wonder why your user experience on wireless networks, especially when using virtualized applications and desktops, can be problematic?  There are a host of reasons. However, in a world where users expect the same kind of experience when they are on the go or working remotely as they have when physically in their office, the expectations are those problems should be resolved.

Virtual desktop and application solutions provider Citrix in recognition of user frustrations has taken a significant step in addressing these issues with the acquisition of Framehawk, a six year-old San Francisco, CA-based firm specializing in mobile applications optimization.  Under the terms of the deal, Framehawk’s leadership and engineering teams will be integrated into the Enterprise and Service Provider division of Citrix.

 Solving the unreliable network challenges

As Citrix points out, the growth of the mobile enterprise and the need to ensure a rich virtual application and desktop user experience on Wi-Fi and cellular networks has never been greater.  It means overcoming the problems on wireless networks where quality may be intermittent or poor due to congestion, high packet loss and high latency.

The Framehawk solution, which optimizes the delivery of virtual desktops and applications to mobile devices, will be combined with HDX technology in the Citrix XenApp® and XenDesktop® products to deliver a quality user experience under adverse network conditions on any device and over any network.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise and Service Provider division stated that: “With enterprises increasingly enabling mobility for their employees, the ability to deliver apps and desktops with the best user experience to any of the billions of devices on the market is of paramount importance. As a company, we are focused on delivering the best user experience on any device, over any network. The addition of Framehawk’s technology to the HDX portfolio enables Citrix to continue to lead the industry in delivering a powerful virtual desktop and application experience.”

Peter Badger, CEO and Co-founder of Framehawk, expressed enthusiasm for the combination of capabilities stating that: “We find tremendous synergies in combining our technology with Citrix, the recognized leader in desktop and application virtualization. Enabling businesses to embrace and deliver Windows apps and desktops for all of its employees, regardless of their work location, is a key success metric for both of our companies, and our customers alike.” 

With virtualization becoming a practical necessity for organizations large and small, the importance of ensuring high-quality/high-performance of critical business functions that know no physical, geographical or media-related boundaries as noted above has never been a bigger priority.  Realities are that the tools that enable work to be performed anywhere, at any time, efficiently and effectively should not create additional problems when used. It is precisely the challenge Citrix is addressing with the acquisition and one that is sure to catch the attention of its extensive customer base.