Replace VDI for contractors who do not need a virtual desktop
Most contractors do not need Citrix or another VDI stack just to use Microsoft 365, Windows 365, and web apps. Ensure verifies unmanaged devices before access, so you can remove VDI from routine contractor access without lowering security.
VDI cost is not just the license
At scale, contractor VDI often costs several times more than a device-verification approach, even before you account for onboarding delays and help desk overhead.
The economics are getting worse. Citrix customers have faced perpetual license retirement, forced multi-year contracts, seat minimums, and significant renewal increases.
Verify the device. Skip the virtual desktop.
What changes for contractors
Use Microsoft 365 and web apps directly from their own device
No VDI client or desktop session for routine work
One lightweight install, then the normal sign-in flow
What you eliminate
Remove VDI from contractor access use cases that do not need it
Reduce infrastructure and image-management overhead
Lower help desk volume tied to virtual desktop access issues
VDI is still the right tool for some workloads
VDI still makes sense for legacy desktop apps, specialized environments, and workloads that truly require a virtual desktop. But most enterprises find that a large share of contractors only need email, Teams, SharePoint, web apps, or Windows 365 access.
Start with a contractor pilot, then scale
Most teams start with a 200-user pilot, validate policy and support workflows, then expand once the access flow is proven.
See the full deployment walkthroughRun the numbers on your environment
Enter your contractor count and current VDI cost per user to compare your current model with an Ensure-based approach.
Open ROI CalculatorNeed audit-ready evidence for every contractor access check?
See Compliance EvidenceSee the contractor migration path with your numbers
We will walk through the contractor experience, device verification, and cost comparison using your current setup.