What is Unicon?
The complete endpoint management solution included in Citrix Universal HMC that simplifies endpoint complexity with secure, manageable operating systems
In today’s hybrid work environment, managing diverse endpoint devices creates significant IT overhead, security vulnerabilities, and unpredictable costs. Unicon, included within Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud (UHMC), eliminates these challenges by providing a complete endpoint operating system and management platform designed specifically for virtual desktop environments.
What exactly is Unicon?
Unicon consists of three integrated components that transform how organisations manage their endpoint infrastructure:
eLux OS is a secure, lightweight, Linux-based operating system that runs on virtually any x86 hardware across every form factor. Unlike traditional Windows endpoints that require constant patching, antivirus management, and application compatibility testing, eLux OS is locked down by design, significantly reducing the malicious attack surface without compromising user experience.
Scout Management System is the centralised management console that allows IT teams to configure, monitor and maintain all eLux devices from a single interface. Scout eliminates the complexity of managing individual endpoints by providing unified policy management, automated updates and comprehensive device monitoring.
SCG (Secure Cloud Gateway) provides an integrated solution specifically designed for remote and distributed endpoints, ensuring secure connectivity regardless of location whilst maintaining the same streamlined management approach.
How Unicon works in practice
Unicon essentially replaces the traditional Windows desktop operating system with a streamlined, secure alternative that works across every form factor – from traditional thin clients to repurposed desktop PCs and laptops. eLux OS boots quickly, connects automatically to your Citrix environment, and presents users with their familiar virtual desktop or applications – but without the underlying complexity of a full Windows installation.
The transformation is remarkable: a standard PC that previously required 2-3 minutes to boot Windows, load applications, and connect to Citrix can now boot eLux OS and connect to virtual desktops in under 30 seconds. Users get the same experience, but IT gets dramatically simplified management.
Scout provides real-time visibility into all endpoints, allowing administrators to push configuration changes, monitor device health, and troubleshoot issues remotely. Need to update connection settings across 500 devices? Scout can deploy the change instantly across your entire environment.
Proven in Enterprise Environments
Unicon isn’t just theoretical – Citrix acquired the 22-year-old vendor in January 2025, and with it, an install base of 2.5 million devices across 65+ Countries and a wide range of industries and sectors.
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What problems does Unicon solve?
Security vulnerabilities: Traditional Windows endpoints present a large attack surface with multiple applications, services, and potential entry points. eLux OS eliminates this risk by providing a minimal, hardened operating system with no unnecessary services or applications.
Management overhead: Managing hundreds of Windows endpoints means dealing with OS updates, application patches, antivirus definitions and hardware driver compatibility. Unicon reduces this to managing a single, stable OS image that rarely requires updates.
Hardware refresh costs: Instead of replacing older PCs that struggle with modern Windows versions, Unicon can breathe new life into existing hardware across every form factor. A 5-year-old PC that’s sluggish with Windows 10 can run eLux OS smoothly, extending hardware lifecycles significantly and saving both budget and the environment.
Remote endpoint challenges: With Secure Cloud Gateway, distributed and remote endpoints receive the same secure, managed experience as on-premises devices, eliminating the complexity of managing mixed endpoint environments.
Inconsistent user experience: Different hardware configurations and local applications create varying user experiences. Unicon standardises the endpoint experience whilst delivering consistent performance across diverse hardware form factors.
What does Unicon replace?
Unicon directly replaces several traditional endpoint solutions:
- IGEL OS and Stratodesk NoTouch: Commercial thin client operating systems
- HP ThinPro and Dell Wyse ThinOS: Vendor-specific thin client solutions
- Windows 10/11 IoT Enterprise: Microsoft’s endpoint solution for thin clients
- Traditional Windows desktops: For organisations moving to virtual desktop infrastructure
- Separate endpoint management tools: Like Microsoft SCCM for thin client management
- Remote access solutions: SCG replaces complex VPN and remote endpoint management tools
Quantifiable cost savings
The financial benefits of Unicon are substantial:
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The Citrix UHMC advantage
As part of Citrix UHMC, Unicon isn’t just another endpoint solution – it’s an integrated component of your complete digital workspace platform. This integration means:
- Seamless authentication with Citrix Gateway and Adaptive Authentication
- Optimised performance with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
- Unified monitoring through uberAgent and NetScaler Console
- Consistent security policies across your entire infrastructure
- Integrated remote access through SCG and Citrix Gateway Service
Rather than managing separate endpoint, virtualisation and security solutions from multiple vendors, Citrix UHMC with Unicon provides a complete, integrated platform that reduces complexity whilst improving security and user experience.
Sound good?
Get in touch to learn more about how Unicon can improve endpoint security and Citrix Universal HMC RoI. Call 0330 010 3443 or mail hello@clouddnagroup.com.
