Which DaaS platform does what natively — and where are extensions needed?
Six DaaS platforms compared, each with its own feature set. This puzzle shows at a glance which of the twelve core capabilities of a modern workplace stack are covered natively — and which have to be added through add-ons such as Nerdio, ControlUp, WEM or Workspace ONE. Choose a platform for the full analysis.
As at September 2026
The twelve-module puzzle
A modern workplace stack consists of twelve core modules — from monitoring through deployment, policies and gateway to multi-cloud support. Not one DaaS platform covers all twelve natively. Each has its strengths and its gaps.
The mini puzzles in the cards below show each platform’s base feature set. Navy = available natively, Gold = partial or preview, hatched = only through an add-on, grey = not available. For the full analysis including the interactive configurator — and the question of how add-ons such as Nerdio or ControlUp affect the feature set — click the platform in question.
The six platforms compared
Azure Virtual Desktop
native
Windows 11 multi-session on Azure — the flagship for the Microsoft 365 world. Autoscale for pooled host pools generally available since August 2022, with dynamic autoscaling added in June 2026; additional tooling pays off from several host pools upwards.
View platform detailsWindows 365 Enterprise
native
A Cloud PC as a fixed per-user service, managed through Intune like a physical endpoint.
View platform detailsWindows 365 Flex
native
One licence for up to three Cloud PCs that are not used at the same time — for shift workers, part-time staff and occasional users.
View platform detailsCitrix DaaS
native
DaaS suite with multi-cloud, HDX, App Layering and Device Posture — a high barrier to entry.
View platform detailsOmnissa Horizon
native
vSphere-native with Instant Clones, App Volumes and Blast Extreme. The natural choice for existing VMware shops.
View platform detailsoneclick™
native
100% browser-based, twelve cloud providers integrated (STACKIT, OTC, IONOS). A sovereign DACH alternative with Zero Trust to NIST.
View platform detailsWhich platform for which scenario?
Choosing the right DaaS platform depends less on the feature set than on the persona mix, the existing estate, compliance requirements and the cost model. This quick guide gives a first orientation.
Method & sources
The twelve-module scheme is based on a structured analysis of public vendor documentation, technical publications and the Extended DaaS Feature Matrix. Each module represents an architecturally relevant core capability — taken together, the twelve modules cover the framework of a complete workplace stack.
The assessment per platform has been kept consistent between this overview, the detailed analyses and the feature matrix. Discrepancies in individual statements are corrected on an ongoing basis. Changes in product availability, pricing or feature sets between publication and the reference date are incorporated in updates. Specific licence terms and prices should be obtained from the respective vendor.
Every platform in detail.
The overview shows the comparison — the detail pages show what sits behind each entry: architecture, limits and where add-on tooling makes sense.
Trademarks: Microsoft®, Azure®, Windows®, Azure Virtual Desktop®, Windows 365® · Citrix® · Omnissa®, Horizon® · oneclick™ · Nerdio® · Login VSI®, Hydra™ · IGEL® · Unicon® · STACKIT® · Open Telekom Cloud® · IONOS® · and all other product and company names mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are named here solely for factual comparison, as nominative use.