In today’s hybrid and remote-first world, the way we work has permanently changed. Employees expect to be productive from anywhere home, coffee shops, airports, or traditional offices while IT teams need to keep data safe and costs under control. A well-designed digital workspace solves both challenges by delivering apps, data, and tools through a single, unified experience that works seamlessly across devices.
This comprehensive guide explains what a digital workspace really is, explores real-world examples (including digital workspace Samsung, digital workspace Walmart, digital workspace KP, and others), compares leading digital workspace platforms, and gives you a practical, step-by-step framework to build your own flexible and secure environment whether you’re a small business looking for a digital workspace free option or an enterprise ready to invest.
What Is a Digital Workspace?
A digital workspace is an integrated, cloud-based environment that brings together all the tools, applications, data, and collaboration features an employee needs into one secure, personalized interface. Unlike traditional desktops tied to a single PC, a modern digital workspace follows the user across phones, tablets, laptops, and even shared kiosks.
Key characteristics:
- Device-agnostic access (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS)
- Single sign-on (SSO) and zero-trust security
- Centralized app and desktop virtualization
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Self-service capabilities for end users
The goal? Boost productivity, improve employee experience, and reduce IT overhead.
What Is the Difference Between “Digital Workspace” and “Digital Workplace”?
People often use the terms interchangeably, but there’s a subtle distinction:
- Digital workplace refers to the broader concept the culture, processes, and employee experience enabled by technology.
- Digital workspace is the actual technology layer (platforms, apps, access methods) that makes the digital workplace possible.
Think of the digital workplace as the “what” and the digital workspace as the “how.”
Real-World Examples of Digital Workspaces in Action
Digital Workspace Samsung
Samsung Knox Suite powers one of the largest enterprise digital workspaces in the world. By combining Knox Platform for Enterprise, Knox Mobile Enrollment, and Knox Manage, Samsung provides zero-touch enrollment, granular security policies, and remote management for millions of corporate devices. Many Fortune 500 companies use digital workspace Samsung solutions to securely deliver corporate apps to employee-owned or company-issued Galaxy devices.
Digital Workspace Walmart
Walmart rolled out its custom “Me@Walmart” app and One Workspace platform to more than 2.3 million associates. Built on Microsoft Azure and VMware Workspace ONE (now part of Omnissa), digital workspace Walmart gives frontline workers scheduling, training, voice-assisted picking, and communication tools directly on their phones without requiring a traditional computer.
Digital Workspace KP (Kaiser Permanente)
Kaiser Permanente uses Citrix and Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop alongside custom integrations to deliver clinical applications to 200,000+ caregivers. The digital workspace KP environment ensures HIPAA compliance while allowing doctors and nurses to access patient records from hospital workstations, home offices, or mobile devices.
Digital Workspace Omnissa (Formerly VMware Workspace ONE)
After Broadcom acquired VMware, the Workspace ONE and Horizon businesses were spun out into a new company called Omnissa in 2024. Digital workspace Omnissa is now one of the most mature unified endpoint management (UEM) and digital workspace platforms on the market, trusted by 80% of the Fortune 500.
Top Digital Workspace Platforms Compared (2025)
| Platform | Best For | Free Tier? | Key Features | Pricing (Starting) | Notable Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 + Intune | Microsoft-first organizations | Limited (trials) | Windows 365 Cloud PC, Azure AD, Teams | ~$20/user/mo | Coca-Cola, Accenture |
| Google Workspace + BeyondCorp | Google ecosystem users | Yes (Business Starter) | ChromeOS Flex, Context-Aware Access | $6/user/mo | Salesforce, Broadcom |
| Omnissa Workspace ONE | Large enterprises, mixed devices | No | Full UEM + VDI, intelligence analytics | Custom quote | Walmart, Kaiser Permanente |
| Citrix DaaS | High-performance VDI needs | No | HDX protocol, session recording | ~$25/user/mo | BMW, NASA |
| Cameyo (Google acquisition) | ChromeOS-focused, app virtualization | Yes (limited) | Virtual app delivery for web apps | $5/user/mo | Growing mid-market |
| Slack + Salesforce | Collaboration-heavy teams | Yes (free plan) | Huddles, Canvas, Workflow Builder | Free–$12.50/user/mo | IBM, Uber |
How to Create a Flexible and Secure Digital Workspace: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Requirements
Start with business outcomes:
- Support hybrid work?
- Reduce hardware costs?
- Improve security/compliance?
- Simplify onboarding?
Document device types, operating systems, and must-have applications.
Step 2: Choose the Right Digital Workspace Platform
Evaluate based on:
- Existing investments (Microsoft vs. Google)
- Number of non-Windows devices
- Need for full virtual desktops vs. just app streaming
- Regulatory requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP)
Step 3: Implement Identity and Access Management
Deploy:
- Single sign-on (Okta, Azure AD, Google Cloud Identity)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
- Conditional access policies (location, device compliance)
Never store or transmit plain digital workspace username and password credentials use modern authentication.
Step 4: Virtualize Apps and Desktops
Options:
- Full VDI (Citrix, Omnissa Horizon, Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Application virtualization (Microsoft FSLogix, Cameyo)
- Progressive web apps (PWAs) for lighter needs
Step 5: Integrate Collaboration Tools
Most teams rely on:
- Slack or Microsoft Teams for chat
- Google Workspace or Outlook for email and docs
- Zoom/Teams for video
Ensure these tools are accessible from the same digital workspace portal.
Step 6: Secure Endpoints and Data
Adopt a zero-trust model:
- Device compliance checks before granting access
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Remote wipe and lock capabilities
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
Step 7: Train Users and Launch
- Create short, device-specific video guides
- Offer a self-service app catalog
- Gather feedback after 30 days and iterate
Can You Get a Digital Workspace Free?
Yes but with limits:
- Google Workspace Business Starter ($6/user/mo, but free for very small teams in some regions)
- Slack free plan (limited message history)
- Cameyo free tier (up to 50 users)
- ChromeOS Flex (free OS for old PCs)
For serious business use, expect to invest at least $10–30 per user per month for security and support.
Digital Workspace Jobs: Who Builds and Manages Them?
Demand for skilled professionals is growing fast. Common roles in 2025:
- Digital Workspace Engineer (avg. $120k–$160k USD)
- Endpoint Manager / UEM Administrator
- Virtual Desktop Architect
- Zero Trust Security Specialist
- Employee Experience (EX) Designer
Certifications that help: Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Omnissa Certified Professional, Citrix Certified Expert – Virtualization (CCE-V).
FAQ About Digital Workspaces
1. What is a digital workspace?
A digital workspace is a cloud-based, integrated environment that delivers applications, desktops, and data to any device through a secure, unified interface.
2. What is an example of a digital workplace?
Walmart’s “Me@Walmart” app and backend One Workspace platform is a leading example frontline associates access schedules, training, and communication tools from personal or company phones.
3. Is Google Workspace considered a digital workspace?
Google Workspace provides many building blocks (Gmail, Drive, Meet), but a complete digital workspace usually adds device management (BeyondCorp Enterprise) and virtual app/desktop delivery.
4. How much does a digital workspace cost?
Small teams can start under $10/user/month. Large enterprises with VDI and advanced security typically spend $25–$60/user/month.
5. What is digital workspace Omnissa?
Omnissa is the new company (2024) that owns the former VMware Workspace ONE and Horizon products. It is one of the most widely adopted enterprise digital workspace platforms.
6. Are there truly free digital workspace options?
Yes, but limited. Google Workspace, Slack, and Cameyo offer free tiers suitable for very small teams or testing.
7. What are the best digital workspace apps?
Top apps include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace apps, Notion, Asana, and virtual app delivery tools like Cameyo or VMware App Volumes.
Conclusion
Creating a flexible and secure digital workspace is no longer optional it’s table stakes for attracting talent and staying competitive. Whether you’re inspired by digital workspace Samsung security, digital workspace Walmart scale, or digital workspace KP compliance, the core principles remain the same: unify access, secure everything, and empower users.
