Siemens' expertise extends far beyond workplace VDI and SCADA clients into numerous virtual solutions that empower customers. The company is fundamentally reimagining automation and simulation through software, with key innovations including:
To find out how to implement a virtualized solution for your facility, explore the official Siemens SIMATIC Virtualization as a Service page.
A global automotive supplier implemented Siemens Virtual Clients on rugged tablets connected to 5G. Maintenance staff walk the plant floor, pull up the exact HMI screen for the machine in front of them, and modify ladder logic—all while the heavy processing happens in a server rack three floors up.
In the virtual commissioning and virtual PLC market, Siemens operates alongside a strong group of competitors, including Rockwell Automation, ABB, Beckhoff Automation, Dassault Systèmes, and MathWorks. As of 2025, the virtual commissioning market for intelligent manufacturing was estimated at USD 1.2 billion and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2033. siemens virtual client
This hybrid approach—centralized management with distributed execution—represents the next evolution of the Siemens Virtual Client.
This digital twin allows for "what-if" analyses, such as testing how a change in robot speed affects overall production, without disrupting physical operations. Conclusion
What are you running? (e.g., WinCC V7, PCS 7, TIA Portal) Siemens' expertise extends far beyond workplace VDI and
Centralizing hardware away from hazardous, explosive, or corrosive environments extends equipment life and increases operator safety.
As industries continue to evolve and adopt digital transformation strategies, Siemens Virtual Client is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of industrial automation. With its robust features, scalability, and flexibility, the solution is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of industries seeking to optimize their operations and improve efficiency.
Siemens approaches this technology with a focus on industrial strength and real-world applicability. According to company documentation, virtualization allows several systems that would otherwise require separate hardware to be operated in parallel on one PC. This core principle unlocks a host of strategic advantages: Maintenance staff walk the plant floor, pull up
"Siemens Virtual Client" is not just a product; it is a strategic approach to industrial IT. It abstracts software from its underlying hardware, enabling a more agile, secure, and efficient way of working. From the shop floor's SIMATIC control systems to the engineering department's NX software, Siemens offers a full spectrum of virtualization technologies. As industries embrace concepts like software-defined automation and industrial AI, mastering the art of the virtual client will be a key competitive differentiator. Siemens is providing the tools and roadmap for companies to navigate this evolution and unlock the full potential of their digital transformation.
Migrating from standalone engineering workstations to the Siemens Virtual Client model offers compelling advantages:
For IT specialists, Siemens now provides virtual workstations using Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop . This setup allows for rapid scaling and meets strict security requirements, giving remote teams secure access to high-performance engineering tools. Who is it For?
At its heart, client virtualization is about abstraction. A virtual client is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs on a centralized server in a data center or the cloud. Users interact with it remotely using a lightweight device like a thin client, a standard laptop, or even a tablet. The software, applications, and data all reside securely in the central data center.