There are several alternatives to VMware Horizon for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and application virtualization. In this post, we’ll explain some of the most popular options. At Bobcares, with our Server Management Service, we can handle your virtualization issues.

Overview

1. VMware Horizon Alternatives
2. Why We Need VMware Horizon Alternatives?
3. Main VMware Horizon Alternatives
4. Conclusion

VMware Horizon Alternatives

What is VMware?

VMware Horizon is a commercial desktop and application virtualization software created by VMware, Inc for Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS. It offers virtual desktop and app features to customers that use VMware’s virtualization technology, in which a desktop operating system, usually Microsoft Windows, runs within a virtual machine on a hypervisor.

VMware Horizon is a virtualization solution that lets us provide virtual desktops and apps to end users. It is mainly used in business settings to provide secure remote access to work environments, regardless of device or location. Following is a short explanation on VMware Horizon:

i. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Horizon allows organizations to deploy and manage virtual desktops, where users can access a full desktop experience from a central server.

ii. Application Virtualization: It also enables the delivery of individual applications to users without the need for a full virtual desktop. This is useful for accessing specific apps securely.

iii. Centralized Management: IT administrators can centrally manage and monitor the virtual desktops and applications, which simplifies updates, patches, and overall maintenance.

iv. Security: VMware Horizon includes features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure connections to protect sensitive data during remote access.

v. Flexible Access: Users can access their virtual desktops and applications from various devices, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones, enabling a flexible work environment.

vi. Scalability: It’s designed to scale easily, allowing businesses to grow their virtual environments as needed.

VMware Horizon is commonly used in industries like healthcare, finance, education, and any other sector that requires secure, remote access to apps and data.

Why We Need VMware Horizon Alternatives?

1. VMware Horizon can be costly, particularly for small and medium-sized organizations. Licensing fees, infrastructure costs, and continuous maintenance may pile up, prompting businesses to look for more cost-effective options.

2. VMware Horizon, while powerful, may be difficult to setup and run. Organizations with minimal IT resources may struggle to manage the complexities of Horizon and may prefer simpler alternatives.

3. Organizations pursuing a cloud-first approach may seek for VDI solutions that are cloud-native or better integrated with specific cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

4. Depending primarily on VMware may result in vendor lock-in, in which a company becomes unduly reliant on a single vendor’s ecosystem. Exploring alternatives can increase flexibility and lessen reliance on a single source.

5. VDI solutions vary in their functionality, and VMware Horizon may not fulfill all of an organization’s unique demands. For example, some options may provide greater mobile device compatibility, improved application virtualization, or more seamless interaction with certain applications or services.

6. Others may have performance issues using VMware Horizon, especially in complicated or high-demand situations.

7. While VMware Horizon is scalable, enterprises experiencing rapid growth or variable demand may seek solutions that provide more flexible or dynamic scalability, particularly in cloud settings.

8. Organizations that rely significantly on specific platforms or services can find alternatives which work more organically with their existing systems.

9. Some alternatives may have cutting-edge features or developments that VMware Horizon does not currently offer. Organizations wishing to take advantage of cutting-edge technology may want to look into newer or more inventive virtual desktop solutions.

Main VMware Horizon Alternatives

1. Inuvika OVD Enterprise:

Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a digital workplace platform that provides safe access to business apps from anywhere, supporting the zero-trust concept while increasing usability and lowering complexity for administrators. It uses a web administration panel to simplify application discovery and quick publication, allowing users to use Windows and Linux programs simultaneously via a single user interface.

2. Citrix DaaS:

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a prominent desktop and application virtualization solution that supports the delivery of Windows, Linux, and web apps, as well as full virtual desktops. It may be installed in any cloud environment, public, on-premises, or hybrid, as part of a contemporary digital workspace.

3. Amazon WorkSpaces:

Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed Desktop-as-a-Service solution that enables companies to rapidly supply and grow Windows or Linux workstations throughout the world. It also provides a complete, cost-effective, and simply controllable DaaS solution, allowing enterprises to effectively provide and grow virtual desktops while retaining strong security and control.

4. VMware Fusion:

VMware Fusion provides a smooth and powerful solution for running Windows on Mac, ensuring ease of use, flexibility, and increased productivity for people from a variety of backgrounds and sectors.

5. V2 Cloud:

V2 Cloud provides a fully integrated Desktop as a Service solution that is optimized for speed and simplicity, allowing customers to work productively from any location.

6. Red Hat Virtualization:

Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), originally known as Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV), is an enterprise-level virtualization platform created by Red Hat. It supports both server and desktop virtualization, meeting the different demands of enterprises.

7. Parallels RAS:

Parallels Remote Application Server is an application virtualization solution by Maltese firm 2X Software. It is hoped to improve its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions for enterprises wishing to virtualize and centrally manage their application and desktop environments across multiple platforms and devices by purchasing 2X Software and integrating their Parallels RAS technology.

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Conclusion

Organizations looking for cost-effective, simpler, or more cloud-native VDI solutions should consider VMware Horizon alternatives. Alternatives may provide greater integration, scalability, or specialized characteristics that are more aligned with an organization’s requirements. By looking these options from our Experts, organizations can pick a virtualization solution that best meets their needs, minimizes complexity, and may save costs.