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VMware Horizon alternatives

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According to a new Gartner report, The Future of VMware’s EUC Products, concerns about licensing changes, reduced support, and a possible slowdown in innovation are prompting businesses to explore alternatives to VMware Horizon (now Omnissa).  

Omnissa is now fully responsible for the strategy, development, sales, and support of the former VMware end-user computing (EUC) offerings, which introduces new risks. Products may be enhanced, deprecated, or discontinued, and changes in partner strategy could require adjustments to dependent infrastructures.  

With most Horizon deployments relying on VMware’s hypervisor vSphere, which is controlled by Broadcom, things get more complicated. Users are left managing two separate companies, creating uncertainty and potentially increasing costs.  

The Gartner report advises customers to create contingency plans “that include assessment of costs and risks for moving to alternative products.” Let’s break down the pros and cons of VMware Horizon and what IT leaders should consider when contemplating a change. 

A plot chart showing Microsoft AVD as the clear leader in the DaaS space

Pros of VMware Horizon:

Legacy support: VMware Horizon, with its years of market presence, has a vast ecosystem of integrations and a wealth of support and documentation. This provides some confidence for existing customers, especially those with established infrastructure. 

Feature set: Horizon continues to offer capabilities for desktop and application virtualization, with a mature technology stack built over decades. 

Cons of VMware Horizon:

Uncertainty and risk: A lack of clarity around the acquisition and rebranding of VMware Horizon under Omnissa has caused a heightened risk of discontinued products and increasing uncertainty, especially around future licensing, support, and feature innovation.  

Increased complexity: Splitting VMware Horizon management between Omnissa for end-user computing and Broadcom for hypervisor management (vSphere) increases operational complexity, creating inefficiencies in support, licensing, and troubleshooting. 

Potential for higher costs: Businesses may face rising licensing fees, along with the uncertainty of new pricing structures from Omnissa as well as increased costs from managing two separate vendors.  

Lack of a clear roadmap: Without offering a detailed product roadmap for the solution, it is harder for businesses to plan long-term strategies, which could disrupt operations and lead to unexpected infrastructure changes. 

As organizations reevaluate their virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions, finding the right VMware alternative is crucial to ensure continuity, cost-effectiveness, and a future-proof virtual desktop infrastructure. 

What to consider when choosing a VDI solution

Choosing the right Omnissa/VMware Horizon alternative requires evaluating key factors, such as deployment options, features, scalability, and security of the VDI solution. Additionally, clients should identify direct and indirect dependencies on Horizon and Omnissa Workspace ONE and conduct a thorough risk analysis of product and pricing change risks. Keep these considerations in mind as you weigh your options: 

  • Infrastructure requirements: Consider whether you need a cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid solution to meet your organization’s needs. 
  • Feature set: Evaluate whether the alternative supports both VDI and application delivery, or just one of the two. 
  • Scalability and flexibility: Ensure the solution can scale with your business and adapt to changing requirements. 
  • Security and compliance: Assess the security features and compliance certifications of each platform. 
  • Cost and pricing structure: Understand the pricing models and total cost of ownership associated with each option. 
  • Ease of use and management: Look for solutions that simplify management tasks and reduce the administrative burden. 
  • Longevity: Ensure the alternative offers long-term value through automation, AI, and adaptability to evolving work needs. 

Now that you know what factors to look for, let’s examine some popular alternatives. 

Exploring VDI alternatives

From cloud-based solutions to hybrid deployments, there are several virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions to consider as alternatives to VMware Horizon: 

  • Amazon WorkSpaces: A managed desktop as a service (DaaS) solution that runs on AWS, providing an alternative for businesses already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem. 
  • Citrix App and Desktop Virtualization: A platform known for its range of features for both application delivery and desktop virtualization. 
  • Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS): A VDI solution that simplifies application and desktop delivery across various environments. 
  • Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD): A cloud-based VDI solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft services, offering scalability, security, and flexibility. 

The ultimate VDI solution: Azure Virtual Desktop with Nerdio

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) combined with Nerdio emerges as a powerful VMware alternative. AVD integrates seamlessly with existing cloud services, offering built-in scalability and security. AVD can reduce the reliance on physical infrastructure and streamline management through automated tools, helping businesses adapt to changing demands more easily. 

Here’s how Nerdio can help you get the most out of Azure Virtual Desktop for your enterprise: 

  • Simplified management: Automate and centralize the management of AVD, significantly streamlining the deployment process. 
  • Increased efficiency: Reduce the administrative burden by automating routine tasks, allowing your IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives. 
  • Scalability for growth: Scale effortlessly, accommodating your organization’s growth and evolving needs. 

Nerdio provides a comprehensive platform that not only enhances the deployment and management of AVD but also maximizes the value of your Microsoft investment. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right VMware Horizon alternative is more than just a decision about features or pricing—it’s about future-proofing your virtual desktop infrastructure. With uncertainties surrounding VMware Horizon (now Omnissa), it’s crucial to consider a modern solution that provides the scalability, flexibility, and security required to support evolving business needs. 

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), when combined with Nerdio, delivers a modern, cloud-native platform that addresses today’s VDI challenges. AVD + Nerdio isn’t just a replacement—it’s an upgrade. It enables your business to reduce risks, control costs, and scale effortlessly, making it the ideal choice for organizations looking to improve the long-term stability of their VDI strategies. 

Take control of your virtual desktop future. Contact us today to explore how Nerdio can help you fully leverage Azure Virtual Desktop, providing your business with a secure and efficient virtual desktop environment. 

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