A powerful remote desktop app for Windows PCs
VMWare Horizon Client is a useful productivity tool developed by VMWare, Inc. The program focuses on virtualization services for enterprises. It separates VMWare’s application and the desktop environment, which ensures remote access in the workplace. Compared to AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and UltraViewer, VMWare Horizon Client runs smoothly across platforms. It is also now available on the new Windows 11 OS.
VMWare Horizon Client uses the company’s innovative technology to run a reliable remote desktop environment. With this tool, every operating system on the desktop runs in a virtual machine with a hypervisor. The program can turn static computers into a centralized digital workspace with additional security features.
A good software for managing work more efficiently
VMWare Horizon Client is a powerful productivity tool designed for managing office work from remote locations. Simply put, it is a functional virtual platform for businesses. While the end-users work in a secure environment, administrators get better control, security, and management in the virtual workspace.
Why use VMWare Horizon Client?
With VMWare Horizon Client, everything can be centralized through a comprehensive virtualization platform and virtual desktop infrastructure. Due to the presence of a single virtual platform, you’re assured of streamlined management. There’s also an ‘Entitle’ feature for end-users, which lets administrators supply remote or virtual desktops and remote applications to users.
The benefits of establishing a desktop virtualization platform in a company include reduced costs. It’s important to note that such a platform allocates resources to multiple devices while making sure that everything can be managed from a centralized system. In addition to this, it extends virtualization from one database to several devices, operating systems, and peripherals.
With this productivity tool, administrators have complete control over security, delivery, and operation. They can execute adaptive policies for end-users in the computing or virtual environment. It also simplifies data protection by allowing admins to implement flexible security measures across the company’s virtual desktop and database.
The remote desktop software ensures simplified management of virtual applications and desktops. With this app, admins can deliver desktops instantly, while reducing the overall operational cost and consumption of resources. The program leverages modern application and system architecture. In addition to this, it reduces storage costs and consumption when working with stateless desktops.
With this desktop virtualization tool, administrators have a more convenient application installation and packaging experience. The software ensures a consistent end-user experience for every user. This is perfect for programmers, designers, customer support executives, developers, writers, and other professionals. It allows people to work remotely without negatively impacting productivity.
What about the security features?
The powerful productivity tool comes with a range of security features. These effectively meet the demanding requirements of complex corporate policies. They also adhere to industry standards and legal mandates. For instance, VMWare Horizon Client supports two-factor authentication.
It’s worth mentioning that you still need to configure the ‘Connection Server’ settings in Horizon Administrator. The desktop virtualization program requires you to do this by using RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) or RSA SecurID Authentication.
The desktop virtualization platform allows end-users to leverage the single-sign-on feature, which requires you to supply the Active Directory login information only once. With this method, your user credentials remain secured by a digital certification. Not even a single password is transferred to any external data center.
In addition to this, if you choose to access VMWare Horizon Client on a smartphone or tablet, you can use fingerprint security. The program also supports smart card authentication. With its multiple security features and comprehensive functionalities, VMWare Horizon Client has become one of the most popular desktop virtualization apps in the world. The program has a major impact on reducing infrastructure and operation costs while ensuring remote teams stay connected to improve productivity and efficiency.
Limitations of VMWare Horizon Client
While VMWare Horizon Client is a powerful tool for remote desktop virtualization, it has its limitations. The software's complexity can pose challenges for both administrators and end-users, especially for organizations or individuals unfamiliar with virtualization platforms.
Initial setup and configuration require significant technical expertise, including the integration of features such as the Connection Server settings for authentication protocols like RADIUS or RSA SecurID.
Additionally, the software may be overkill for smaller businesses or teams that don't need the extensive control and scalability it offers, making it less accessible to users with simpler requirements.
Furthermore, while VMWare Horizon Client provides strong security features, it demands a stable and robust infrastructure to function effectively, which might not always be available in remote or resource-constrained environments.
Limitations of VMWare Horizon Client
While VMWare Horizon Client is a powerful tool for remote desktop virtualization, it has its limitations. The software's complexity can pose challenges for both administrators and end-users, especially for organizations or individuals unfamiliar with virtualization platforms.
Initial setup and configuration require significant technical expertise, including the integration of features such as the Connection Server settings for authentication protocols like RADIUS or RSA SecurID.
Additionally, the software may be overkill for smaller businesses or teams that don't need the extensive control and scalability it offers, making it less accessible to users with simpler requirements.
Furthermore, while VMWare Horizon Client provides strong security features, it demands a stable and robust infrastructure to function effectively, which might not always be available in remote or resource-constrained environments.
Alternatives to VMWare Horizon Client
For users seeking alternatives, several options provide streamlined and efficient remote desktop solutions tailored to various needs. Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) is a simpler and cost-effective choice for individuals and small businesses, offering easy setup and integration within Windows environments.
Similarly, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are highly popular for their user-friendly interfaces and cross-platform support, making them suitable for personal use or small teams needing remote access without the complexities of virtualization.
For organizations focused on open-source solutions, Apache Guacamole provides a web-based remote desktop gateway, requiring no client installation and offering broad compatibility.
Another strong contender is Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS), which combines ease of use with a robust feature set, offering centralized management and strong security protocols, making it ideal for medium-sized businesses.
Finally, for lightweight virtualization that balances simplicity and functionality, Citrix Workspace offers a comparable experience to VMWare Horizon Client but with potentially lower complexity for deployment. Each of these alternatives addresses specific needs, making them viable options depending on the organization's size, budget, and technical capabilities.
A fresh take on VMware Horizon: New updates unveiled
VMware's Horizon platform has received a series of updates aimed at enhancing functionality, security, and user experience across both desktop and cloud environments. With new features in the Horizon 8 (2312) release, the updates cater to the needs of modern enterprises looking for seamless virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and application delivery.
Streamlined update processes
One of the standout features is the improved update process for the Horizon Client. Users can now configure the client to automatically search for updates at startup, or they can manually initiate updates via a dedicated interface. This approach simplifies staying current with the latest performance improvements and security patches while ensuring minimal disruption during upgrades.
Enhanced enterprise capabilities
Horizon 8 (2312) introduces several features that optimize performance and simplify management. These include enhanced security measures to protect sensitive data, better integration with cloud-native technologies, and an improved user interface for administrators. Additionally, the update allows greater flexibility for enterprises migrating from Horizon 7 to Horizon 8, ensuring compatibility and streamlined workflows.
Optimized for modern workflows
For organizations leveraging the cloud, VMware has refined Horizon's support for hybrid environments. The platform's interoperability with Workspace ONE ensures that users can manage their endpoints, security, and compliance requirements in a unified manner. This alignment underscores VMware's focus on delivering a cohesive digital employee experience.
Where to learn more
For those ready to dive deeper into the latest features and update guidelines, VMware provides detailed resources and support documentation. These guides ensure that users and administrators alike can maximize their Horizon experience and adapt the platform to their specific needs.
These updates reaffirm VMware's commitment to delivering a robust and scalable VDI solution tailored to the dynamic demands of modern enterprises.
A fresh identity with familiar roots
Omnissa, formerly VMware's End-User Computing (EUC) division, has launched as an independent company after separating from VMware and Broadcom in mid-2024. This transformation positions Omnissa as a global leader in digital workspaces, focusing on delivering innovative solutions for virtual desktops, app virtualization, and endpoint management.
Expanding the digital workspace vision
Omnissa is building on VMware's legacy by refining and expanding its platform capabilities. Key offerings like Horizon for virtual desktops and Workspace ONE for unified endpoint management remain integral, now enhanced to meet modern security and user experience demands. The company's strategy emphasizes seamless user interaction, robust threat defense, and multi-device compatibility. These updates reflect a commitment to addressing evolving customer needs in a complex IT environment.
Commitment to innovation
Omnissa plans to drive innovation with a focus on security, scalability, and integration. Its flagship solutions now aim to support diverse use cases, such as hybrid work environments and advanced compliance requirements. The company also highlights its dedication to reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) for businesses while maintaining an intuitive, powerful user experience.
Looking ahead
With this rebranding, Omnissa promises to continue innovating in the digital workspace domain, delivering tools designed for flexibility, security, and performance. By leveraging its heritage and embracing new opportunities, Omnissa aims to redefine the future of end-user computing.
Better productivity with this remote desktop app
The remote desktop application is a feature-packed tool to establish secure remote connections on multiple devices. The platform is an ideal choice for businesses focused on a robust function without any hassles in workflows. The platform offers access across locations and devices.
With VMWare Horizon Client, you don’t even have to worry about safety and security, since the program comes with a range of features to ensure secure access. This way, your organizational data doesn’t get stolen or lost. VMWare Horizon Client is undoubtedly a great choice among remote desktop apps.
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