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#10

Horizon 8 is ranked #10 in the DaaS Providers product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Horizon 8 Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Horizon 8 pricing starts at $6 (Per User, Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$5.79
Pricing Model
Per User, Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Horizon 8 is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Horizon 8:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Horizon 8 Benefits and Insights

Why use Horizon 8?

Key differentiators & advantages of Horizon 8

  • Enhanced Security: Horizon 8 offers robust security features, including multi-factor authentication and encryption, ensuring sensitive data remains protected.
  • Improved User Experience: With high-definition video and audio capabilities, users experience seamless interactions, even in remote environments.
  • Scalability: Easily scale your virtual desktop infrastructure to meet growing business demands without significant hardware investments.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduce operational costs by centralizing desktop management and minimizing the need for physical hardware.
  • Centralized Management: Simplify IT operations with a single platform to manage and deploy virtual desktops and applications.
  • Business Continuity: Ensure uninterrupted access to critical applications and data during unexpected disruptions, supporting remote work and disaster recovery plans.
  • Flexibility: Support a diverse range of devices and operating systems, allowing employees to work from anywhere using their preferred tools.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate better teamwork with integrated communication tools and shared virtual environments.
  • Compliance: Maintain regulatory compliance with built-in auditing and reporting features that track user activity and data access.
  • Performance Optimization: Utilize advanced resource allocation and load balancing to ensure optimal performance for all users.

Industry Expertise

Horizon 8 expertise is crucial for IT decision-makers, architects, and administrators who need to understand the security features of VMware Horizon. This software is best suited for organizations that require a robust and secure virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, particularly those with a large number of users and sensitive data.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Horizon 8 reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Simple Management: Horizon 8 enables centralized control over virtual desktops and applications, simplifying IT administration.
  • Strong Security: The platform incorporates robust security features like multi-factor authentication and encryption to protect sensitive data.
  • Fast Performance: Horizon 8 delivers a responsive user experience akin to using a physical workstation, even for demanding applications.
  • Effortless Scalability: Businesses can easily adjust their VDI deployments up or down based on their evolving needs, ensuring optimal resource utilization.

Cons

  • Copy/Paste Issues: Users have reported occasional difficulties with copy/paste functionality between their local machines and virtual desktops.
  • Connection Stability: A weak or unreliable internet connection can disrupt the VDI connection, leading to dropped sessions and potential data loss.
  • Complex Setup: While Horizon 8 is known for its robust features, configuring and deploying the software, particularly on-site, can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for larger organizations with complex network security requirements.

Researcher's Summary:

Is the grass always greener on the other side of the Horizon 8 fence? User reviews from the past year suggest that VMware Horizon 8 is a robust solution for organizations seeking to implement Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. Users praise its performance, security features, and user-friendliness, particularly highlighting its ease of deployment and management. Its ability to provide secure remote access without the need for VPNs is a major plus, as is its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors like Citrix DaaS. However, some users have reported occasional issues with specific features, such as copy/paste functionality and connection drops in areas with poor internet connectivity.

One of Horizon 8's differentiating factors is its flexibility, as it can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments. This adaptability makes it an attractive option for organizations of all sizes and with varying IT infrastructures. Another key strength is its comprehensive feature set, which includes application virtualization, profile management, and advanced security controls. These features enable organizations to create a centralized and secure digital workspace that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. While the initial setup might require some technical expertise, users generally find the platform intuitive and easy to use once configured.

Overall, VMware Horizon 8 is best suited for organizations looking for a comprehensive, secure, and scalable VDI solution. Its robust features, ease of management, and flexible deployment options make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking to empower their workforce with reliable and efficient access to their digital workspaces, regardless of location.

Key Features

Notable Horizon 8 features include:

  • Blast Extreme Protocol: Delivers high-performance remote desktop and application experiences, optimized for multimedia and 3D graphics.
  • Instant Clones: Rapidly deploys virtual desktops by cloning a running virtual machine, significantly reducing provisioning time.
  • Unified Workspace: Provides a single portal for accessing virtual desktops, applications, and online services, enhancing user convenience.
  • Smart Policies: Dynamically adjusts user policies based on conditions such as location, device, and network status, ensuring security and compliance.
  • App Volumes: Delivers applications in real-time to virtual desktops, reducing storage costs and simplifying application management.
  • Dynamic Environment Manager: Personalizes user settings and enforces IT policies across virtual, physical, and cloud environments.
  • Cloud Pod Architecture: Enables global entitlements and management across multiple Horizon instances, supporting large-scale deployments.
  • vSphere Integration: Leverages VMware vSphere for robust virtualization, providing high availability and resource optimization.
  • Hybrid Cloud Support: Seamlessly extends virtual desktops and applications to public clouds, offering flexibility and scalability.
  • Monitoring and Analytics: Utilizes VMware vRealize Operations for Horizon to provide deep insights into performance and usage metrics.
  • Zero Trust Security: Implements multi-layered security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and micro-segmentation.
  • Remote Experience: Enhances user experience with features like USB redirection, printer redirection, and support for multiple monitors.
  • Automated Patching: Simplifies maintenance by automating the patching process for virtual desktops and applications.
  • RESTful APIs: Offers extensive APIs for integration with third-party tools and custom automation workflows.
  • Support for Multiple OS: Provides compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.