Understanding VMware Horizon Cost and Its Benefits for Businesses

Introduction: What is VMware Horizon and Why Should You Care About the VMware Horizon Cost?

In today’s dynamic work environment, businesses are increasingly turning to virtualization technologies to ensure seamless access to applications and data, no matter where their employees are located. Among the most powerful solutions for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is VMware Horizon. It enables companies to centralize their IT management and provide secure access to desktop environments and applications from virtually any device.

However, as businesses adopt new technologies, the VMware Horizon cost becomes a crucial consideration. Understanding the pricing structure and the factors that influence VMware Horizon cost can help organizations make informed decisions when investing in virtualization solutions. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the VMware Horizon cost model, what factors influence the price, and how businesses can get the most out of their investment in VMware Horizon.

What is VMware Horizon?

VMware Horizon is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platform developed by VMware that allows businesses to deliver and manage virtual desktops and applications. This platform enables IT teams to provide remote access to desktops, applications, and data, without the need for traditional physical devices. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote workforces or organizations that need to streamline IT management.

VMware Horizon works by creating virtual desktops on central servers. These desktops can then be accessed remotely by users on different devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This allows employees to have the same desktop experience, regardless of their physical location, making it an ideal solution for remote work and collaboration.

What Contributes to VMware Horizon Cost?

The VMware Horizon cost is not a one-size-fits-all price. Instead, it varies depending on several factors that influence both initial setup costs and ongoing operational expenses. Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to the VMware Horizon cost:

1. Licensing Model

The VMware Horizon cost is largely determined by the licensing model that a business chooses. VMware offers two main licensing options: per user and per concurrent user.

• Per User Licensing: With this model, each user is assigned a license to access the virtual desktop environment. This is ideal for businesses where every employee will be accessing the virtual desktop regularly.

• Per Concurrent User Licensing: With this model, businesses pay for the maximum number of users who can access the virtual desktop environment at any given time. This model is beneficial for businesses with a fluctuating number of users, such as in environments where employees work in shifts or only occasionally need access to virtual desktops.

The choice between these two models will significantly impact the overall VMware Horizon cost, as businesses will need to determine how many licenses are required based on their workforce size and usage patterns.

2. **Edition of VMware Horizon

Another important aspect that affects VMware Horizon cost is the edition of the software that a business chooses. VMware offers multiple editions of Horizon, each catering to different needs:

• VMware Horizon Standard: This edition includes basic features for small to medium-sized businesses that need virtual desktop management and delivery.

• VMware Horizon Advanced: This edition adds more advanced features, including automated provisioning, enhanced security options, and improved management tools.

• VMware Horizon Enterprise: This is the most comprehensive edition, offering full features for large enterprises, such as high availability, disaster recovery, and integration with VMware’s broader suite of solutions.

Each edition comes at a different price point, with VMware Horizon Enterprise being the most expensive due to its extensive capabilities. Understanding which edition aligns with your business needs will help you determine the right VMware Horizon cost.

3. Infrastructure Costs

In addition to licensing, businesses must also consider the infrastructure costs associated with deploying VMware Horizon. These costs typically include:

• Servers: Virtual desktops are hosted on physical servers, so you will need a server infrastructure capable of handling the number of virtual desktops you plan to deploy. Depending on the number of users and the performance requirements, businesses may need to invest in additional hardware or cloud services to support their VMware Horizon deployment.

• Storage: Virtual desktops require storage to save the user profiles, applications, and data. VMware Horizon also supports persistent desktops, which means the system will need additional storage to save user-specific configurations and data. Businesses can choose between on-premises storage or cloud-based solutions, each of which has its own associated costs.

• Networking: A reliable network infrastructure is critical for smooth performance in a VMware Horizon environment. Companies must invest in high-speed internet connections, routers, and switches to ensure fast, stable connectivity for users accessing the virtual desktops.

The infrastructure costs can vary widely depending on whether you choose an on-premises solution or a cloud-based deployment. Cloud solutions like VMware Horizon Cloud can shift many of the infrastructure costs to a subscription model, reducing the upfront investment but increasing the ongoing VMware Horizon cost.

4. Cloud vs. On-Premises Deployment

One of the most significant factors affecting the VMware Horizon cost is whether a business chooses to deploy the solution on-premises or in the cloud. The decision between cloud and on-premises solutions often depends on several factors, including the size of the organization, existing IT infrastructure, and cost considerations.

• On-Premises Deployment: With on-premises deployment, businesses manage the entire infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking. While the upfront costs for on-premises deployments can be high, businesses gain full control over their environment. On the flip side, ongoing maintenance, hardware upgrades, and scaling can increase costs over time.

• Cloud Deployment: Cloud-based solutions, such as VMware Horizon Cloud, allow businesses to leverage VMware’s cloud infrastructure, reducing the need for upfront hardware investments. The VMware Horizon cost in a cloud-based model is typically subscription-based, which can help businesses manage costs on a monthly or yearly basis. Cloud deployments also offer greater flexibility, as businesses can easily scale up or down based on demand.

5. Support and Maintenance Costs

Another important factor to consider when evaluating the VMware Horizon cost is the cost of support and maintenance. VMware offers various levels of support, including:

• Standard Support: This includes basic troubleshooting and software updates, typically available during business hours.

• Premium Support: This level includes 24/7 access to VMware support, faster response times, and advanced troubleshooting.

• Proactive Support: This includes personalized support services, including access to VMware’s expert resources, health checks, and performance optimization advice.

Depending on the level of support your business requires, this can add a significant amount to your VMware Horizon cost. Larger businesses with critical infrastructure may choose premium or proactive support to ensure uptime and address issues quickly.

6. User Training and Administration

Training and administrative costs are often overlooked but can significantly influence the VMware Horizon cost. Proper user training is crucial to ensure that employees can use the virtual desktop environment effectively. Many businesses will also need to invest in training for IT staff to ensure they are familiar with VMware Horizon management tools and troubleshooting procedures.

Additionally, businesses will need to allocate resources for ongoing administrative tasks, such as user management, security monitoring, and updates. These administrative tasks require skilled personnel and can add to the overall VMware Horizon cost.

Benefits of VMware Horizon

While the VMware Horizon cost may seem high, the benefits it provides to businesses make it a worthwhile investment. Some of the top benefits of using VMware Horizon include:

1. Improved Security

With VMware Horizon, businesses can centrally manage and secure virtual desktops and applications. By keeping sensitive data on central servers rather than local devices, companies reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Advanced security features, like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption, further enhance the security of virtual environments.

2. Remote Work Flexibility

The VMware Horizon platform enables businesses to provide remote access to applications and desktops from any device, helping employees stay productive from virtually anywhere. This is particularly valuable for businesses with distributed teams or those transitioning to hybrid or fully remote work models.

3. Reduced Hardware Costs

By using virtual desktops, businesses can reduce the need for powerful end-user devices, as the computing power is hosted on the server. This can significantly reduce the overall hardware costs and extend the lifespan of existing equipment.

4. Streamlined IT Management

Managing virtual desktops through VMware Horizon centralizes IT operations, making it easier for IT teams to deploy, update, and maintain software and security patches. This reduces the complexity of managing a large fleet of individual devices and enhances operational efficiency.

How to Optimize Your VMware Horizon Cost

To get the best value for your VMware Horizon cost, businesses can take several steps:

1. Choose the Right Licensing Model: Carefully assess your workforce’s needs and select the appropriate licensing model to avoid paying for unnecessary licenses.

2. Opt for Cloud Deployment: If upfront infrastructure costs are a concern, consider using VMware Horizon Cloud to shift many costs to a subscription model while retaining flexibility.

3. Leverage Automation: Use automation tools for provisioning and managing virtual desktops to reduce administrative overhead and minimize IT labor costs.

4. Consider Long-Term Costs: Factor in not just the initial investment but also ongoing operational and maintenance costs to get a full picture of your VMware Horizon cost.

Conclusion: Is VMware Horizon Worth the Investment?

The VMware Horizon cost may initially seem high, but the benefits it offers in terms of security, flexibility, and streamlined IT management make it a valuable investment for many businesses. By carefully evaluating licensing options, choosing between cloud and on-premises deployments, and understanding the factors that affect the VMware Horizon cost, organizations can maximize the value they receive from this powerful virtualization solution.