Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Manager, IT at The School of Research Science
Real User
Top 20
Offers good graphics facilities but the performance needs to be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "It has improved our business because now we can run applications and it's easier for our students to do their exams."
  • "In the next release, the performance, the speed, and the price need to be improved."

What is our primary use case?

This solution provides centralized management with a digital platform.

How has it helped my organization?

It has improved our business because now we can run applications and it's easier for our students to do their exams.

We learned something new and gained experience regarding single digital platforms including how they work, how it is made into a single platform, and technically how the hybrid conversion works.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the graphics facilities.

What needs improvement?

They have tried to create a solution that is similar to Nutanix Citrix. Nutanix Citrix is the leader with this type of solution, a digital single platform. VMware tried to do the same, it's close but in terms of performance and how they manage a single platform, Nutanix Citrix is much better.

In the next release, the performance, the speed, and the price need to be improved.

Buyer's Guide
Horizon 8
May 2025
Learn what your peers think about Horizon 8. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for six months.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There are still many unknowns as we have only been working with this solution for a short time. We don't know the level of support and the servers are new to us, but in the six months that we have been running this solution, we have not run into any problems.

At this early stage, we can't determine whether VMware is able to address any issues or not.

How are customer service and support?

We are still new to this solution and have not run into any issues to be able to access the level of support or response time.

To date, I am doing the support with my team with our limited knowledge.

We haven't created any tickets with VMware technical support to resolve any issues.

So far we have been able to resolve the issues immediately.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Previously we were using Microsoft Terminal Server. 

Microsoft Terminal server did not meet our requirements and we didn't achieve our tasks or what we need in education. The new application now, it's reported to have strong backend, and to have a graphic backend to be able to support new applications, like Photoshop, printers, and video. It has graphics facilities.

Terminal Server does not have these facilities.

The VDI with this solution is now supported and it works for us. The challenge is to have a graphical backend and we get this with VMware, which solves the problem.

How was the initial setup?

The deployment model is on the hybrid cloud.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

This solution is expensive.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Nutanix Citrix is the best solution in the world. I have attended a seminar and I like it.

Unfortunately, I am not able to purchase it due to finance. Our recruitment office decided to go with Dell, not Nutanix. If the decision was mine to make I would have gone with Nutanix Citrix, not VMware or Dell VMware.

What other advice do I have?

Area 1 Horizon is a product by VMware. It's centralized management with a digital platform.

I would rate this solution a five out of ten, but to be fair, there have been several improvements to this solution. We can work with this solution. We had issues before, but now they have been resolved. Students can do the lessons that are required and write the exams.
We requested the graphics facilities and now they are available and working fine.

Overall, I would say that we can give them a rating of seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Director of IT at BLDD ARCHITECTS INC
Real User
Top 20
The ability to reliably virtualize desktops and support them. Simple to say, but complicated nonetheless.

What is our primary use case?

We were spread across several offices and with the main production software tool and the weak WAN infrastructure, it was impossible to share data reliably. It seemed the only solution was to centralize the data and make it so the people using the data - the workers - could be anywhere. With past experiences in server virtualization, I investigated VMware View. It was the missing key that made this all work.

How has it helped my organization?

At this stage, a couple of iterations later, workers now only come to the office a couple of days a week. The company has been able to eliminate two offices entirely, and in addition, we have a much wider base of operations because employees can live practically anywhere in our "territory".

What is most valuable?

The ability to reliably virtualize desktops and support them. Simple to say, but complicated nonetheless. 

What needs improvement?

Almost all VMware products are "designed" for the enterprise and it sometimes takes some wise wrangling to make it financially viable. And VMware doesn't make that easy. I think the SMB market is largely untapped and maybe even ignored.

For how long have I used the solution?

More than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

VMware is incredibly stable. Even when you don't know what you're doing. And for the times you get stuck - that's why they offer support. VMware support is pretty good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

VMware products are almost infinitely scalable. 

How are customer service and technical support?

Tech support by and large is excellent. There is some swapping out between internal VMware groups sometimes, they are very compartmentalized but they generally can get you out of just about any hole you dig yourself into. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

No. I had used VMware in a "past" life and didn't even consider other solutions as viable.

How was the initial setup?

It's not shake the box easy but if you do your homework, do some rudimentary testing and do a lot of research it's possible, viable - you can even do it yourself.

What about the implementation team?

I did it all in house on my own.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It's not cheap but compared to constant hardware refreshes it doesn't take long to pay itself back. 

Don't be afraid to search out your own solution. It's not that hard to architect a viable virtual desktop environment. You don't have to implement each and every feature. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

No, as stated above.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Chetan Woodun - PeerSpot reviewer
Chetan WoodunSenior Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User

While the VMWARE part itself is stable, other common issues with Horizon include users unable to authenticate in the Horizon client & getting errors like " no desktop is available"

Buyer's Guide
Horizon 8
May 2025
Learn what your peers think about Horizon 8. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Ricardo Franco Mahecha - PeerSpot reviewer
VMware Consultant at V2S Corporation
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Offers good scalability and stability
Pros and Cons
  • "It is easy to scale. I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten."
  • "There is room for improvement in the integration with other parts of the suite. For example, you currently need separate windows to manage app volumes and the dynamic environment manager (DEM)."

What is our primary use case?

I use VMware Horizon for a variety of workforce, both internal and external.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution is easier to deploy and maintain on any Windows desktop, making it simpler to manage. It provides a robust infrastructure.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the instant clones, the integration with ESXi, and the center servers are the standout features.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement in the integration with other parts of the suite. For example, you currently need separate windows to manage app volumes and the dynamic environment manager (DEM). So, it's important to integrate all these infrastructure elements into one window.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for six years. We used version 7, now we are using VMware Horizon 8. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is easy to scale. I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The complexity of the initial setup was acceptable. 

What was our ROI?

There is a big return of investment. Because I implemented it in a university, and they mentioned that the administration of lab PCs became much more efficient. Tasks that used to take a month now take less than a week, so it's a significant return on investment.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. I recommend choosing the best implementation company because sometimes clients aren't happy with Horizon due to poor implementation. I've seen this happen often. So, selecting a company with a lot of experience and successful implementations is essential. Sometimes, users get frustrated not with the product itself but with the way it's implemented.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Fredrik Hallgarde - PeerSpot reviewer
Consulting Manager at Real Time Services AB
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
An easy-to-use solution that can be used for remote accessibility of all legacy apps
Pros and Cons
  • "VMware Horizon View is an easy-to-use solution."
  • "The solution’s stability and initial setup could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use VMware Horizon View for remote accessibility of all the legacy apps.

What is most valuable?

VMware Horizon View is an easy-to-use solution. VMware Horizon View allows us to access and manage any type of client.

What needs improvement?

The solution’s stability and initial setup could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware Horizon View for four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate VMware Horizon View a nine out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

VMware Horizon View is a scalable solution. Around 800 users regularly use the solution in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

VMware Horizon View's technical support is fairly good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We previously used Citrix. We switched to VMware Horizon View because it offered better features.

How was the initial setup?

VMware Horizon View's initial setup is complex and takes several days.

What about the implementation team?

I would recommend an integrator to install VMware Horizon View.

What was our ROI?

We have seen a return on investment with VMware Horizon View.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

VMware Horizon View's licensing cost is not expensive.

What other advice do I have?

You must understand your users before deploying VMware Horizon View.

Overall, I rate VMware Horizon View an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Fredrik Hallgarde - PeerSpot reviewer
Consulting Manager at Real Time Services AB
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
A stable solution that can be used to provide remote access for remote users
Pros and Cons
  • "We use VMware Horizon to provide remote access for remote users."
  • "VMware Horizon's initial setup is fairly complex."

What is most valuable?

We use VMware Horizon to provide remote access for remote users.

What needs improvement?

VMware Horizon's initial setup is fairly complex.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware Horizon for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate VMware Horizon a nine out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

VMware Horizon is a scalable solution. Around 800 users use the solution in our organization, and we have plans to increase the usage.

How are customer service and support?

I am not happy with VMware Horizon's technical support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We previously used Citrix. We switched to VMware Horizon because it is a more efficient solution.

What about the implementation team?

VMware Horizon's deployment takes a few days. We implemented the solution through a consultant or integrator.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay a monthly licensing fee for VMware Horizon. The solution is reasonably priced, but it could always be cheaper.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, rate VMware Horizon a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Engineering Sales Specialist at Adistec
MSP
Top 20
Offers a nice user experience but needs to be made available for Linux
Pros and Cons
  • "We don't have to pay for HyperFlex. The solution's speed gives a nice user experience."
  • "The majority of things in VMware Horizon can be done only in Windows and not in Linux. There are Linux customers who would like to use VMware Horizon's features."

What is most valuable?

We don't have to pay for HyperFlex. The solution's speed gives a nice user experience. 

What needs improvement?

The majority of things in VMware Horizon can be done only in Windows and not in Linux. There are Linux customers who would like to use VMware Horizon's features. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the solution for five years. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable and you need to add a load balancer to add desktops. Once it is configured, you can add as many desktops as you want to add. 

How was the initial setup?

I would rate the solution's setup an eight or nine out of ten since it is easy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

VMware Horizon is expensive and I would rate it an eight out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

The solution is useful for call centers and banks and I would rate it a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Tofayel Ahmed - PeerSpot reviewer
Deputy Manager at Giga Tech Ltd
Real User
Stable and scalable but expensive
Pros and Cons
  • "VMware's technical support is good."
  • "Horizon View's pricing is high."

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using Horizon View for almost two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Horizon View is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Horizon View is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

VMware's technical support is good.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Horizon View's pricing is high.

What other advice do I have?

I would give Horizon View a rating of seven out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
ENGINEER IT at SYAC
Real User
Offers good performance and scalability with a nice remote virtual desktop interface
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's most valuable aspect is the VDI - the remote virtual desktop interface."
  • "The solution is quite expensive. They should work to lower the costs if possible."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for developer access within the company.

What is most valuable?

The solution's most valuable aspect is the VDI - the remote virtual desktop interface. We really enjoy using the remote desktop.

The solution can scale.

The product has been quite stable so far. The performance is very good.

What needs improvement?

The solution is quite expensive. They should work to lower the costs if possible.

The deployment of the product can sometimes be difficult. It would be ideal if the whole process was more simplistic.

There needs to be more documentation. If there was, it might help make the initial setup a bit easier. They need to provide users with more manuals.

The technical support could be more responsive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about five years at this point. It's been a while. We have quite a bit of experience with it internally.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is quite stable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution scales. A company could expand it if they needed to.

We have about 20 users on the solution currently.

We do not have plans to increase usage at this time.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support could be better. They take too long to respond right now. We aren't quite satisfied with the level of support they provide to our organization.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did previously use Hyper-V by Microsoft. We had issues with its performance and stability and decided to move to this product instead.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not always straightforward. It can be a bit complex, a bit difficult. We struggle with some aspects of the configuration which slows things down during the implementation. We have two companies and we've found that the configuration has been a real challenge for them.

In general, the deployment took us about two days to complete.

We have three people that handle the deployment and maintenance process.

What about the implementation team?

We used a reseller that assisted us with the implementation. They were quite knowledgeable and it helped to have them during the process.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is pricey. The cost of it is high.

That said, I do not have the full details on the exact cost to our organization.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did look at a few other options before ultimately settling in with this product. I do not recall all of the names. The stability and the response to backups are what sold us on this product.

What other advice do I have?

We are customers and end-users of the solution.

We're always using the latest version of the solution. For VMware, we're on version 7.7.

I'd recommend the solution. I'd rate it at an eight out of ten overall. For the most part, it's worked well for us and the performance is quite good, however, I'd rank it higher if it had more documentation and manuals that could assist with configuration and the initial deployment.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Horizon 8 Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: May 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Horizon 8 Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.