VMware Fusion - The go to Mac virtualization application
December 10, 2018
VMware Fusion - The go to Mac virtualization application
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion is the preferred workstation virtualization application for Mac users. It allows users to virtualize a multitude of operating systems on their workstation. We have used Fusion to virtualize firewalls, test systems for development and running OS specific applications that are unavailable on Macs.
- Managing workstation-specific virtualization for Mac.
- Host/Guest resource management.
- Feature and patch releases are added several times a year to make sure Fusion maintains its leadership role
- With OSX - 10.14.1 and the latest version of Fusion - 11.0.2 the user interface has taken a step back IMHO.
- I would like to see price decrease.
- Better remote host connection capabilities - remote server connections are available but connections are spotty.
- Positive - OS virtualization for the Mac workstation
- Positive - better OS resource management than other platforms - keeping users more productive
VM Fusion is a leader. It has more functionality and capability for workstation virtualization application. Its unity view and resource management of virtual guests is far superior to any other Mac workstation virtualization applications on the market.
VMware Fusion Feature Ratings
Using VMware Fusion
12 - Cybersecurity engineers, developers, etc. VMware Fusion allows users to virtualize any environment on their Apple workstations. This includes firewalls, application servers, etc. It gives our users the flexibility to test and assess applications, operating systems, and other systems before deployment. Users also use the unity mode to run Windows applications seamlessly on OSX where these applications may not be available.
VMWare fusion is a application that runs on OSX and doesn't require in house support. There are times where users assist others in configuration of virtual systems, but other than that the application is stable and is used by employees that understand what it is and how it works.
- Security assessment of operating systems and appliances.
- Security engineering of system configurations.
- Secure development and testing of software.
- Users can leverage VMware Fusion to connect remotely to virtual systems hosted in ESXi clusters.
- This application doesn't contain much where it can be used innovatively.
- VMware fusion is a straightforward application used to virtualize systems on OSX and doesn't really have many other ways to use the application.
- A Mac could be set up to use VMware Fusion as a central virtual server but with the availability of ESXi this is not cost effective unless a fully segmented architecture is desired.
Evaluating VMware Fusion and Competitors
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
Fusion is hands down the best virtualization application for Apple workstations. Other platforms come close but don't offer the features and flexibility of Fusion.
There is nothing I would change. I tried all software that is similar to VMware Fusion and if I were to do it again, I would try all options and assess functionality, features, etc in the same way.
VMware Fusion Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal - Install of this application requires no change management. It is a simple install process like any other desktop applications.
- I did not encounter any issues.
VMware Fusion Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Quick Initial Response | None |
The times I contacted VMware for Fusion support my issues were resolved with identification of the issue and training on how to work around my issue or notification of a patch.
Using VMware Fusion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Install of Operating systems to create virtual machines.
- Deployment of virtual system/appliance templates (OVA, etc.).
- With the exception of 1 OS - VMWare tools are easy to install, manipulate, and leverage for full system unity.
- Some systems require manipulation of the virtual config files to make changes or optimize the system - this is not difficult for me but may be for others.