Item: VMware Horizon
Rating: 10
Author: Eric Krueger

Overall Satisfaction with VMware Horizon View

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are currently using VMWare Horizon View for approximately 200+ users in multiple departments. This has allowed us to control relevant content for the different departments and tailor their IT experience. It also allows us to manage the systems with less IT involvement/support and allows us to focus on other areas. Content delivery has been a snap since we moved to Horizon View and when system issues arise it is easy to get them back on track quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It allows us to do more with less in creating an environment tailored for each department.
The amount of technical knowledge needed to run and support from infrastructure means more focus can go to other areas. More personnel can easily be involved in support.
Systems issues, windows problems, drivers etc, can all be easily addressed through the management console to keep end users up and running.

Cons

Some of the proprietary application delivery could be a bit better.
Some additional single points of failure to consider.
Roaming profile issues on a particular server can cause issues.

Return on Investment

Keeping support costs lower has allowed us to spend more in greater need areas.
Less time in troubleshooting individual hardware/software issues makes us more efficient.
Network infrastructure needs to have adequate bandwidth and be well configured to minimize VDI issues that can arise.

Alternatives Considered

Citrix Essentials

Citrix did not have the level of Instaclone type feature that VMWare had in its offering. The application layering also was better in our opinion as well as overall support from our vendor. Security was a close call but we found VMWare to be a better fit for our company and its security environment.

Other Software Used

Citrix Essentials, Palo Alto Networks Traps, Forcepoint Web Security Suite, Mimecast Enterprise Information Archiving

Likelihood to Recommend

VMWare Horizon View works great in both an SMB or enterprise setting when configured correctly. From a support standpoint and cost savings it can make an IT department more efficient as well as increase productivity. That being said it needs to be set up well and network infrastructure needs to be taken into account for the number of users running a VDI system.

VMware Horizon View Support

Support Rating

Support has been quick and thorough each time we have needed it. The level of support management and case review for each ticket goes beyond expectations. After action review and analysis of problems gives us an idea of what we need to be on the look out for each time.

VMware Horizon Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Premium Support

Yes - Because of the nature of our financial systems we need upgraded support when necessary as a standard. Premium support allows us to get a faster response and goes above and beyond each time. There has been no problems with regular support but due to the nature of our industry time is often of the essence.

Exceptional Examples of VMware Horizon Support

When upgrading to a higher version of the software we encountered some issues that caused us to have to bring systems down. This was due to our fault, but VMWare not only got us up and running quickly they educated out IT staff as to better procedures. The knowledge transfer to make us more informed gave us the confidence that we had a product we could trust.

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Virtual Success!!!!