Review: Horizon 7

Introduction

Horizon 7 is a powerful software solution developed by VMware that provides virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and remote application delivery capabilities. With its comprehensive set of features and advanced management capabilities, Horizon 7 aims to simplify desktop and application virtualization for organizations of all sizes. In this review, we will delve into the key features, use cases, pros, cons, and provide a recommendation for Horizon 7.

Key Takeaways

• Horizon 7 offers robust virtual desktop infrastructure and remote application delivery capabilities.
• The software provides advanced management and monitoring features for efficient administration.
• It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, enabling flexible access for end-users.
• Horizon 7 delivers high-performance graphics and multimedia capabilities for demanding applications.
• The solution offers seamless integration with VMware's ecosystem, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.

Table of Features

Below is a table highlighting some of the key features of Horizon 7:

Use Cases

Horizon 7 caters to a wide range of use cases across various industries. Some common scenarios where Horizon 7 excels include:

• Remote Workforce Enablement: Horizon 7 enables organizations to provide secure and flexible access to corporate resources, allowing employees to work remotely from any device or location.
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): With Horizon 7, employees can bring their own devices and securely access virtual desktops and applications, reducing the need for costly hardware investments.
• Software Development and Testing: Developers can leverage Horizon 7 to quickly spin up virtual desktops for software development, testing, and debugging purposes, improving efficiency and reducing hardware requirements.
• Healthcare: Horizon 7 offers secure access to patient data and medical applications, ensuring compliance with strict healthcare regulations while providing healthcare professionals with the flexibility to work from any device.
• Education: Educational institutions can leverage Horizon 7 to deliver virtual desktops and applications to students, providing access to educational resources from any location, while maintaining security and control.

Pros

• Robust Management Capabilities: Horizon 7 provides comprehensive management features, allowing administrators to easily deploy, monitor, and control virtual desktops and applications.
• High Performance and Multimedia Support: The Blast Extreme protocol delivers excellent graphics and multimedia performance, enabling smooth delivery of demanding applications.
• Flexible Access: Horizon 7 supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, ensuring users can access their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device.
• Integration with VMware Ecosystem: As part of the VMware ecosystem, Horizon 7 seamlessly integrates with other VMware products, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.
• Scalability and Rapid Provisioning: Instant Clones, a feature of Horizon 7, allows for rapid deployment and updating of virtual desktops and applications, enabling efficient scaling and reducing maintenance overhead.

Cons

• Complex Initial Setup: Setting up Horizon 7 can be complex, especially for organizations with limited virtualization experience. Some technical expertise may be required during the initial implementation phase.
• Resource Intensive: Running a VDI infrastructure requires significant hardware resources and careful planning to ensure optimal performance.
• Higher Cost: While Horizon 7 offers a comprehensive set of features, it comes at a higher price point compared to some other VDI solutions in the market.

Recommendation

Overall, Horizon 7 is a robust and feature-rich software solution that excels in providing virtual desktop infrastructure and remote application delivery. It offers advanced management capabilities, high-performance graphics, and multimedia support, along with flexible access on a wide range of devices. However, organizations considering Horizon 7 should be prepared for the initial complexity of setup and the resource requirements associated with running a VDI infrastructure. Additionally, the higher cost of Horizon 7 should be taken into consideration. With that in mind, for organizations with virtualization experience and a need for a comprehensive VDI solution, Horizon 7 is an excellent choice that can meet their requirements effectively.