Omnissa Horizon 8: Transforming VDI with Flexible, Scalable Solutions for Businesses of All Sizes

Omnissa Horizon 8 is revolutionizing the landscape of virtual desktop infrastructure, offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes. As organizations seek to optimize their IT environments, the migration from VMware to Omnissa Horizon 8 has become a significant topic of interest. At Technologie DE, we delve into the intricacies of this migration process, providing detailed insights and comparisons to help you make informed decisions.

In April, VMware EUC was renamed Omnissa, marking a significant shift in the VDI landscape. The transition to Omnissa Horizon 8 is driven by the need for a more unified and efficient platform that includes products such as Workspace One Unified Endpoint Management, Workspace One Intelligence, Workspace One Mobile Threat Defense, Horizon 8, and Horizon Cloud Service. This guide explores Omnissa Horizon 8, its key features, and the benefits it brings over the former VMware solutions. We’ll cover everything from the advantages of using Omnissa Horizon 8 to a thorough comparison of different Omnissa Horizon editions and their pricing structures. Whether you’re considering a transition from VMware or evaluating which Omnissa Horizon edition suits your needs best, our detailed analysis will provide the clarity you need. Stay tuned as we break down the steps for a smooth migration, discuss potential challenges, and showcase real-world applications and success stories.

Understanding Omnissa Horizon 8

In the ever-evolving landscape of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), Omnissa Horizon 8 has emerged as a leading solution that addresses the growing demands for flexibility, scalability, and enhanced performance. Designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, Omnissa Horizon 8 offers a comprehensive suite of features that streamline desktop and application delivery, improve security, and optimize user experiences. As enterprises navigate the complexities of remote work and IT resource management, understanding what Omnissa Horizon 8 offers is crucial for making informed decisions.

This section will delve into the fundamentals of Omnissa Horizon 8, exploring what it is, its key features, and the numerous advantages it provides over traditional VDI solutions. By gaining a deeper insight into these aspects, businesses can better appreciate how Omnissa Horizon 8 can transform their IT infrastructure and support their operational goals.

What is Omnissa Horizon 8?

Omnissa Horizon 8 is a cutting-edge virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution designed to enhance the flexibility, scalability, and performance of enterprise IT environments. Developed by Omnissa, this platform allows businesses to deliver secure, high-performance virtual desktops and applications to their employees, regardless of their location. With the increasing demand for remote work capabilities and efficient IT resource management, Omnissa Horizon 8 stands out as a robust solution that addresses these needs effectively.

One of the primary goals of Omnissa Horizon 8 is to streamline the management of virtual desktops, enabling IT administrators to deploy, manage, and monitor desktops and applications from a centralized console. This reduces the complexity associated with traditional desktop management and offers a more seamless experience for both IT staff and end-users. By leveraging advanced virtualization technology, Omnissa Horizon 8 ensures that users have access to their applications and data with high reliability and performance.

Key Features of Omnissa Horizon 8

Omnissa Horizon 8 is packed with features that make it a powerful and versatile VDI solution. Here are some of the key features that set it apart:

• Centralized Management Console: Omnissa Horizon 8 provides a unified console that simplifies the deployment, management, and monitoring of virtual desktops and applications. This centralization helps IT teams save time and reduces the risk of errors.
• High Performance and Scalability: Designed to handle large-scale deployments, Omnissa Horizon 8 can support thousands of virtual desktops with minimal impact on performance. Its scalable architecture ensures that businesses can grow their VDI environment as needed without compromising on speed or reliability.
• Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority for Omnissa Horizon 8. It includes features such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and advanced threat detection to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• User Experience Optimization: Omnissa Horizon 8 incorporates technologies like GPU acceleration and dynamic resource allocation to provide a smooth and responsive user experience, even for graphics-intensive applications.
• Integration with Cloud Services: The platform supports integration with popular cloud services, allowing businesses to leverage hybrid cloud environments and extend their VDI capabilities beyond on-premises infrastructure.

Advantages of Using Omnissa Horizon 8

There are several advantages to adopting Omnissa Horizon 8 for your virtual desktop infrastructure needs:

• Cost Efficiency: By consolidating desktop management and reducing the need for physical hardware, Omnissa Horizon 8 can help businesses lower their IT costs. The platform’s scalability also means that you only pay for the resources you need, making it a cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes.
• Improved Productivity: With virtual desktops accessible from anywhere, employees can work more flexibly and efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for remote and distributed teams, who can access their applications and data from any device with an internet connection.
• Simplified IT Management: The centralized management console and automated workflows provided by Omnissa Horizon 8 streamline IT operations. This simplification reduces the administrative burden on IT staff and allows them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
• Enhanced Security Posture: Omnissa Horizon 8’s robust security features ensure that your virtual desktop environment is protected against threats. This is crucial for businesses handling sensitive information, such as financial institutions and healthcare providers.
• Future-Proofing Your IT Environment: As a modern VDI solution, Omnissa Horizon 8 is designed to evolve with the needs of businesses. Its support for hybrid cloud environments and advanced technologies ensures that your IT infrastructure remains adaptable and resilient in the face of changing demands.

By understanding these core aspects of Omnissa Horizon 8, businesses can better appreciate its potential to transform their virtual desktop infrastructure and drive greater efficiency and security in their operations.

Migration from VMware to Omnissa Horizon 8

Migrating to Omnissa Horizon 8 is a crucial transition as Omnissa now encompasses the former VMware EUC (End User Computing) division. This migration promises significant improvements in flexibility, scalability, and overall performance. However, a successful migration requires careful planning and execution to avoid disruptions and maximize the benefits of the new platform. In this section, we will discuss the reasons for migrating to Omnissa Horizon 8, outline the steps for a smooth migration process, and address potential challenges along with their solutions.

Understanding the motivations behind such a migration and having a clear roadmap can make the transition smoother and more efficient. Let’s explore why companies are making this shift and how you can effectively manage the migration process.

Why Consider Migrating from VMware?

In April, VMware EUC was renamed Omnissa, and a new website, Omnissa.com, was launched shortly thereafter. The transition from VMware to Omnissa is driven by several key factors:

• Unified Platform: Omnissa consolidates VMware’s existing End User Computing products under one brand. This includes Workspace One Unified Endpoint Management, Workspace One Intelligence, Workspace One Mobile Threat Defense, Horizon 8, and Horizon Cloud Service. This unified approach simplifies the IT landscape for businesses by providing a comprehensive suite of solutions for digital employee experience, security, compliance, and virtual desktops.
• Continuation of Services: Although the official deal to sell VMware EUC to private equity firm KKR has not yet closed, the early rebranding to Omnissa is aimed at easing the transition for customers. Existing Horizon licenses that include vSphere will continue under the new brand. Omnissa has entered into a reseller agreement with Broadcom, allowing them to offer combined versions of Horizon SaaS and Horizon Term SKUs with vSphere Foundation for VDI. This means that customers will continue to receive similar entitlements as before, ensuring a seamless transition.
• Enhanced Performance and Security: Omnissa Horizon 8 is designed with advanced technologies that provide superior performance compared to traditional setups. Features such as GPU acceleration and dynamic resource allocation ensure fast and responsive virtual desktops. Additionally, robust security measures like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and advanced threat detection offer enhanced protection for sensitive data.
• Cost Efficiency: The migration to Omnissa Horizon 8 can result in significant cost savings. The platform’s efficient resource management and lower hardware requirements reduce the total cost of ownership. The scalable pricing model allows businesses to pay only for the resources they need, further optimizing IT budgets.
• Future-Proofing: Omnissa Horizon 8 supports hybrid cloud environments and integrates seamlessly with modern IT infrastructures. This ensures that your VDI setup remains flexible and resilient in the face of changing demands, making it a future-proof solution.

Steps for a Smooth Migration

To ensure a successful migration to Omnissa Horizon 8, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Here are the key steps involved in the migration process:

• Assessment and Planning: Begin by assessing your current VMware Horizon environment to understand the scope of the migration. Identify the virtual desktops, applications, and data that need to be migrated. Develop a detailed migration plan that outlines timelines, resource requirements, and key milestones.
• Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot migration to test the process and identify any potential issues. This allows you to refine your migration strategy and address any technical challenges before proceeding with the full-scale migration.
• Data Backup: Ensure that all critical data is backed up before starting the migration. This precautionary step protects against data loss and ensures that you can restore your environment if any issues arise during the migration.
• Migration Execution: Begin the migration process by transferring virtual desktops and applications to Omnissa Horizon 8. Use migration tools and automation to streamline the process and minimize downtime. Monitor the migration closely to ensure that everything proceeds as planned.
• Post-Migration Validation: After the migration, perform thorough testing to verify that all virtual desktops and applications are functioning correctly in the new environment. Address any issues promptly to ensure a smooth transition for end-users.
• User Training and Support: Provide training and support to help users adapt to the new platform. Ensure that they are familiar with the features and capabilities of Omnissa Horizon 8, and offer assistance to resolve any issues they may encounter.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

While migrating to Omnissa Horizon 8 can bring significant benefits, it is not without challenges. Understanding these potential hurdles and having solutions in place can help mitigate risks and ensure a successful migration.

• Compatibility Issues: Some legacy applications or custom configurations may not be fully compatible with Omnissa Horizon 8. To address this, conduct thorough compatibility testing during the planning phase and develop workarounds or alternative solutions for any issues identified.
• Downtime and Disruption: Minimizing downtime during the migration is crucial to avoid business disruptions. Plan the migration during off-peak hours and use automation tools to speed up the process. Communicate with stakeholders to manage expectations and keep them informed throughout the migration.
• Data Integrity and Security: Ensuring data integrity and security during the migration is paramount. Use encryption and secure transfer protocols to protect data in transit. Perform regular data integrity checks to verify that data has been migrated accurately.
• User Resistance: Change can be challenging for users, especially if they are accustomed to the VMware environment. Provide comprehensive training and support to help users understand the benefits of Omnissa Horizon 8 and how to use the new platform effectively. Address their concerns and gather feedback to improve the transition experience.

By anticipating these challenges and proactively addressing them, businesses can ensure a smooth and successful migration to Omnissa Horizon 8, unlocking the full potential of this advanced VDI solution.

Comparing Omnissa Horizon Editions

Choosing the right edition of Omnissa Horizon 8 is crucial for businesses to maximize their investment and meet their specific needs. Omnissa offers various editions of Horizon, each tailored to different requirements and use cases. This section provides an overview of the different editions, compares their features, and helps you determine which edition is best suited for your organization.

Understanding the nuances of each edition can guide businesses in selecting the most appropriate solution, ensuring they leverage the full potential of Omnissa Horizon 8. Let’s explore the available editions and their respective features.

Overview of Different Editions

Omnissa Horizon 8 is available in multiple editions, designed to cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Here’s a brief overview of the primary editions offered:

• Horizon Standard Plus Edition: This edition offers premium desktop delivery with essential security and user experience features. It’s suitable for single cloud deployment on an on-premises private or public VMware vSphere cloud. Monthly price starting at $5.79 USD per user.
• Horizon Enterprise Plus Edition: This edition includes advanced desktop and app delivery with select cloud management services for single cloud deployment. It features Windows and Linux VDI, application delivery, and advanced management tools. Monthly price starting at $10.71 USD per user.
• Horizon Universal Edition: This edition provides premium desktop and app delivery with a full suite of cloud management services for multi-cloud deployments. It includes advanced security, user experience features, and Workspace ONE Intelligence for Horizon. Monthly price starting at $12.50 USD per user.
• Horizon Apps Universal Edition: Tailored for application virtualization, this edition delivers powerful app delivery with cloud management services for hybrid cloud deployment. It includes advanced management features and Workspace ONE Intelligence. Monthly price starting at $6.00 USD per user.
• Horizon Apps Standard Edition: This edition focuses on basic application delivery and management, suitable for on-premises or cloud deployment with essential security and user experience features. Monthly price starting at $4.67 USD per user.

Feature Comparison by Edition

To help you better understand the differences between the various Omnissa Horizon 8 editions, here’s a comparative table outlining their key features:

This table highlights how the editions build upon each other, with the Enterprise Plus and Universal Editions offering the most comprehensive set of features, followed by the Standard Plus and Apps editions.

Which Edition is Right for You?

Selecting the right edition of Omnissa Horizon 8 depends on your organization’s specific needs and resources. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: If your organization requires essential VDI functionalities with cost-effective solutions, the Standard Plus Edition should suffice.
• Large Enterprises with Complex IT Environments: For organizations with complex infrastructures and high scalability needs, the Enterprise Plus Edition or Universal Edition is ideal. These editions offer comprehensive features, including advanced analytics and integration capabilities.
• Organizations Preferring Cloud Solutions: If your organization prefers a hybrid or cloud-based solution, the Universal Edition or Apps Universal Edition is the best option. They provide flexibility and scalability for cloud deployment.
• Businesses Focused on Application Delivery: If your primary need is efficient application delivery and management, the Apps Universal Edition or Apps Standard Edition will be the best fit. They cater specifically to application virtualization and management, ensuring streamlined operations.

By carefully evaluating your organization’s requirements and the features of each edition, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and IT strategy.

Omnissa Horizon 8 Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Omnissa Horizon 8 is crucial for businesses to budget effectively and maximize their investment. The pricing has evolved from the days of VMware Horizon, reflecting the enhanced capabilities and expanded feature set of Omnissa Horizon. This section provides an overview of the current pricing structure, compares it to the previous VMware pricing, and evaluates the value for money offered by Omnissa Horizon 8.

Pricing Structure Overview

Omnissa Horizon 8 offers several editions, each with its own pricing model to cater to different business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for the various editions:

• Horizon Standard Plus Edition: Premium desktop delivery with essential security and user experience features. Suitable for single cloud deployment on an on-premises private or public VMware vSphere cloud.
  • Monthly price starting at $5.79 USD per user.
• Horizon Enterprise Plus Edition: Advanced desktop and app delivery with select cloud management services for single cloud deployment. Includes Windows and Linux VDI, application delivery, and advanced management tools.
  • Monthly price starting at $10.71 USD per user.
• Horizon Universal Edition: Premium desktop and app delivery with a full suite of cloud management services for multi-cloud deployments. Includes advanced security, user experience features, and Workspace ONE Intelligence for Horizon.
  • Monthly price starting at $12.50 USD per user.
• Horizon Apps Universal Edition: Powerful app delivery with cloud management services for hybrid cloud deployment. Includes advanced management features and Workspace ONE Intelligence.
  • Monthly price starting at $6.00 USD per user.
• Horizon Apps Standard Edition: Basic application delivery and management for on-premises or cloud deployment with essential security and user experience features.
  • Monthly price starting at $4.67 USD per user​ (Omnissa)​​ (Tech Zone)​​ (Tech Zone)​.

Price Change from the Old VMware Time

With the transition from VMware Horizon to Omnissa Horizon, there have been some changes in pricing to reflect the new features and capabilities. Under VMware, the pricing structure was more fragmented, with various add-ons and licensing models that could complicate budgeting. Omnissa has streamlined this by offering more comprehensive editions that bundle essential features, thus simplifying the pricing and providing better value.

• Simplified Bundles: Omnissa Horizon editions now come with more integrated features, reducing the need for additional purchases. This consolidation can result in cost savings for businesses that previously had to buy multiple licenses to cover all necessary functionalities.
• Enhanced Features: The new editions offer advanced security, cloud management, and analytics that were not available or required separate purchases under VMware. This added value justifies the updated pricing structure.
• Multi-Cloud Flexibility: Omnissa Horizon emphasizes hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, which provide greater flexibility and scalability, reflecting modern IT environments’ needs.

Value for Money: What You Get

Evaluating the value for money involves looking at what each edition offers in terms of features and how these align with business needs. Omnissa Horizon 8 provides robust functionality across its editions, making it a cost-effective solution for various enterprise requirements.

• Horizon Standard Plus Edition: For a starting price of $5.79 USD per user per month, businesses get essential VDI features, secure access, and centralized management, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Horizon Enterprise Plus Edition: At $10.71 USD per user per month, this edition offers comprehensive VDI and application delivery capabilities, including advanced management tools, making it suitable for larger enterprises with complex IT needs.
• Horizon Universal Edition: For $12.50 USD per user per month, this edition provides a complete set of cloud management services, advanced security, and user experience features, ideal for businesses needing hybrid or multi-cloud solutions.
• Horizon Apps Universal Edition: Priced at $6.00 USD per user per month, it offers powerful app delivery and management with hybrid cloud capabilities, catering to businesses focused on application virtualization.
• Horizon Apps Standard Edition: The most cost-effective at $4.67 USD per user per month, it provides basic application delivery and management suitable for simpler use cases.

Real-World Applications of Omnissa Horizon 8

Omnissa Horizon 8 is transforming the way businesses manage virtual desktops and applications across various industries. Its robust features and flexible deployment options make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from enhancing remote work capabilities to improving IT efficiency in complex environments. This section highlights real-world case studies and success stories, demonstrating the practical benefits of Omnissa Horizon 8 in different industry settings.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Several organizations have successfully implemented Omnissa Horizon 8, reaping significant benefits in terms of performance, security, and cost savings. Here are a few notable examples:

• Healthcare Industry: A major hospital network implemented Omnissa Horizon 8 to streamline its IT infrastructure, enhance security, and improve patient care. By centralizing desktop management and ensuring secure access to medical applications and patient records, the hospital network achieved higher efficiency and compliance with health regulations. The deployment also enabled seamless remote access for healthcare providers, improving their ability to deliver care from any location.
• Financial Services: A leading financial services firm adopted Omnissa Horizon 8 to support its remote work strategy and secure sensitive financial data. The firm’s employees now have access to virtual desktops with robust security features, ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The implementation reduced IT overhead and improved disaster recovery capabilities, making the firm’s operations more resilient and agile.
• Educational Institutions: A university leveraged Omnissa Horizon 8 to provide virtual desktops for students and faculty, facilitating remote learning and collaboration. The solution offered a consistent user experience across various devices and locations, ensuring that educational resources were accessible anytime, anywhere. This deployment enhanced the university’s ability to support a hybrid learning model, accommodating both in-person and online classes.

Industry-Specific Benefits

Omnissa Horizon 8 offers tailored benefits for different industries, addressing their unique challenges and requirements. Here’s a look at some industry-specific advantages:

• Healthcare: Omnissa Horizon 8 provides enhanced security features that protect sensitive patient data and comply with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. Its centralized management simplifies IT operations, allowing healthcare providers to focus on patient care. The solution also supports telehealth initiatives by enabling secure, remote access to medical applications and records.
• Financial Services: Security and compliance are paramount in the financial industry, and Omnissa Horizon 8 delivers robust features to meet these needs. With advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure access controls, financial institutions can protect sensitive data and adhere to regulatory requirements. The platform also supports flexible work environments, allowing financial professionals to access their desktops and applications securely from any location.
• Education: Educational institutions benefit from Omnissa Horizon 8’s ability to provide a consistent and secure learning environment for students and faculty. The platform supports hybrid learning models, offering virtual desktops and applications that can be accessed from any device. This flexibility enhances the learning experience and ensures that educational resources are available to all students, regardless of their physical location.
• Retail: In the retail sector, Omnissa Horizon 8 helps manage point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer service applications from a centralized platform. Retailers can ensure that their IT infrastructure is secure and scalable, supporting both in-store and online operations. The platform also enhances employee productivity by providing access to essential applications and data from any device.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturers can leverage Omnissa Horizon 8 to streamline their IT operations and improve operational efficiency. The platform supports remote access to design, engineering, and production applications, enabling collaboration across different locations. Enhanced security features protect intellectual property and sensitive data, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

By implementing Omnissa Horizon 8, businesses across various industries can achieve greater efficiency, security, and flexibility. The platform’s robust features and versatile deployment options make it an ideal solution for addressing the unique challenges of different sectors.

FAQ

Conclusion

Omnissa Horizon 8 represents a significant evolution in the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) landscape, building on the strengths of VMware Horizon while introducing enhanced features and more streamlined management options. This comprehensive guide has explored the key aspects of Omnissa Horizon 8, from understanding its core features and benefits to comparing the different editions and their pricing structures.

The migration from VMware Horizon to Omnissa Horizon 8 is designed to be seamless, with existing licenses continuing under the new brand, ensuring minimal disruption for businesses. Omnissa Horizon 8 offers robust security features, multi-cloud support, and advanced management tools, making it a versatile solution for various industries, including healthcare, financial services, education, retail, and manufacturing.

By leveraging the powerful capabilities of Omnissa Horizon 8, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, security, and flexibility in their IT environments. The platform’s ability to integrate with existing systems and support hybrid and multi-cloud deployments further enhances its value proposition.

For those considering a transition to Omnissa Horizon 8 or looking to optimize their current VDI setup, this guide provides the insights needed to make informed decisions. With the continued support and collaboration between Omnissa and Broadcom, customers can expect consistent service and innovative solutions to meet their evolving needs.

For more detailed information on each edition and pricing, visit the Omnissa Horizon 8 product page​