VMware announced a new release of VMware Horizon 6 featuring advanced capabilities for application publishing, 3D application support through high-performance virtual desktops, enhanced Chromebook support, software-defined data center optimizations including network virtualization benefits from VMware NSX, and new features for U.S federal government customers. VMware Horizon 6 is the industry’s most comprehensive desktop and application virtualization solution to deliver and manage any type of enterprise application and desktop, including physical desktops and laptops, virtual desktops and applications, and employee-owned PCs.
This release of VMware Horizon 6 introduces new capabilities integrated into a single solution that can empower IT with a streamlined approach for managing Windows applications and desktops. Innovations in application publishing, device support, application and desktop management, and storage and network support can help make managing mobile end-users easier and more cost-effective. Customers can use VMware Horizon 6 to leverage the power of virtualization and transform their desktops into secure virtual workspaces on their way to embracing business mobility.
Key enhancements within VMware Horizon 6 include application publishing and 3D graphics support and software-defined data center optimizations with VMware vSphere 6, VMware NSX, and VMware Virtual SAN 6 for Enhanced Security and Lower Costs.
VMware NSX, when deployed with VMware Horizon 6, will bring push-button simplicity for networking and security to VDI deployments. Within seconds, IT administrators can create networking and security policies that dynamically follow Horizon 6 virtual desktops and applications. VMware NSX will eliminate the need for manual network and security configuration to support VDI, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Through micro-segmentation and integration with leading third party security solutions, Horizon 6 combined with VMware NSX can extend security policy from within the data center all the way to the device.
The combination of VMware Virtual SAN 6 hyper-converged storage with Horizon 6 offers out of the box integration and enables increased scale and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for virtual desktops. Horizon 6 has been validated to support up to 4,000 desktops per cluster on 20 a node cluster. Enhancements to the VMware Horizon 6 cloud pod architecture enables IT administrators to federate desktop deployments across multiple data centers and geographies using a single interface for management and monitoring. Lastly, support for Windows Server 2012 R2 provides an affordable choice for virtual desktops to help further drive down TCO.
VMware also announced today an early access program for its VMware Horizon for Linux virtual desktop solution. Committed to customer choice, VMware is expanding its virtual desktop capabilities to include support for Red Hat and Ubuntu based Linux desktops. This will enable customers to simplify desktop management using the VMware Horizon platform to access Windows and Linux applications. In addition to centralized management capabilities and 3D graphics acceleration, this solution will allow end-users to remotely access Linux desktops and applications from mobile devices without compromising security while fostering collaboration. To participate in the early access program, register here.