Centralised enterprise management hardware, software with VMware Horizon 6

VMware, which provides virtualisation and cloud infrastructure, has launched a management tool that blurs the line between traditional management tools and software for managing hardware and software in the cloud. The Horizon 6 desktop solution for the centralised management of any type of enterprise application and desktop, including physical desktops and laptops, virtual desktops and applications, and employee-owned PCs.

“Customers want to transform their applications and enterprise desktops for the mobile cloud era – extending access to employees on any device, from anywhere via a comprehensive solution that is simple, secure and cost effective,” said Sumit Dhawan, VP and GM, Desktop Products, End-User Computing, VMware. “VMware Horizon 6 addresses these issues and delivers amazing new capabilities to our customers at nearly the same cost as a traditional, physical desktop."

With Horizon 6, enterprise applications and Windows operating systems are centrally managed so updates can be made in an agile and predictable manner. In addition, Horizon 6 enables entire desktops or just applications to be delivered across multiple locations and devices for a consistent user experience. Bring your own device (BYOD) scenarios are amply supported through applications and content that are delivered in "managed secure containers".

“Governance and compliance can only work if end-users stay within the confines of IT, but end-users are savvy with more options than ever before to work outside the purview of IT,” said Brett Waldman, Research Manager, End-User Computing, IDC. “If IT can provide the resources, capabilities and support end-users need, they will be less likely to stray, so IT needs vendors such as VMware to provide simpler, more agile solutions. With VMware Horizon 6's new ability to deliver published applications in addition to virtual desktops, IT can deliver just what end-users need, or more importantly – wants.”

Three new editions of VMware Horizon will be available:

· Horizon View Standard Edition: Delivers simple, high-performance, VDI-based virtual desktops with a great user experience.

· Horizon Advanced Edition: Offers the lowest cost solution for published and virtual applications and desktops using optimised storage from VMware Virtual Storage Area Network (SAN), central image management and a unified workspace for managing and delivering all applications and desktops.

· Horizon Enterprise Edition: Delivers a cloud-ready solution for desktops and applications with advanced cloud-like automation and management capabilities for hybrid cloud flexibility.

VMware Horizon 6 is expected to be available in Q2 2014 and is licensed per named user or per concurrent user starting at US$250. View a video message by VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger, read what partners think about VMware Horizon 6, or watch a replay of the April 9 VMware Horizon launch event here. For more information, visit the VMware Horizon product page.