If you’re looking at VDI providers in 2024, you have come to the right place. This listing will guide you through all information related to VDI software, its benefits, top providers in this segment, details of the offering, vendor comparison, and reviews.
The term ‘virtual desktop solutions’ was introduced to the market by VMWare in the year 2006. VMWare is a well-known VDI provider based in the USA. Ever since the popularity of the term has grown exponentially.
For modern-day businesses, VDI software is the preferred choice for data hosting. In the future, the preference for VDI software among SMEs and large enterprises is set to grow. Along with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) are also becoming reliable and cost-effective means of doing business.
VDI Software: The Basics
VDI software is a technological innovation that utilizes application and desktop virtualization to create a virtual environment for hosting virtual machines and desktops. It does this by grouping multiple servers and diverting them into various virtual machines (VMs). A virtual machine runs like a computer program with applications and operating systems. A virtual machine is designed as a virtual copy of a physical desktop capable of running any OS of choice: Windows, Linux, or Mac. Users can access virtual desktops from their personal devices like desktops and mobile devices.
Virtual Desktop Solutions: The Types
Application/desktop virtualization is commonly available in three variants:
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure): It is a virtual computing architecture that diverts the use of virtual machines to run and manage virtual desktops. VDI hosts virtual desktops on a central server. The virtual desktops are made available to end-users as and when needed.
DaaS (Desktop as a Service): A managed service offered by a cloud service provider involves hosting corporate data on the cloud. This end-to-end service provides customers with a virtual workspace powered by virtual desktops hosted on the cloud.
RDS (Remote Desktop Services): RDS employs a technology different from both VDI and DaaS. In contrast to the latter, users do not work on dedicated virtual machines with other operating systems. Instead, they have access to desktop sessions hosted on shared virtual machines.
Best VDI Software Providers in 2024
The following is a list of the top 10 VDI providers in the market in 2024:
#1) Ace Cloud Hosting
ACE provides the best VDI solution. It offers a secure workspace to enhance the remote working capabilities of an existing workforce. It uses technology to protect corporate data from personal use on virtual desktops. ACE’s contemporary take on legacy VDI solutions generates a seamless user experience for employees. It helps businesses substitute remote hosting of applications with secure cloud hosting.
ACE offers centrally managed policies to control file access and storage, network access, browser usage, peripheral use, copy/paste, and screen capture capabilities. It helps IT administrators control and regulate desktop activity with ease.
Pricing: ACE pricing is based on a per-user per-month model. It can be paid annually. The company offers complimentary proof-of-concept trials: with no contracts or lock-in periods.
#2) Amazon Workspaces
Amazon Workspaces is one of the top VDI providers. It is widely recommended for users in both personal and professional capacities. Capable of a wide range of workability, Amazon WorkSpaces offers a highly secure and scalable virtual desktop service. This cloud-based service is brought forth by the world’s leading retailer, Amazon Inc. Amazon Workspaces can allegedly deploy any operating system, be it Windows, Linux, or Mac, within minutes on its desktops and scale these up.
The introduction of Amazon WorkSpaces meant that on-premise desktops and their associated operations, costs, and IT requirements could be outsourced to Amazon for easier and faster deployment.
End-users or employees can get to work from any location and manage complex workloads from any internet-connected device, irrespective of its OS or native configurations.
Pricing: Amazon Workspaces offers a free tier model with two work plans: the standard plan with 80 GB root and 50 GB user volume. Other monthly and hourly billing plans are also available as per business requirements. All relevant pricing information can be found on the company’s website.
#3) Microsoft Azure
Today, Azure has become one of the most recognizable VDI providers in the world. Azure Virtual Desktops can cater to the rapidly changing business requirements of small to medium enterprises.
Microsoft Azure has evolved as one of the most diversified and versatile virtualization platforms that can support virtual desktop infrastructure in addition to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These services are available via numerous data centers managed by Microsoft.
Pricing: Microsoft Azure’s pricing is based on the number of executions and execution time. Azure includes a free provision of up to 1 million requests and resource consumption of 4,000,000GB per month. It also offers the Azure Functions Premium Plan for users to benefit from more outstanding performance.
#4) Hysolate
Hysolate specializes in data security protocols as part of secure data hosting. It enables companies to leverage operating system-based isolation for secure corporate access to sensitive and confidential information, client data, and others. Hysolate delivers cloud services in an isolated workspace for specific working capabilities.
The most significant benefit of Hysolate’s vdi solution is that it provides companies with a temporary workspace for third-party companies and suppliers without running the risk of disclosing sensitive information to these parties. Isolate can shield user performance from security gaps at the time of accessing sensitive data.
Pricing: Hysolate has a simple pricing model available in two versions. One version is free and has limited but essential features, such as VM-Based isolation and instant deployment. The other is an Enterprise version. Hysolate’s enterprise version offers advanced security policies.
#5) Nutanix XI Frame
One of the best VDI providers, the Nutanix framework is known for its Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offering. It is designed to help companies on the road to digital transformation. The Nutanix XI Frame can also help existing IT infrastructures plan and streamline services and routine IT activities.
Nutanix is thought to be an introduction to cyberspace. Nevertheless, it boasts extensive experience in end-user cloud computing with 10+ years of experience and more than 1,000 clients. Recently, Nutanix has been awarded cloud-specific certifications such as ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018.
The Nutanix framework is also implemented to mitigate challenges posed by physical systems. These challenges include substantive hardware costs, software and servicing updates, scalability, and security upgrades.
Pricing: The Nutanix XI frame is free for up to 30 days. It offers a simple and popular pricing model:
- $34 per user per month. No fixed-term contracts.
- $24 per user per month. A minimum of 3-month contract.
- $48 per user per desktop for a concurrent user connection.
#6) Citrix Workspace
Citrix developed the virtual computing platform Citrix Workspace after being in the virtualization segment for more than 30 years. Citrix is a known competitor among VDI providers. Its integrated workspace intervened at the right time to solve many problems faced by today’s organizations.
Citrix Workspace was developed after migrating the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops into the cloud. It provided businesses with the much-needed competency to reduce operational expenditure, smooth IT implementation, and enforce workplace flexibility.
Citrix Workspace is a secure virtual environment that enables fast and reliable computing with the promise of an excellent user experience. Citrix Workspace is known for its low latency capabilities that can help businesses speed up processes.
Pricing: Citrix Workspace has a widespread but fixed pricing structure. For a tailored pricing model, users can leverage the customized tool option. The tool helps find and understand all aspects of the cost of implementation.
#7) Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server)
Parallels RAS was published by 2X software in the year 2014. Parallels RAS is offered as a fully-managed, end-to-end VDI solution. Parallels RAS is designed to make virtual applications and desktops available anytime and from anywhere across all devices.
All the features of its virtual desktop solution are included in a package under enhanced protection. The top-of-the-class security measures are a favorite among large enterprises as well as SMEs. Parallels RAS has found popularity across multiple sectors, including IT, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and others.
Parallels RAS offers a secure and diverse virtual platform that is designed to prevent data leaks and mitigate cyberattacks in all their forms. It integrates such security best practices as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intelligent card verification to ensure top-notch performance.
Pricing: Parallels RAS offers a 30-day trial period. Currently, the plans on offer are:
- $99.99 per concurrent user on a 1-year subscription
- $189.99 per concurrent user on a 2-year subscription
- $269.99 per concurrent user on a 3-year subscription
#8) VMware Horizon Cloud
VMware is known to have developed the first commercial version of a virtualization platform. It offers robust and secured VDI software with an assortment of tools that can help meet any amount or depth of specific corporate needs. VMware is a popular solution for businesses transitioning into an all-digital workspace.
VMware Horizon has the critical benefit of supporting both on-premises and off-premises architecture for supporting desktop virtualization. As one of the most experienced players in this space, it offers a seamless and efficient approach to delivering virtual desktops running on Windows or Linux. These desktops come foolproof with industry-standard security manifestations. The model is designed to enhance workplace flexibility by enabling anytime-anywhere access for permissioned users.
Pricing: VMware offers a 60-day trial period. The pricing model is not uniform and is based on the specific editions a customer chooses. Currently available editions are VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon 7, VMware Horizon Air, and VMware Horizon FLEX editions. Each of these has different pricing that auto-adjusts to scalability.
#9) V2 Cloud
V2 Cloud is a Canadian enterprise founded in 2012. It provides essential but powerful VDI software for small and medium enterprises. In fact, V2 Cloud specializes in the sector of small and medium enterprises as its solution is tailor-made for the necessitates of the SME sector.
V2 Cloud is pretty easy to deploy, and a cloud-based Windows desktop can be made available in just a few clocks. It offers a cost-effective and scalable virtual desktop solution that can eliminate IT hassles and help businesses concentrate on their core practices.
Pricing: V2 Cloud is available for a contract-free pricing structure with no minimum order requirements. It also offers a free 7-day trial period. V2Cloud currently offers two pricing models: essential and business plans.
The basic plan ranges between $40 per month and $1120 per month with additional licenses for $10 a month.
The business plan ranges between $60 per month and $1680 per month, with additional licenses at $10 a month.
#10) Kasm Workspaces
The Kasm Workspace is one of the cheapest VDI providers available in the market today. It is a popular choice among individuals and SMEs for its cost-effective offering. It is the only dedicated virtual workspace designed by a team of cybersecurity experts. Originally developed to cater to the needs of the US government by enforcing security protocols for a remote workforce, Kasm is now commercially available for private and corporate use.
Kasm provides a virtual workspace that a browser can easily access. Thus, it requires no specialized software installation for the purpose of accessing virtual desktops. Kim is also highly customizable. It comes with a developer API (Application Programming Interface) that can be leveraged to meet the specific needs of users and businesses.
Pricing: Kasm has a highly affordable pricing structure that is divided into two types: deployment type and license type. It also offers a 30-day trial license for free. For individuals or businesses with less than five users, Kasm can be availed free of charge. For regular usage with multiple connections, Kasm offers the self-hosted model.
Conclusion
There are several benefits to using the best VDI solution that suits your business. With regular innovations in this sector, many benefits are coming to light, such as:
1- Companies benefit from improved workforce efficiency thanks to VDI, which helps employees connect from anywhere using any device.
2- VDI comes with gold-standard security implementation that protects the corporate network and resources from all forms of cyber breaches.
3- Companies using VDI benefit from reduced operational and overhead costs.
4- Features such as data security, backups, and BCDR (Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery) modules are auto-deployed with virtual desktop solution.
5- Energy costs become minimal with the firm-wide adoption of cloud virtualization.
These benefits continue to help businesses of every size make the most of a flexible workforce and remote working conditions. VDI software is especially popular for its cost-effective aspect.
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