VMware Horizon Suite is one solution that fits multiple categories. Currently in alpha testing, the suite gives an end-user one place to access apps, data and desktop services.

The VAR Guy

September 14, 2012

vittorio viarengo

VMware Horizon Suite is one solution that fits multiple categories. Currently in alpha testing, the suite gives an end-user one place to access apps, data and desktop services. On the flip side, corporate IT managers (or channel partners) gain a single IT management console to set user policies and securities. Bottom line: It sounds like VMware (NYSE: VMW) wants Horizon Suite to empower VARs for the bring your own device (BYOD), desktop as a service (DaaS) and private cloud trends.

The suite won’t ship until sometime in 2013. But for channel partners, the time is now to formulate private cloud strategies that blanket all types of mobile devices accessing approved corporate applications.

Instead of slowing down, the BYOD trend seems to be accelerating — especially as consumers consider a longer list of new options like Apple iPhone 5, Microsoft Surface tablets, Windows Phone 8, Google Android tablets and smartphones, and more.

Video Preview

Vittorio Viarengo, VP of product marketing for end-user computing, offered this Horizon Suite sneak peek during VMworld 2012 a few days ago:

“It’s a thing of beauty. It took lots of work to get it all integrated in one place,” said Viarengo.

VMware Horizon Suite is actually several solutions rolled into one. Network World notes:

“Horizon Suite consists of technology gleaned from VMware’s cloud-storage effort called Project Octopus, its browser delivery system for applications called Project AppBlast, its encapsulated virtual application platform called ThinApp, and its VMware Horizon Application Manager and VMware Horizon Mobile products.”

Can VMware make all of those solutions work together seamlessly? If yes, channel partners that specialize in mobility and private cloud solutions, could be the big winners.

It’s too soon to say whether VMware Horizon Suite will deliver on its promise. But The VAR Guy will be watching the current alpha test, future beta releases, and the general release for more clues.

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