VMware Horizon Client - Remote desktop access

VMware Horizon Client for Android simplifies working on your VMware Horizon virtual desktop and hosted applications from your Android phone or tablet, providing convenient access on-the-go from any location.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the VMware Horizon Client for Android, a VMware Horizon virtual desktop or hosted application is required. Please contact your IT department for further assistance.

This app requires the Device Administrator permission.

Why use VMWare Horizon Client?

With VMWare Horizon Client, everything can be centralized through a comprehensive virtualization platform and virtual desktop infrastructure. Due to the presence of a single virtual platform, you’re assured of streamlined management. There’s also an ‘Entitle’ feature for end-users, which lets administrators supply remote or virtual desktops and remote applications to users.

The benefits of establishing a desktop virtualization platform in a company include reduced costs. It’s important to note that such a platform allocates resources to multiple devices while making sure that everything can be managed from a centralized system. In addition to this, it extends virtualization from one database to several devices, operating systems, and peripherals.

With this productivity tool, administrators have complete control over security, delivery, and operation. They can execute adaptive policies for end-users in the computing or virtual environment. It also simplifies data protection by allowing admins to implement flexible security measures across the company’s virtual desktop and database.

The remote desktop software ensures simplified management of virtual applications and desktops. With this app, admins can deliver desktops instantly, while reducing the overall operational cost and consumption of resources. The program leverages modern application and system architecture. In addition to this, it reduces storage costs and consumption when working with stateless desktops.

With this desktop virtualization tool, administrators have a more convenient application installation and packaging experience. The software ensures a consistent end-user experience for every user. This is perfect for programmers, designers, customer support executives, developers, writers, and other professionals. It allows people to work remotely without negatively impacting productivity.

Limitations of VMWare Horizon Client

While VMWare Horizon Client is a powerful tool for remote desktop virtualization, it has its limitations. The software's complexity can pose challenges for both administrators and end-users, especially for organizations or individuals unfamiliar with virtualization platforms. 

Initial setup and configuration require significant technical expertise, including the integration of features such as the Connection Server settings for authentication protocols like RADIUS or RSA SecurID. 

Additionally, the software may be overkill for smaller businesses or teams that don't need the extensive control and scalability it offers, making it less accessible to users with simpler requirements. 

Furthermore, while VMWare Horizon Client provides strong security features, it demands a stable and robust infrastructure to function effectively, which might not always be available in remote or resource-constrained environments.

Alternatives to VMWare Horizon Client

For users seeking alternatives, several options provide streamlined and efficient remote desktop solutions tailored to various needs. Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) is a simpler and cost-effective choice for individuals and small businesses, offering easy setup and integration within Windows environments. 

Similarly, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are highly popular for their user-friendly interfaces and cross-platform support, making them suitable for personal use or small teams needing remote access without the complexities of virtualization. 

For organizations focused on open-source solutions, Apache Guacamole provides a web-based remote desktop gateway, requiring no client installation and offering broad compatibility. 

Another strong contender is Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS), which combines ease of use with a robust feature set, offering centralized management and strong security protocols, making it ideal for medium-sized businesses. 

Finally, for lightweight virtualization that balances simplicity and functionality, Citrix Workspace offers a comparable experience to VMWare Horizon Client but with potentially lower complexity for deployment. Each of these alternatives addresses specific needs, making them viable options depending on the organization's size, budget, and technical capabilities.

What about the security features?

The powerful productivity tool comes with a range of security features. These effectively meet the demanding requirements of complex corporate policies. They also adhere to industry standards and legal mandates. For instance, VMWare Horizon Client supports two-factor authentication.

It’s worth mentioning that you still need to configure the ‘Connection Server’ settings in Horizon Administrator. The desktop virtualization program requires you to do this by using RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) or RSA SecurID Authentication.

The desktop virtualization platform allows end-users to leverage the single-sign-on feature, which requires you to supply the Active Directory login information only once. With this method, your user credentials remain secured by a digital certification. Not even a single password is transferred to any external data center.

In addition to this, if you choose to access VMWare Horizon Client on a smartphone or tablet, you can use fingerprint security. The program also supports smart card authentication. With its multiple security features and comprehensive functionalities, VMWare Horizon Client has become one of the most popular desktop virtualization apps in the world. The program has a major impact on reducing infrastructure and operation costs while ensuring remote teams stay connected to improve productivity and efficiency.

FEATURES:

-ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE

Utilizing the VMware Blast Extreme protocol with Horizon 7, optimized for mobile users. Blast Extreme utilizes H.264 hardware decoding to enhance the remote experience while reducing power consumption.

-LEAVE THE DESKTOP BEHIND WITH HOSTED APPLICATIONS

Hosted applications are supported by VMware Horizon 6 and later in addition to virtual desktops. With hosted applications, you can run applications like local Android apps without needing the desktop environment.

-BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Unity Touch bridges the gap between your touch screen and Windows applications. Unity Touch allows easy browsing, searching, and opening of Windows applications & files, selecting favorite applications and files, and switching between running applications without the need for the Start Menu or Task Bar.

-UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE

The adaptive functionalities of the Blast Extreme and PCoIP display protocols ensure fast and responsive virtual desktop performance, whether connecting via corporate WiFi network or cellular connection at a local cafe.

-SECURE FROM ANY LOCATION

Enjoy secure access with VMware Horizon whether at your desk or out of the office. Use smart card authentication with Biometric Associates baiMobile smart card readers and the newly integrated RSA soft token for simplified access.

NOTE REGARDING APPLICATION PERMISSIONS: Upon installing the VMware Horizon Client, you may be asked to grant permission for the app to read phone status and identity due to the integrated RSA SDK and the RSA soft token feature. The RSA SDK requires access to phone state, device's network state, and Wi-Fi state for device identity verification purposes.