6 Best Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) Solutions 2024
A Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) is a complete desktop environment that runs on a virtual machine using a cloud-based server’s computing and storage resources. It utilizes virtualization software from providers like Microsoft and VMware.
Here is our list of the best HVD providers:
- Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Allows you to deliver VDI, virtual applications, and DaaS from any cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environment.
- Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop An affordable and secure cloud-based HVD solution suitable for organizations of all sizes.
- Omnissa Horizon Cloud: Offers virtual desktop and application delivery through a hybrid DaaS platform.
- Amazon WorkSpaces Family A fully managed VDI service that provides organizations with customizable virtual desktops for their employees.
- Nutanix End-User Computing (EUC) Facilitates seamless access to virtual applications and desktops from any location and cloud, all within a true hybrid multi-cloud model.
- Workspot A state-of-the-art HVD solution featuring Cloud PC and Enterprise Desktop Cloud services.
HVD delivers desktop environments from centralized servers to users via the Internet. Multiple virtual machines operate on a single physical server, each providing its own desktop experience with an operating system and applications. Users can access their virtual desktops from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
The concept of HVD has evolved over the years, driven by advancements in virtualization technology and increased demand for remote access, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, HVD solutions are essential for many businesses. With numerous HVD options available, selecting the right one can be challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top HVD solutions for your organization.
The Best HVD Providers
Our methodology for selecting a hosted virtual desktop (HVD) provider
In choosing the top HVD solutions, we considered several key criteria, including:
- Features and Functionality They offer a wide range of features, including scalability, flexibility, security, and integration with other cloud services.
- Technology Stack They utilize advanced technologies like AI and cloud-native architectures to enhance user experience.
- Market Reputation These solutions are well-regarded in the HVD market and have a proven track record of quality service.
- Integration Capabilities These solutions easily integrate with other cloud services and on-premises systems for straightforward deployment and management.
- Pricing and Licensing Models They provide competitive pricing and flexible licensing to suit different organizational needs.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings These solutions have received positive feedback for performance, reliability, and ease of use.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the best solution for any organization depends on its specific needs and business requirements.
1. Citrix App and Desktop Virtualization
Citrix App and Desktop Virtualization provides a powerful HVD solution that delivers an exceptional VDI, virtual application, and DaaS experience across any environment—whether cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid. With Citrix, you benefit from enterprise-grade management and security while enjoying the flexibility to manage, monitor, and secure your virtual resources as you see fit.
Key Features:
- HDX Optimization Technology: Boosts productivity by delivering a high-quality user experience even with low bandwidth, focusing on unified communications and graphic-intensive applications.
- Hybrid Multi-Cloud Management: Supports workload storage across multiple clouds (Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, AWS) and integrates with on-premises resources.
- Robust Security Features: Offers a wide range of security options to protect unmanaged endpoints, enhancing overall security posture.
- Secure Work Experience: Combines cloud-based Citrix DaaS with on-premises solutions to provide a secure work environment on any device.
- Scalability: Easily scales to accommodate changing business needs, whether adding users or expanding services.
By combining the capabilities of cloud-based Citrix DaaS with on-premises Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, you can create a secure and efficient work experience accessible from any device. This solution offers the cost advantages of a managed desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) model, along with enhanced IT agility, improved corporate security, increased sustainability, and greater end-user productivity.
Why Do We Recommend It?
We recommend Citrix Apps and Desktops Virtualization as an HVD solution because its ability to deliver a seamless virtual desktop and application experience across various infrastructures—whether cloud, on-premises, or hybrid—ensures that businesses can adapt to evolving needs. I found that, furthermore, Citrix is a reputable name in the industry and has been recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Gartner DaaS Magic Quadrant.
Who Is It Recommended For?
This solution is suitable for organizations with a diverse workforce, including remote and hybrid teams, as well as those operating in regulated industries that require strict security and compliance measures.
Pros:
- Cost Efficiency: The HVD and DaaS model can reduce overall IT costs while increasing agility and productivity.
- Sustainable IT Practices: Maximizes existing on-premises or cloud resources, endpoints, and network usage for improved sustainability.
- Flexible Deployment Options: Deliver VDI, virtual applications, and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) from any cloud, on-premises, or hybrid infrastructure.
- High Performance: HDX optimization ensures a smooth user experience, even under challenging network conditions.
- Simplified Management: Enhances server scalability, accelerates logins, and improves application response times with a lightweight management solution.
Cons:
- Dependency on Network: Performance is heavily reliant on a stable internet connection; any network issues can disrupt access.
- Training Requirements: Users and IT staff may require training to effectively use and manage the system, which can lead to additional time and costs.
2. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop is Microsoft’s DaaS solution, providing a fully managed HVD experience. It leverages the powerful infrastructure of Microsoft Azure to deliver virtual desktop experience accessible from virtually any device. It supports multi-session Windows 10 and Office ProPlus, contributing to its rapid adoption and making it a strong competitor among HVD service providers. With its combination of advanced features and seamless integration with other Microsoft services, Azure Virtual Desktop stands out as a versatile and powerful hosted virtual desktop solution for modern businesses.
Key Features:
- Connection Quality Analysis: Analyze connection quality to ensure optimal performance, deploying virtual infrastructure in secured Azure regions worldwide.
- Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand without significant upfront investment.
- Control and Resilience: Microsoft manages all aspects of the control plane, ensuring a resilient global footprint for your virtual infrastructure.
- Flexible Networking Options: Utilize networking features like Azure Private Link and RDP Shortpath for enhanced security and reliability.
- Host Pool Management: Leverage advanced capabilities such as custom image templates to effectively manage large-scale deployments.
- Multi-Session Capabilities: Windows 11 and Windows 10 multi-session allow multiple users to access a single virtual machine simultaneously, reducing costs.
Why Do We Recommend It?
We recommend Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop as an HVD solution because it offers a powerful, cloud-based infrastructure that delivers a seamless desktop experience across devices while ensuring high flexibility, security, and scalability. I noted that Microsoft is a reputable name in the industry and has been recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Gartner DaaS Magic Quadrant.
Who Is It Recommended For?
It is suitable for remote workforces, security-conscious businesses of all sizes, and organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem due to its scalability and seamless integration.
Pros:
- Reduced Learning curve: Users can access familiar Windows environments, reducing the learning curve and improving productivity.
- Cost Efficiency: Multi-session capabilities and a pay-per-use model help reduce overall costs, making it easier for organizations to manage budgets.
- Simplified Management: Microsoft’s management of the control plane allows IT teams to focus on other strategic initiatives.
- Pay-Per-Use Model: Scale consumption on demand, paying for computing capacity by the second, without long-term commitments or upfront payments.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Users and IT staff may need training to effectively navigate and manage the platform.
- Internet Dependency: Performance relies heavily on a stable internet connection; any outages can disrupt access.
3. Omnissa Horizon Cloud
Omnissa Horizon Cloud is a next-generation hybrid DaaS platform that modernizes virtual desktop and application delivery. Its multi-tenant, cloud-scale architecture provides organizations with the flexibility to choose where their virtual desktops and applications are hosted—whether on-premises, in a hybrid environment, or across multiple clouds.
Key Features:
- Advanced Automation: Features an API-driven architecture for easy integration of additional tools, services, and workflows, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Unified Workspace: Provides a single platform for managing virtual desktops and applications, enabling users to access all tools from one interface.
- Advanced Security: Incorporates multiple layers of security, including user authentication, data encryption, and secure access controls, to protect sensitive information.
- Horizon Edge: Simplifies deployment by using a single Edge Gateway instead of traditional pods, reducing the infrastructure footprint.
- Advanced Management Tools: Offers a comprehensive suite of management tools for creating, configuring, and managing virtual desktop pools, user profiles, and application delivery.
- High Performance: Delivers high-performance virtual desktops, even for resource-intensive applications like 3D graphics and video editing.
This adaptability ensures that businesses can optimize their IT infrastructure according to their specific needs while maintaining high performance and scalability. With Omnissa Horizon Cloud, organizations can effectively enhance their virtual workspace experience and streamline desktop management.
Why Do We Recommend It?
We recommend Omnissa Horizon Cloud as an HVD solution due to its reputation, flexibility, and robust features and performance capabilities. I learned that with Omnissa Horizon Cloud, organizations can deploy virtual desktops and applications in a variety of environments, including public clouds, on-premises, and hybrid configurations.
Who Is It Recommended For?
Omnissa Horizon Cloud is suitable for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, as it facilitates secure access to critical applications and data from any device. Industries that require stringent compliance and security measures, such as healthcare and finance, will benefit from Horizon Cloud’s extensive security features.
Pros:
- Flexible Deployment Options: The multi-tenant, cloud-scale architecture lets organizations choose the best location for their virtual desktops and applications—whether on-premises, hybrid, or multi-cloud.
- Seamless User Experience: Provides a unified workspace for accessing virtual desktops and applications, improving user productivity and satisfaction.
- Faster Time to Value: The simplified, turnkey architecture speeds up the deployment process, allowing organizations to realize benefits more quickly.
- Centralized Management: A comprehensive management console streamlines deployment and monitoring, making IT operations more efficient.
- Stable Environment: With more management components centralized in the Horizon Control Plane, there are fewer elements to manage, leading to greater stability and reliability.
Cons:
- Market Uncertainty: The recent acquisition of VMware EUC by KKR and its rebranding raises concerns about the long-term direction of the company.
4. Amazon WorkSpaces Family
Amazon WorkSpaces Family is a fully managed, multi-tenant DaaS and HVD solution designed to provide organizations with seamless access to virtual desktops, applications, and data while optimizing costs and boosting productivity. Amazon WorkSpaces offers a comprehensive VDI service that simplifies desktop management and enhances user experience. On the other hand, Amazon WorkSpaces Core provides a suite of VDI APIs specifically for third-party software integration, allowing customers and partners to create tailored HVD solutions using purpose-built compute instances optimized for virtual desktops.
Key Features:
- Strong Security and Availability: Built on AWS’s secure infrastructure, WorkSpaces is designed to provide a high level of security, supported by a financially backed SLA guaranteeing 99.9% uptime.
- Support for Third-Party VDI Solutions: WorkSpaces Core allows integration with various third-party VDI solutions while leveraging AWS’s security and scalability.
- Flexible Licensing Options: Supports Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise licenses, allowing integration of familiar productivity tools into the WorkSpaces environment.
- Unified Management Experience: Admins can manage both WorkSpaces Personal and WorkSpaces Pools virtual desktops using the same applications.
- Adaptive Onboarding Tool: The AWS Management Console includes an onboarding tool that recommends suitable configurations based on specific use cases.
- Migration Capabilities: WorkSpaces Core simplifies the migration from existing VDI solutions, allowing businesses to use familiar management tools alongside AWS’s robust infrastructure.
Why Do We Recommend It?
As one of the leading HVD service providers, Amazon allows IT administrators to quickly provision numerous Windows or Linux desktops as needed. I discovered that with nearly unlimited scalability and flexible pay-per-use pricing options available on a monthly or hourly basis, it offers great adaptability for organizations.
Who Is It Recommended For?
It is ideal for businesses with a distributed workforce, such as remote teams or companies with multiple locations. Additionally, industries that demand high security and compliance standards will benefit from the robust features of Amazon WorkSpaces family.
Pros:
- Access to AWS Applications and Data: Users can access applications and data stored on AWS, maximizing productivity and ensuring business continuity.
- Enhanced Productivity: Provides a stable and reliable environment that supports remote work, ensuring users can access necessary applications and data at any time.
- Flexible Pricing Model: Offers both monthly and hourly billing options, allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they use.
- Cost-Effective Scaling: The pay-as-you-go model enables organizations to scale their VDI up or down based on demand, optimizing overall spending.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Automated configuration recommendations streamline the onboarding process, making it easier for IT teams to manage virtual desktops.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Users and IT staff may need training to effectively navigate and manage the platform.
- Dependency on AWS: Organizations must rely on AWS’s infrastructure, which may be a concern for those looking for multi-cloud or on-premises solutions.
5. Nutanix End-User Computing (EUC)
Nutanix EUC provides a robust HVD solution that delivers seamless access to virtual applications and desktops from any location, across any cloud, and at any scale, all within a true hybrid multicloud model. This flexibility enables organizations to respond quickly and securely to the constantly changing needs of end users.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Performance and Security: Nutanix safeguards against data theft and cyber threats while delivering faster response times for users.
- Efficiency: Provides consistent access to resources with predictable costs, achieving a 123% return on investment (ROI).
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Enables quick deployment of backup workspaces to maintain operations during disasters, with seamless extension from on-premises to hybrid multi-cloud environments.
- Scalability: Allows organizations to easily scale up, supporting more end users without added complexity. It can burst 2,000 desktops to the cloud in under two hours.
- Compliance and Security: Strengthens defenses against ransomware and malware while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Flexible Pricing: Offers per-user subscription pricing, allowing organizations to start small and scale as needed.
Running VDI and DaaS on Nutanix allows for deployment speeds of up to eight times faster, whether utilizing cloud infrastructure or on-premises data centers. Nutanix’s hybrid multi-cloud solutions simplify management, enhance security, accelerate deployments, and improve the overall user experience. Their offerings include on-premises EUC (VDI, CVAD), Hybrid EUC, and Cloud EUC (DaaS), making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to optimize their virtual desktop environments.
Why Do We Recommend It?
We recommend Nutanix as a HVD solution due to its robust performance, security features, and efficient resource management. With its ability to provide seamless access to virtual apps and desktops from any location, Nutanix responds effectively to the constantly evolving needs of end users. I observed that the platform enables organizations to deploy virtual desktops up to eight times faster, ensuring that businesses can maintain operational continuity even during disruptions.
Who Is It Recommended For?
We recommend Nutanix for medium to large enterprises that require scalable and flexible virtual desktop solutions. It is ideal for organizations with a distributed workforce or those operating in industries where data security and compliance are critical. The ability to quickly deploy backup workspaces ensures business continuity, making it a great fit for sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.
Pros:
- High ROI: Organizations can achieve a significant return on investment through efficient resource delivery.
- Rapid Deployment: Quick setup of virtual desktops, especially in emergency situations, minimizes downtime.
- Strong Security Measures: Robust protection against cyber threats enhances data security.
- User Experience: Improved response times lead to higher user satisfaction.
- Flexibility: Easy scaling and flexible pricing models accommodate changing business needs.
Cons:
- Cost Considerations: Depending on the scale and usage, costs may increase significantly, particularly for smaller businesses.
- Learning Curve: IT staff may require training to effectively utilize all features and capabilities of the platform.
- Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Performance can be heavily reliant on stable Internet access, which may affect remote users in low-connectivity areas.
6. Workspot
Workspot offers a powerful HVD solution through its Cloud PC service, which operates like a traditional Windows 10/11 PC but is delivered as SaaS from the public cloud. The platform is built on the Workspot Enterprise Desktop Cloud, a fully cloud-native and highly secure solution that leverages the global infrastructure of major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services. By eliminating the need for upfront capital expenditures associated with traditional VDI and the hassle of hardware refreshes, Workspot significantly boosts business agility and competitiveness.
Key Features:
- Robust Security: The cloud-native architecture features strong encryption and gives IT full control over deployment and user activity.
- Built-in Disaster Recovery: Cloud PCs can be accessed from anywhere with options to failover desktops to different cloud regions in case of a disaster, providing instant business continuity.
- Compliance Features: Simplifies compliance with data sovereignty and IT audits by centralizing access to intellectual property and ensuring adherence to regulations like GDPR.
- Ransomware Recovery: Enables organizations to regain productivity within an hour after a ransomware attack, significantly reducing downtime.
- Unified Management: Workspot Control offers a single console for managing all digital workplace deployments across various environments, enhancing administrative efficiency.
- Real-time Observability: Workspot Watch provides analytics for real-time insights into user session health, helping IT teams quickly resolve issues.
- Historical Observability: Workspot Trends offers insights into user satisfaction and system performance over time, allowing IT to identify and address issues effectively.
Why Do We Recommend It?
We recommend Workspot as an HVD solution due to its outstanding performance, rapid deployment capabilities, and robust security features. The platform allows IT teams to set up cloud PCs in just days, enabling organizations to scale their desktop environments quickly and efficiently. I noticed that Workspot’s use of major cloud providers ensures that each virtual desktop is placed in the closest region, resulting in faster access times and a user experience that often surpasses that of traditional physical PCs.
Who is It Recommended For?
Workspot is suitable for medium to large enterprises with diverse end-user computing needs, including those in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology where security and compliance are critical. Companies seeking to reduce upfront capital expenditures and operational complexities will find Workspot’s cloud-native architecture a compelling option.
Pros:
- High ROI: Organizations can achieve significant savings through simplified management and reduced operational costs, with claims of saving up to 75% on operations and 50% on software.
- Quick Deployment: Workspot allows IT admins to implement cloud PCs in just days, with the ability to scale on-demand.
- High Performance: By placing each cloud desktop in the nearest cloud region, Workspot ensures fast file access and fluid workflows, typically outperforming traditional physical PCs.
- Cost-Effective: Potential for significant savings on software and operations, leading to a high ROI.
Cons:
- Dependency on Internet Connectivity: Performance can be affected by Internet reliability, especially for remote users.
- Learning Curve: IT staff may require training to fully leverage all features and tools effectively.
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