VMware introduces Horizon DaaS for Hybrid Cloud Users

VMware (VMW) announced the release of VMware Horizon DaaS, a hybrid desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) offering designed to support both Windows server and remote desktop services environment, enabling enterprises to utilize both public cloud desktops with VMware Horizon View private cloud desktops.

“Our experience working with customers deploying DaaS the last several years have shown that the majority prefers a blended environment with both on-premise and cloud desktops,” said Sumit Dhawan, VMware’s vice president and general manager of Desktop Products, End User Computing, in a statement. “However, very few solutions in the market can deliver a seamless end-user experience across multiple clouds like VMware Horizon DaaS.”

What separates Horizon DaaS from the previously released VMware Horizon View service is the ability for organizations to utilize the full Microsoft desktop and its applications without having to provide the staff to build the data center. Customers simply purchase a subscription to the service for access to the full Windows desktop experience. The addition of Horizon DaaS means that resellers now have the option of providing customers with either on-site private cloud desktops, remote public cloud desktops or hybrid cloud offerings.

“The channel community has been itching to get into the DaaS market because … the market is really getting a lot of awareness lately,” said Dave Grant, senior director of Product Marketing for DaaS, is an interview with The VAR Guy. “In this case, they can resell this service just like they resell any other VMware product.”

Grant noted the DaaS is of particular interest to VARs because they can resell the service with additional features at an average of two to five times the cost of the basic service, enabling them to increase their own revenue while providing customers with several helpful add-ons.

VMware is offering its Horizon DaaS for $35 per month per user for the full Windows client experience. Grant pointed out the service offers a full Windows desktop experience, unlike many competing hybrid cloud providers that utilize Windows desktop skins for a similar price point. The service is available now through the company’s website or from select channel partners.