Question:
Given the recent acquisition of VMware and the desire to transition away from their Horizon platform, coupled with the fact that many users are on physical desktops using direct connections, and the requirement for local Active Directory instead of Azure AD, could you recommend an alternative remote desktop solution? Ideally, this solution would allow end users to remotely access their work desktops, especially for those working from home, and would support Azure AD (Entra ID) accounts as a replacement for traditional RDS servers.
Answer:
emerges as a frontrunner in this scenario. AVD is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Office 365 ProPlus, and support for RDS environments. Importantly, AVD can be integrated with AAD, providing a unified identity solution that supports conditional access, multi-factor authentication, and seamless single sign-on.
For those seeking alternatives beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem, there are several other options to consider:
Truegrid
, which offers a secure RDP gateway and is known for its user-friendliness and cross-platform compatibility.
Thinfinity
, which provides web-based access to applications and desktops and is praised for its simplicity and performance.
RemotePC
, which is a straightforward and scalable solution for remote desktop access.
SplashTop
, which offers high-performance remote access and is often highlighted for its robust security features.
TSplus Remote Access
, which is an alternative that provides remote desktop and application delivery with a focus on cost-efficiency and ease of use.
Each of these solutions brings its own set of features and benefits, and the choice largely depends on the specific needs and existing infrastructure of the organization. For instance, if an organization is heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and is looking for a solution that offers tight integration with AAD, AVD would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if the organization prioritizes cross-platform access and ease of use, solutions like Truegrid or Thinfinity might be more appropriate.
In conclusion, the transition away from VMware Horizon due to the acquisition does not leave organizations without options. The market offers a variety of remote desktop solutions that can meet the needs of modern work environments, with many supporting AAD to streamline identity management and security. It is advisable for organizations to carefully assess their requirements, consider the compatibility with their existing systems, and choose a solution that offers the right balance of features, security, and cost-effectiveness..
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