Horizon in Turmoil
Over the past two years, VMware has consistently made headlines across the IT industry. The initial buzz came from its acquisition by Broadcom, followed by sweeping changes to licensing and partner policies. These adjustments led to significant price hikes for users and created friction with many long-standing partners—prompting a wave of departures that disrupted customer experiences. Among VMware’s product portfolio, the Horizon series has been hit hardest. Broadcom’s decision to spin off VMware’s End-User Computing (EUC) division and sell it to KKR resulted in Horizon being rebranded as Omnissa Horizon.
This shift has major implications. Since VDI solutions depend heavily on hypervisor platforms and infrastructure integration, Horizon’s separation from VMware means it will no longer be tightly coupled with vSphere. This decoupling introduces risks around feature limitations, compatibility issues, and potentially less favorable vSphere licensing terms. While Omnissa currently offers a transitional bundle—VVF for VDI—to ease the shift, this solution comes with constraints. For instance, a single-core vSAN under VVF is capped at 100GB. Exceeding this limit requires purchasing a full vSphere vSAN license. Moreover, the longevity of the VVF for VDI offering remains uncertain, adding further complexity to long-term planning.
| # | VVF for VDI Component | Metric Entitlement | Entitlement Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vSphere Foundation License Manager for VDI | User | The vSphere Foundation License Manager for VDI component is included in VVF for VDI with the sole purpose of facilitating license management for the VVF for VDI bundle. It is not meant to provide any intrinsic management features to end customers. |
| 2 | vSAN | 100 GiB | The 100 GiB vSAN trial capacity included in VVF for VDI is tied to the VVF for VDI cores that are configured for vSAN and cannot be aggregated. Once customers exceed the trial capacity, they must license the entire raw storage claimed in the vSAN cluster starting from 0. |
Source: https://ftpdocs.broadcom.com/cadocs/0/contentimages/VVF_VDI_SPD_July2025.pdf
One-Stop Delivery of Simpler Virtual Desktop & Virtual Apps Solutions with Sangfor aDesk
Sangfor launched its VDI solution in 2013, around the same time as VMware. Over the past 12 years, Sangfor has continuously committed to independent research and production evolution. With over 2.2 million virtual desktops deployed globally, Sangfor has become the leading VDI provider worldwide, trusted by organizations across industries.
Why Choose Sangfor aDesk Over VMware Horizon?
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One-stop Delivery
Sangfor offers a complete solution stack—servers, thin clients, hypervisors, VDI controllers, and built-in EDR software—in one package. This streamlines deployment, simplifies after-sales support, and saves time and effort for IT teams.
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Simplified and User-Friendly Architecture
Sangfor aDesk requires only two components: HCI + VDC for minimal deployment. This reduces resource consumption and lowers maintenance complexity. In contrast, VMware Horizon depends on multiple components, consumes more resources and Microsoft licenses, and increases management overhead.
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Intelligent Operations
Sangfor provides a free AI-powered intelligent operation and maintenance platform (IOM), which can perform AI troubleshooting, trend alerts, application statistics, and many other functions for customers. VMware Horizon relies on the VMware vRealize Operations Manager, which is not included in the VVF for VDI license and must be purchased separately based on VM count.
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Built-In Security
Security is in Sangfor’s DNA. Recognized by third-party evaluators like CyberRatings (Sangfor Athena NGFW received a “Recommended Top Rating”), Sangfor integrates security deeply into its VDI solution. Sangfor aDesk works seamlessly with Athena EPP and the HCI platform to deliver:
- Automated micro-isolation
- Faster incident response
- Robust data protection
This mirrors the secure VDI model of Carbon Black + Horizon, but with native integration.
Seamless Migration to Sangfor aDesk In response to rising prices, declining service quality, and growing uncertainty around VMware Horizon, many VMware Horizon customers are seeking alternative solutions. Sangfor also is here to provide a comprehensive migration solution from VMware.
Sangfor’s migration solution includes:
- Hardware reuse: Existing servers and thin clients can be repurposed if they meet requirements.
- VM migration tools: Easily migrate template and user VMs to Sangfor’s platform.
- License continuity: Microsoft and Nvidia licenses can be seamlessly inherited.
- Migration promotion: Free first year of aSec license to help you effortlessly achieve Secure VDI.
Take the Next Step: Learn & Try Sangfor aDesk
Sangfor aDesk offers a simple, intelligent, and secure virtual desktop and application solution—at a more cost-effective price and with higher service quality. Instead of navigating the uncertainties of Horizon, why not explore a better alternative? Sangfor also provides free solution evaluations and testing, ensuring smooth integration with your business and helping you achieve long-term success.
