In recent years, VMware Horizon has been a popular platform to provide virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in the CPA and accounting industry. However, since Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, concerns about Horizon’s stability, total cost of ownership, and future direction have emerged. This uncertainty is driving many firms to seek alternatives, with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) emerging as the clear-cut winner. At Netgain, we understand the unique needs of CPA firms and have created a repeatable playbook to efficiently migrate firms from Horizon to AVD with minimal disruption.
The Current Landscape: Challenges with VMware Horizon
- Post-acquisition Instability: Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has introduced major changes which bring uncertainties, impacting VMware Horizon’s development and support. Customers are experiencing delays in updates, reduced innovation, and slower responses to industry needs. For firms, where timely access to data and applications is critical, these disruptions pose significant risks.
- Support & Reliability Issues: Reports of declining support quality and longer resolution times for technical issues are increasing. CPA firms depend on reliable VDI solutions to maintain productivity, especially during peak periods. Any instability in VMware Horizon can lead to severe operational consequences.
- Licensing Changes: Broadcom has dramatically changed the licensing models for VMware solutions, including Horizon. Significant increases in licensing spend and the change in licensing model, have pushed firms to look elseware.
- Security Concerns: As cyber security threats become more sophisticated, ensuring the security of virtual desktops and applications is vital. The uncertainty surrounding VMware Horizon’s future development raises concerns about its ability to meet the latest security standards and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Why Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers a robust, secure, and cost-effective alternative to VMware Horizon. Here’s why it’s the best choice for CPA firms:
Netgain: Your Trusted Partner in Azure
At Netgain, we have built significant expertise in transitioning CPA firms from VMware Horizon to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. This includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment & Planning: We conduct a thorough assessment of your current VDI environment, identifying critical applications and user needs. Our detailed migration plan minimizes disruption and ensures a seamless transition to AVD.
- Expert Guidance & Support: Our experienced team guides you through the migration process, leveraging our extensive knowledge of Azure and VDI solutions. We provide training for IT staff and end-users to ensure smooth adoption and satisfaction.
- Continuous Monitoring, Management, & Optimization: Post-migration, we continuously monitor your AVD environment to optimize performance and cost-efficiency. We regularly review security policies and update configurations to maintain a secure and efficient virtual desktop infrastructure.
- Enhanced Cyber Security: We enable a comprehensive set of security controls and a 24×7 Managed Security Operations Center staffed by expert analysts to elevate your security posture and actively monitor for any threats.
The challenges facing VMware Horizon under Broadcom’s management have prompted many CPA firms to seek more reliable and innovative VDI solutions. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers a superior alternative, and with Netgain’s expertise in hosting and migration, firms can transition smoothly, ensuring stability while future-proofing their operations. By partnering with Netgain, you can enhance productivity, secure your data, and focus on what matters most–growing your business.
For more information on how Netgain can help you transition to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, contact us.