Last fall we released our VMware Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure solution with support for RDS-hosted applications and session desktops. The Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure solution is designed to allow organizations to connect their existing Microsoft Azure infrastructure with the Horizon Cloud control plane to create a secure, comprehensive, cloud-hosted solution for delivering virtualized apps and desktops.
But we were just getting started. We are back with a fresh update and exciting additions, including expediting the support for virtual desktops, based on the demand we have received. We are happy to announce that Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure support for virtual desktops is now in beta and available to organizations that are eager to try it out.
Support for Virtual Desktops *Beta*
Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure supports Windows 10 virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) desktops in beta. Both dedicated and floating desktops are available for a persistent and non-persistent experience. Graphics desktops are supported, as well.
All Horizon Cloud desktop configurations are supported—1 vCPU, 2GB / 2 vCPU, 4GB vRAM / 4 vCPU, 8 GB / 8 vCPU, 16GB vRAM—with the ability to add Microsoft Azure-managed disks, as well.
Further updates will be continually made on the VDI capability before its final launch.
5 More New Features
But wait, there’s more! In addition to the support for Windows 10 VDI, we are also delighted to announce the availability of the following features.
1. Schedule-Based Power Management for RDSH Farm Servers
To help optimize savings and performance of the farm’s server virtual machines (VMs) in Microsoft Azure, you can optionally configure schedules (up to 10 rules) to adjust the minimum number of powered-on servers in this farm on a recurring, weekly basis. For example, you can configure zero servers to be powered on weekends, and so on.
2. RADIUS-Based Two-Factor Authentication
To allow internet-enabled desktops, you can now configure your Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) system with the Horizon Cloud node’s Unified Access Gateway load balancer public IP address as a client allowed to make requests of that RADIUS system.
3. Azure Node Update via Horizon Cloud Management Console
You can now update your Horizon Cloud node directly via the Horizon Cloud administrator console and select a desired day and time for the update. The node gets updated in less than five minutes.
4. Agent Update via Horizon Cloud Management Console
No more individual, manual maintenance of the different agents. The Horizon Cloud service automatically downloads the latest version of an agent to the Horizon Cloud node and makes it available to schedule an update for the appropriate RDSH image used in the RDS farms. You can also monitor progress of the update under Activity.
5. Desktop Health Alert
Stay on top of resource usage with reports on desktop health. For all desktops, a Desktop Health alert displays when one or more of the following parameters is at or above a set threshold value: CPU usage percentage, memory usage percentage, and disk latency.
If you would like more details on this announcement or would like to express interest in the beta, please visit the Microsoft and VMware webpage.
