To spin up VMware Horizon and effectively use it in your organization, there are several key components and responsibilities to consider. VMware Horizon is a complex solution, designed to deliver virtual desktops and applications through a single platform. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and the responsibilities associated with each component:

1. VMware Horizon Infrastructure

• Horizon Connection Server: This is the core component responsible for managing the connection between the user and their virtual desktop or application. It handles user authentication, desktop pool management, and brokering connections.
  • Responsibility: Setting up, configuring, and maintaining the Connection Server for optimal performance and security.
• VMware vSphere: This includes ESXi hosts and vCenter Server, providing the virtualization layer where the virtual machines (VMs) for the desktops and applications run.
  • Responsibility: Managing and monitoring ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, and associated network and storage resources.
• Horizon Client: A software client installed on user devices, enabling access to virtual desktops and applications.
  • Responsibility: Ensuring compatibility and proper installation on user devices.

2. Network Infrastructure

• Load Balancer: Essential for distributing client requests across multiple Horizon Connection Servers, especially in large deployments.
  • Responsibility: Configuring and maintaining the load balancer for high availability and performance.
• Firewall and Network Security: To protect data and manage traffic.
  • Responsibility: Implementing and updating firewall rules and security policies.

3. Storage

• High-Performance Storage Solution: For storing virtual desktops and applications.
  • Responsibility: Managing storage resources to ensure speed and efficiency, as well as scalability.

4. Software and Licensing

• VMware Horizon Software: The Horizon suite itself.
  • Responsibility: Acquiring and managing the appropriate licensing, installing, and configuring the software.

5. Additional Components for Advanced Features

• Unified Access Gateway (UAG): For secure remote access to the Horizon environment.
  • Responsibility: Deploying and configuring UAGs, ensuring secure connectivity for remote users.
• VMware Horizon Composer: For managing linked-clone desktop pools.
  • Responsibility: Setting up and managing Composer for efficient delivery of linked-clone desktops.
• App Volumes: For real-time application delivery.
  • Responsibility: Managing and deploying applications using App Volumes.
• Horizon DEM (Dynamic Environment Manager): For personalized user environments.
  • Responsibility: Configuring user environment settings and policies.

General Responsibilities

• User Management: Managing user access, permissions, and profiles.
• Security and Compliance: Regularly updating security protocols and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Keeping an eye on the health of the Horizon environment and quickly addressing any issues that arise.
• Disaster Recovery and Backup: Implementing a robust disaster recovery plan and regular backup procedures.

Conclusion

Deploying VMware Horizon is a significant undertaking that involves careful planning and continuous management. It requires a coordinated effort across various IT domains, including networking, virtualization, storage, and security. With these components and responsibilities in mind, you can establish a resilient, efficient, and secure virtual desktop infrastructure that meets your organization’s needs.