Understanding VMware View and its Components

VMware View is a comprehensive virtual desktop delivery system that integrates several distributed components with advanced configuration tools to simplify the creation and real-time management of virtual desktop infrastructure. This guide provides an overview of the key components of VMware View, including Horizon Portal, Unified Access Gateway, Horizon Client, Horizon Agent, and Horizon Administrator.

Horizon Portal

One of the primary components of VMware View is the Horizon Portal, which provides access to links for downloading full Horizon clients. This portal allows users to connect to their virtual desktops from anywhere, at any time, using a wide range of devices.

Unified Access Gateway

The Unified Access Gateway is another critical component of VMware View that provides a way to securely deliver connections that require a higher level of security to access. This includes remote connections from the Internet, which can be particularly useful for users who need to work remotely or access their virtual desktops from outside the corporate network.

Horizon Client

The Horizon Client is installed on endpoints such as tablets, Windows, Linux, Mac desktops or laptops, thin clients, and other devices to create connections to Horizon desktops. The client provides a user-friendly interface for accessing virtual desktops and can be customized with various settings and configurations to meet the needs of individual users.

Horizon Agent

The Horizon Agent is installed on all VMs, physical machines, and Terminal Service servers that are used as a source for Horizon desktops. This agent communicates with the Horizon Client to provide services such as USB redirection, printer support, and more.

Horizon Administrator

The Horizon Administrator provides administrator functions such as deployment and management of Horizon desktops and pools, setting and controlling user authentication, and more. This component is essential for IT administrators who need to manage and maintain the VMware View infrastructure.

Horizon Connection Server (HCS)

The HCS is installed on servers in the data center and acts as a broker that connects clients to virtual desktops. The HCS authenticates users, entitles users by mapping them to desktops and/or pools, establishes secure connections from clients to desktops, supports single sign-on, and sets and applies policies.

Benefits of VMware View

VMware View provides several benefits for organizations, including increased security, improved user experience, and simplified management. Virtual desktops are dynamically assembled on demand, providing users with clean, yet personalized, desktops each time they log in. This ensures that users have access to a secure and reliable virtual desktop environment, regardless of the device or location.

In conclusion, VMware View is a comprehensive virtual desktop delivery system that provides a complete end-to-end solution for delivering Microsoft Windows virtual desktops to users on a wide variety of endpoint devices. The system consists of several key components, including Horizon Portal, Unified Access Gateway, Horizon Client, Horizon Agent, and Horizon Administrator, which work together to provide a secure and reliable virtual desktop environment. For more information, see the Horizon Resources page and the Horizon License FAQ.

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