Azure Virtual Desktop vs VMware Workstation comparison

Azure Virtual Desktop enables scalable remote work with integration to Microsoft 365, enhancing collaboration and productivity. It offers secure access to desktops from anywhere, supported by features such as automation tools and robust security measures.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a powerful cloud-based platform facilitating remote work, disaster recovery, and secure access to applications. It supports multiple users, allowing efficient management of host pools and provides flexibility for consultants and contractors. Challenges include unpredictable costs and the need for improved scalability, better application delivery, and seamless transition from Windows 10 to 11. While it boosts hybrid work capabilities, further enhancements in intelligent scaling and integration with proxies are needed. Organizations use it for development, ensuring data security and management simplicity, but seek dynamic auto-scaling and cost optimization.

• Scalability: Efficient resource adjustment based on demand
• Microsoft 365 Integration: Enhances collaboration and productivity
• Security: Includes MFA, end-to-end encryption, and Azure Active Directory integration
• Hybrid Work Capabilities: Enables secure desktop access from any location
• Automation Tools: Streamlines deployment and reduces manual efforts

• Cost-Effectiveness: Flexible licensing and resource scaling adapt to demand
• Enhanced Productivity: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 for improved collaboration
• Comprehensive Security: Provides robust features like MFA and encryption
• Remote Work Efficiency: Supports multiple users with secure, anytime access

Azure Virtual Desktop is widely implemented across industries like technology, consulting, and finance. Firms utilize it for secure remote work, offering access to applications and data while maintaining stringent security protocols. It is particularly beneficial in scenarios requiring disaster recovery and seamless multi-session capabilities for globally dispersed teams.

VMware Workstation is part of a suite of robust Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) tools or Desktop Hypervisors that allows users to run Kubernetes clusters, containers, and Virtual Machines (VMs). Users have the option to choose between VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Workstation Player to ensure that they get the most out of their VMware Workstation experience.

Workstation Player is best used as a command line or single graphical operation. It works very well for running different operating systems using a secure cloistered sandbox on a general consumer PC. Workstation Player is an industry favorite for use in an educational environment to better expand the knowledge concerning computer systems and global information technology. Workstation Pro is created for astute IT developers and professionals. The solution provides an intuitive next-generation interface and gives users the ability to seamlessly run several virtual machines at the same time. Users can easily create clones, configure virtual networks, connect to vSphere, and more, using a crisp, visually enhanced dashboard that provides full transparency to show multiple VMs and more.

VMware Workstation solutions rely on components in next-generation 64-bit x86 CPUs to develop robust, secure VMs that are able to utilize many different operating systems and all of their applications. VMware Workstation’s modern technology intuitively links the physical hardware devices to the virtual machine's virtual resources enabling each VM to have its own I/O devices, memory, disks, and CPU in addition to the equivalent of a standard x86 actual machine. It easily installs onto the host operating system and is able to offer comprehensive hardware support by utilizing the device support from the original host.

VMware Workstation Benefits

VMware Workstation has many desirable benefits. Some of those benefits include:

• Improved overall IT processes.
• Better, more efficient deployment outcomes.
• Enhanced application performance.
• Better server availability.

• Less physical hardware and additional devices needed.
• Cost-effective.
• Decreased outages or downtime.
• Faster provisioning of applications and resources.
• Reduced power consumption.
• Reduced Environmental Impact.

Reviews from Real Users

Walter G., Owner at Secacon Gygli Engineering LLC says, “The most valuable feature of the VMware Workstation is the ease of creating a development environment. When you have different ongoing developments, you often need to create a lot of different development environments. With this workstation solution, you can have a development environment for all the things you develop.” 

Toni L., CEO at Virtual Consultants Sverige AB says, “The most valuable features of VMware Workstation are the DirectX support; you can run Microsoft Hyper-V in virtual environments, which is good for me to test different installations. Additionally, you can set up different VLANs, and overall it is a complete solution.” 

“Having a user-friendly interfaceis important for me. I'm not a coder, even though I do a little bit of programming. Also, I don't use the command-line interface when I can avoid it. When I do have to use it, I look up what I'm supposed to type and then type it.” A PeerSpot user who is a Chief Technical Officer at a construction company.

are Workstation is part of a suite of robust Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) tools or Desktop Hypervisors that allows users to run Kubernetes clusters, containers, and Virtual Machines (VMs). Users have the option to choose between VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Workstation Player to ensure they get the most out of their VMware Workstation experience.

Workstation Player is best used as a command line or single graphical operation. It works very well for running different operating systems using a secure cloistered sandbox on a general consumer PC. Workstation Player is an industry favorite for use in an educational environment to better expand the knowledge concerning computer systems and global information technology. Workstation Pro is created for astute IT developers and professionals. The solution provides an intuitive next generation interface and gives users the ability to run seamlessly several virtual machines at the same time. Users can easily create clones, configure virtual networks, connect to vSphere, and more using a crisp, visually enhanced dashboard that provides full transparency to show multiple VMs and more.

VMware Workstation solutions rely on components in next-generation 64-bit x86 CPUs to develop robust, secure VMs that are able to utilize many different operating systems and all of their applications. Vmware Workstation’s modern technology intuitively links the physical hardware devices to the virtual machine's virtual resources enabling each VM to have its own I/O devices, memory, disks, and CPU in addition to the equivalent to a standard x86 actual machine.VMware easily installs onto the host operating system and is able to offer comprehensive hardware support by utilizing the device support from the original host.

VMware Workstation Benefits

Vmware Workstation has many desirable benefits. Some of those benefits include:

• Improved overall IT processes.
• Better, more efficient deployment outcomes.
• Enhanced application performance.
• Better server availability.

• Less physical hardware and additional devices needed.
• Cost-effective.
• Decreased outages or downtime.
• Faster provisioning of applications and resources.
• Reduced power consumption.
• Reduced Environmental Impact.

Reviews from Real Users

“The most valuable feature of the VMware Workstation is the ease of creating a development environment. When you have different ongoing developments, you often need to create a lot of different development environments. With this workstation solution, you can have a development environment for all the things you develop.” Walter G., Owner at Secacon Gygli Engineering LLC

“The most valuable features of VMware Workstation are the DirectX support; you can run Microsoft Hyper-V in virtual environments, which is good for me to test different installations. Additionally, you can set up different VLANs, and overall it is a complete solution.” Toni L., CEO at Virtual Consultants Sverige AB

A Chief Technical Officer at a construction company says,“Having a user-friendly interfaceis important for me. I'm not a coder, even though I do a little bit of programming. Also, I don't use the command-line interface when I can avoid it. When I do have to use it, I look up what I'm supposed to type and then type it.”