VMware’s DaaS Response to Amazon WorkSpaces
VMware (VMW) has a message for partners that want to investigate Amazon WorkSpaces, and it goes something this: VMware already offers a more mature desktop as a service (DaaS) and VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) portfolio for partners and customers.
Amazon Web Services unveiled WorkSpaces during the AWS re:Invent 2013 conference last week. But VMware has been working in and around the hosted desktop market for several years. In addition to VMware’s flagship VDI offering (Horizon Suite), the virtualization giant acquired Desktone — which owns the DaaS trademark — in October 20134.
In a November 2013 blog post, VMware VP of Marketing for End-user Computing Erik Frieberg wrote:
“At VMware, we welcome Amazon’s entry into the DaaS market since we share a common vision for delivering desktops through the cloud. Their entrance is a strong validation for the DaaS approach and the use of VDI as a cloud services delivery platform. However, we believe customers get a better value, a superior product and a comprehensive, long term strategy with VMware.”
Frieberg pointed out that “not all DaaS” solutions are created equally. He noted that VMware’s approach supports all current Windows client OS versions, backed up service providers that offer mobile support. Plus, Frieberg believes customers want to mix and match on-premises VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) with public cloud DaaS.
How will VMware partners respond? The VAR Guy is listening for more clues.