VMware Migration Options: Simplifying Transition to Cloud & Hybrid DaaS

In the dynamic landscape of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), organizations are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance user experience, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. One such transition that holds immense potential is migrating from VMware Horizon (on-premises VDI) to Apporto’s Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS).

Given the ongoing turmoil and uncertain future created by the Broadcom acquisition, there is no better time to consider a switch away from Horizon.

This article will guide you through the seamless migration process, outlining key benefits and considerations for a successful transition. We offer two different migration options, each with a simple-to-follow migration path.

 

Why Perform a VMware Migration?

1. Definition and Benefits of Virtual Machine Migration

Virtual machine migration is the process of transferring a VM from one host to another while preserving its configuration, data, and applications. This process offers several significant benefits:

  • Improved Resource Utilization and Allocation: By redistributing workloads, VM migration helps in balancing resource usage across multiple hosts, ensuring optimal performance.

  • Enhanced Performance and Scalability: Migrating VMs allows for better load balancing and scalability, accommodating growth and changing demands without compromising performance.

  • Reduced Downtime and Increased Availability: VM migration minimizes downtime by enabling maintenance and upgrades without interrupting services, thus ensuring higher availability.

  • Simplified Management and Maintenance: The ability to move VMs between hosts simplifies the management of virtualized environments, making maintenance tasks more straightforward.

  • Increased Flexibility and Agility: VM migration provides the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs, allowing for quick responses to new opportunities or challenges.

2. Importance of VM Migration in Virtualized Environments

In virtualized environments, VM migration is indispensable for several reasons:

  • Optimize Resource Allocation and Utilization: By dynamically moving VMs, organizations can ensure that resources are used efficiently, avoiding bottlenecks and underutilization.

  • Improve Performance and Scalability: VM migration supports load balancing and scalability, enabling systems to handle increased workloads seamlessly.

  • Reduce Downtime and Increase Availability: Maintenance and upgrades can be performed with minimal disruption, ensuring continuous availability of services.

  • Simplify Management and Maintenance: The ability to migrate VMs simplifies the overall management of virtualized environments, making it easier to maintain and update systems.

  • Increase Flexibility and Agility: VM migration allows organizations to quickly adapt to changing requirements, providing the agility needed in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

3. Types of VM Migration: Live, Cold, and Hybrid

There are three primary types of VM migration, each with its own process and benefits:

  • Live Migration: This involves moving a VM from one host to another while it is still running. Live migration ensures minimal downtime, making it ideal for critical applications that require continuous availability.

  • Cold Migration: In this type, the VM is shut down before being moved to a new host and then restarted. Cold migration is typically used when live migration is not feasible or when significant changes to the VM’s configuration are required.

  • Hybrid Migration: Combining elements of both live and cold migration, hybrid migration involves moving the VM while it is still running but with some planned downtime. This approach balances the need for minimal disruption with the practicalities of certain migration scenarios.

 

Preparing for Migration

Before embarking on the migration process, it is crucial to thoroughly assess migration readiness and meticulously plan each step. Proper preparation ensures a smooth transition and minimizes potential disruptions.

1. Assessing Migration Readiness and Planning

To ensure a successful migration, organizations should:

  • Evaluate the Current Virtualization Environment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing virtualization setup to identify any potential challenges or limitations that may impact the migration.

  • Assess VM Compatibility: Verify that the VMs are compatible with the target host or platform, ensuring that all necessary configurations and dependencies are met.

  • Plan the Migration Process: Develop a detailed migration plan that outlines the order of VM migration, expected downtime, and resource allocation. This plan should also include timelines and milestones to track progress.

  • Develop a Contingency Plan: Prepare for potential issues by creating a contingency plan that addresses possible challenges and outlines steps to mitigate risks during the migration process.

By carefully planning and preparing for VM migration, organizations can ensure a smooth and successful transition that minimizes downtime and disruption to business operations. This proactive approach not only enhances the efficiency of the migration process but also ensures that the migrated VMs continue to perform optimally in their new environment.

 

Option 1 – DaaS with Virtual Machines

There has never been a better time to move to the cloud and execute a cloud-smart strategy. Leveraging the latest cloud technologies and cloud environments, Apporto makes DaaS incredibly easy with our fully managed service.

 These cloud environments facilitate VM migrations between various platforms, including on-premise systems and data centers, enhancing manageability and cost optimization. We handle all of the heavy lifting so that you can focus on strategic projects and the business needs of your organization.

What You Keep vs. What You Can Discard

What You Keep
What You Can Discard
Software Licensing
Connection Servers
vCenter*
Unified Access Gateway
Horizon Edge Gateway
Enrollment Server
App Volumes Manager
Horizon Licensing
App Volumes Licensing
VDA Licensing (MS)

*If used for other workloads

As shown, moving to Apporto’s DaaS platform can dramatically simplify your on-premise infrastructure and will help increase your security posture, as Apporto doesn’t require the plethora of firewall rules required by Horizon.

With the Apporto DaaS platform, migration couldn’t be simpler.  Size your environment, order a subscription, and we’ll do the rest.

Of course, we keep you in the loop every step of the way and never lock you out of making changes should you need or want to. Flexibility is one of the key benefits you’ll enjoy with Apporto.

We understand that cloud-hosted DaaS isn’t for everyone. We also offer a hybrid DaaS option, where the majority of the infrastructure will still run on-premises.

Additionally, VMware vCenter Converter can be used to transform physical machines into VMware virtual machines and facilitate migrations between hosts and data centers.

 

Option 2 – Hybrid DaaS in Hybrid Cloud Environments

If you’re happy with your vSphere environment and there’s still life in your hardware, leave it in place and deploy Apporto instead. This gives you multiple advantages:

  1. Continue using existing hardware where you’ve already invested, utilizing your physical server as a foundation for hosting multiple virtual machines.
  2. Built-in cloud migration pathway if your future plans include cloud hosting.
  3. Cloud bursting and disaster recovery capabilities for additional flexibility.

What You Keep vs. What You Can Discard

What You Keep
What You Can Discard
Software Licensing
Connection Servers
vCenter*
Unified Access Gateway
Server Hardware
Horizon Edge Gateway
Gold Images
Enrollment Server
VDA Licensing (MS)
App Volumes Manager
Horizon Licensing
App Volumes Licensing

With our hybrid DaaS deployment, nearly everything runs on-premises and stays within your control. Our management portal stays cloud-hosted, but that’s it.

  • Re-use your Gold Images
  • Deploy your own cyber protection
  • Scale your hardware however you want

The VMware environment offers robust capabilities for managing virtual machines and seamlessly migrating workloads to cloud platforms.

Key Benefits of Apporto DaaS/Hybrid DaaS

1. Cost-Efficiency

Apporto eliminates the need for extensive hardware investments and maintenance costs associated with on-premises solutions. This cost-effective model allows businesses to allocate resources more strategically.

Additionally, during data migration from physical to virtual systems or to cloud infrastructures, it is crucial to use reliable tools and strategies to ensure safe and efficient data transfer.

2. Improved Accessibility

DaaS provides users with any-time, anywhere access to desktop environments, enhancing collaboration and productivity. This is particularly beneficial for remote or mobile teams. The only requirements are an Internet connection and an HTML5-compatible browser.

Virtualization platforms enable users to create and manage multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and resource management in IT environments.

3. Scalability with VM Migration

Apporto’s DaaS scales effortlessly to accommodate the growth of your organization. Whether you’re expanding your team or adopting new technologies, the platform adapts without compromising performance.

4. Security in Data Centers

Following industry best practices for zero-trust and leveraging multiple layers of protection and detection, Apporto’s DaaS platform is safe and secure, without compromising user experience or performance.

The VMware migration tool is crucial for P2V and V2V migrations, playing a significant role in efficiently managing data transfer during these upgrades.

5. Simplicity

Just three components, all managed from an intuitive web console—Apporto couldn’t be simpler to deploy and manage.

 

Conclusion

Whether your organization is executing a cloud migration strategy or just looking for a VMware Horizon alternative, there are multiple options available with Apporto.

As a leader in cloud-based virtual desktop solutions, Apporto is at the vanguard of facilitating remote work and learning. Recognized in Gartner’s 2023 Magic Quadrant for DaaS, Apporto is dedicated to providing secure, scalable, and high-performance computing environments that meet the demands of today’s dynamic digital ecosystem.

Additionally, tools like Faddom and vMotion play a crucial role in optimizing VMware migrations and minimizing risks by mapping dependencies and enhancing performance during the migration process.

IGEL and Apporto: Simplifying Endpoint Device Management in Education

Apporto, a leading provider of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technologies, recently joined a growing number of forward-thinking businesses integrating and validating their products through the IGEL Ready program.

Offering customers in the education sector a comprehensive, cost-effective virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, Apporto enables students, faculty, and staff to access their desktop from anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

When combined with IGEL OS, Apporto delivers a secure and simplified IT infrastructure that gives educators the freedom and flexibility of a virtual desktop environment without the typical challenges associated with hardware or software management.

By integrating Apporto’s VDI technologies with IGEL OS, educational institutions can benefit from an effective endpoint management system that ensures security, performance, and compliance across all endpoint devices. Apporto has helped improve the end-user experience for more than 200 universities, colleges, and schools, benefiting over 2.5 million students with its VDI solutions, including Virtual Computer Labs.

 

Expanding Student Access Beyond Traditional Boundaries

One of Apporto’s primary focus areas is to increase accessibility to educational resources for everyone. To ensure secure access, Apporto implements robust endpoint management policies that govern the configuration and security of all devices, including BYOD, by managing device configurations effectively.

They achieve this by offering secure, 24/7 access to desktops and apps on any device, including students’ own devices (BYOD). This means that learning is not restricted to physical classrooms or computer labs.

 This flexibility allows students to study at any time and from any location, removing the barriers that previously hindered access to continuous learning.

 

Creating a Collaborative and Secure Learning Environment with Endpoint Security

It’s important to note that Apporto isn’t just about accessing resources – it’s about transforming education delivery. With features like virtual classrooms and collaboration tools that integrate chat and voice communications, traditional computer labs are reimagined into dynamic, flexible spaces.

Apporto’s endpoint management systems play a crucial role in providing secure access to resources, ensuring that all devices are compliant with security standards. Apporto’s endpoint security solutions are integral to this process, ensuring that sensitive data and systems are protected.

With Apporto’s innovations, such as enhanced screen sharing and desktop control, we can facilitate an interactive and engaging learning and teaching experience. This can be achieved regardless of physical location, encouraging students and faculty to work together in real-time. This fosters a sense of teamwork and promotes an active, engaged learning process that is both more enjoyable and effective.

In response to the growing importance of cybersecurity, Apporto offers Modular Cyber Labs that allow students and tutors to quickly build, load, save, adapt, and attack fully operational network environments. This hands-on learning environment is completely isolated from the campus network, providing a safe space for experimentation and skill development.

Protecting Against Cyber Threats

Apporto’s endpoint management efforts are pivotal in safeguarding against cyber threats by ensuring that all devices connected to the network are secure, authorized to access resources, and user-friendly.

 Their robust endpoint management strategy plays a vital role in preventing cyber attacks by swiftly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, detecting and responding to threats, and maintaining compliance with security policies and regulations.

 By implementing a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution, Apporto empowers organizations with complete visibility and control over all endpoints, significantly reducing the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches.

 

Unburdening IT Teams with Unified Endpoint Management to Focus on What Matters

The administrative burden on IT teams in educational institutions can often be overwhelming. With advanced remote management capabilities, Apporto allows IT teams to monitor and manage endpoint devices and network access from any location, ensuring compliance and security.

 Apporto significantly lightens this load by managing all virtual infrastructure, software deployment, backup, recovery, and even antivirus. This level of support simplifies managing and configuring endpoint devices, freeing up IT teams to concentrate on higher-priority tasks that improve the educational experience.

 

Benefits of Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Apporto’s unified endpoint management (UEM) offers numerous benefits to educational institutions, including enhanced security, increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved compliance. By providing a centralized console for managing all endpoints, Apporto allows IT teams to monitor and manage devices, applications, and data in real-time.

 This capability enables organizations to respond swiftly to security threats, reduce downtime, and boost overall efficiency. Furthermore, Apporto simplifies endpoint management by automating routine tasks such as patch management and software updates, ensuring that educational environments remain secure and operationally efficient.

 

Reducing Costs While Enhancing Flexibility with Mobile Devices

Financial efficiency is another important aspect of Apporto’s offering for educational institutions that can experience up to 50-70% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with Apporto’s straightforward, all-inclusive subscription model. This approach reduces hidden costs and makes expenses predictable, allowing for improved financial planning and resource allocation.

 This approach not only reduces hidden costs but also ensures that corporate data is protected from vulnerabilities. Apporto’s endpoint management solution provides a cost-effective and flexible approach to managing endpoint devices, ensuring security and operational efficiency.

Apporto also offers versatile deployment options, including cloud, on-prem, or a hybrid approach. Compatible with AWS, Azure, and on-premises solutions, Apporto provides educational institutions with comprehensive coverage for flexible and scalable computing needs based on user preferences.

 

Delivering a Superior User Experience with Endpoint Devices

The virtual desktop solution offered by Apporto is genuinely next-generation. It utilizes advanced compression, geo-optimization, and autoscaling to provide a superior experience directly in the browser.

 With features such as running at up to 60fps and supporting up to three screens, students can enjoy a seamless, high-performance interface. Launching a desktop with a single click from the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) via LTI integration has never been easier. Apporto’s mobile device management (MDM) tools ensure that mobile devices are securely managed and monitored, providing a seamless user experience.

Apporto’s VLE also enhances online learning by enabling teachers to view all student screens simultaneously, ensuring active engagement. With features like hand-raising for communication and screen sharing, teachers can easily interact with and assist students in real time, creating a more interactive and supportive digital learning environment.

 The mobile device management (MDM) capabilities of Apporto distinguish it from other solutions, focusing exclusively on the management of mobile devices within the broader context of enterprise mobility.

Moreover, Apporto’s Cloud Mounter integrates with major cloud providers such as OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive, as well as supporting on-premises storage. This allows for easy access to files, streamlining management and collaboration. Users can efficiently access, manage, and share files across platforms, enhancing productivity and simplifying workflows.

 

Advancing Digital Equality for All Students

By leveling the educational playing field, Apporto enables any device to become a fully capable workstation, removing financial barriers to education. By effectively managing mobile devices, Apporto ensures that all students have secure and equal access to educational resources, regardless of their device.

This ensures that all students can have the opportunity to learn and succeed, regardless of their economic background. Additionally, built-in learner analytics empower tutors to track and support student learning, making education more inclusive and effective.

 

Learn More About Apporto and IGEL for Education

Visit Apporto’s IGEL Ready Showcase page [here] to learn more. To explore the IGEL Ready ecosystem of solutions, visit igel.com/ready.