Unidesk Alternatives: Discover the Best Virtual Desktop Management Solutions
Unidesk, once a best-in-class virtual desktop management software, empowered IT in various sectors like education, healthcare, and government to revolutionize their VMware Horizon View and Citrix XenDesktop deployments. While Unidesk offered powerful tools for managing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), the landscape of IT solutions is constantly evolving. Organizations are always on the lookout for tools that offer similar capabilities, enhanced features, or a different pricing model. If you're currently using Unidesk or exploring new VDI management options, understanding the leading Unidesk alternatives is crucial for making an informed decision.
Top Unidesk Alternatives
Whether you're seeking open-source flexibility, advanced application virtualization, or comprehensive cloud integration, there's a strong Unidesk alternative out there. Let's dive into some of the top contenders that can help you streamline your virtual desktop environment.
VMware ThinApp
VMware ThinApp (formerly Thinstall) is a commercial application virtualization and portable application creator suite by VMware. It excels at packaging conventional applications into self-contained executables, eliminating conflicts and allowing applications to run without installation. This Windows-based solution offers robust sandbox and virtualization features, making it an excellent Unidesk alternative for managing application deployment and compatibility within virtual environments.
Inuvika OVD Enterprise
Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a commercial solution that delivers virtualized Windows and Linux applications and shared desktops to any device. It aims to reduce the cost and complexity often associated with VDI solutions. Available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, and offering both self-hosted and SaaS models, Inuvika OVD Enterprise stands out with features like remote desktop, subscription-based licensing, multi-tenancy support, and application virtualization, providing a comprehensive Unidesk alternative.
ThinStation
ThinStation is a free and open-source thin client operating system. Despite being basic and small, it's very powerful, supporting all major connectivity protocols including Citrix ICA and 2X. As a self-hosted solution, it offers features like Kiosk Mode, an operating system, VPN, and VPS Server Hosting. For organizations seeking a lightweight, customizable, and cost-effective open-source Unidesk alternative for thin client management, ThinStation is a strong contender.
Microsoft Application Virtualization
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) is a commercial application virtualization and streaming solution from Microsoft, originally acquired from Softricity. This Windows-based solution is integrated into Microsoft's enterprise management offerings, providing sandbox and virtualization features. For businesses deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, App-V serves as a natural and powerful Unidesk alternative for managing and delivering applications virtually.
Cloud Workspace Management Suite
Cloud Workspace Management Suite is a commercial platform designed for RDS and remote app management and automation across various cloud environments, including Azure, GCE, AWS, VMware, and Hyper-V private clouds. This web-based solution offers a rich set of features like Web Remote Desktop, Azure integration, cloud-based management, multi-cloud capabilities, and real-time collaboration. It’s an excellent Unidesk alternative for organizations looking for robust cloud-native VDI and application management.
Vmware Horizon
VMware Horizon is a commercial solution primarily for Windows, simplifying IT by centralizing application management in the post-PC era. It allows IT to unify management of SaaS, Web, and Windows applications. As a comprehensive VDI platform from VMware, it offers a direct and powerful Unidesk alternative, especially for existing VMware infrastructure users, providing extensive capabilities for virtual desktop and application delivery.
Userful Multiplatform
Userful Multiplatform is a freemium browser-managed converged appliance designed for entry-level VDI, signage, and touch-screen endpoints. Running on Linux, it provides virtualization capabilities. For users seeking a versatile and cost-effective Unidesk alternative that extends beyond traditional VDI to include digital signage and interactive displays, Userful Multiplatform offers a unique proposition.
Thincast
Thincast offers a free and open-source, graphics-accelerated desktop virtualization solution with full DirectX 11 3D support. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Thincast focuses on delivering high-performance virtual desktops. For those prioritizing a fast, open-source Unidesk alternative with strong graphics capabilities for demanding applications, Thincast provides an intriguing option.
Exploring these Unidesk alternatives reveals a diverse landscape of solutions, each with its own strengths and target audience. From powerful commercial offerings to flexible open-source projects, the best fit for your organization will depend on your specific needs, existing infrastructure, budget, and desired features. We encourage you to delve deeper into each option to find the virtual desktop management solution that propels your IT infrastructure forward.