vSAN for Horizon
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What is vSAN for Horizon
vSAN for Horizon is a VMware packaging of vSAN storage optimized and licensed for use with VMware Horizon virtual desktop and application deployments. It provides software-defined, hyperconverged storage that runs on ESXi hosts and is managed through vSphere tooling, targeting IT teams building or scaling VDI environments. The offering focuses on simplifying storage for Horizon by aligning features, sizing guidance, and licensing to desktop workloads rather than general-purpose server virtualization.
Tight Horizon and vSphere integration
The product uses the same VMware stack commonly deployed for Horizon, including vSphere/ESXi and vCenter-based operations. This reduces the need to introduce a separate storage platform and management plane for VDI. Operational tasks such as policy-based storage configuration and monitoring align with existing VMware administration practices.
VDI-oriented storage policies
vSAN supports policy-based management that can be applied per desktop pool or workload profile, which is useful for mixed persistent and non-persistent desktops. Features such as deduplication/compression (where licensed and supported) and failure-tolerance policies help address capacity and availability requirements typical in VDI. The “for Horizon” positioning provides a clearer fit for desktop I/O patterns than generic HCI bundles.
Scale-out on standard servers
The architecture scales by adding hosts, allowing storage and compute to grow together for expanding desktop counts. It runs on industry-standard x86 servers that meet the VMware compatibility requirements, enabling multiple hardware sourcing options. This approach can simplify incremental expansion compared with adding separate SAN/NAS capacity for VDI.
Limited to VMware environments
vSAN for Horizon is designed for VMware vSphere and Horizon, which constrains use in mixed-hypervisor or non-VMware VDI stacks. Organizations standardizing on other hypervisors or alternative VDI platforms may not be able to reuse the investment. This can increase switching costs if the desktop strategy changes.
Licensing and edition complexity
VMware packaging and licensing for vSAN, Horizon, and related components can be complex, especially when comparing editions and feature entitlements. Some capabilities (for example, advanced data services) may depend on specific vSAN editions or bundles. This can complicate cost modeling versus HCI platforms sold as a single integrated subscription.
Hardware and operational tuning required
VDI workloads can be sensitive to storage latency and cache sizing, so successful deployments often require careful host configuration and validated hardware choices. Meeting performance targets may require more nodes, faster media, or specific network designs, which can raise costs. Troubleshooting also typically requires VMware-specific skills across compute, storage, and Horizon layers.
Seller details
Broadcom Inc.
Palo Alto, California, USA
1961
Public
https://www.broadcom.com/
https://x.com/Broadcom
https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadcom/
