The best virtual desktop services let IT administrators and other technology professionals deliver virtual desktops and apps to virtually any Internet-connected device. Software and other programs are stored in the cloud, which means you can access them from anywhere securely. Our Nutanix Frame review takes a close look at one of the most popular virtual office services on the planet. We look at cost, usability, and any additional features included with the service to help you decide whether or not to use it.
Choose from 3 different subscription options (Image credit: Nutanix)
Packages and prices
If you decide to go ahead with the Nutanix Frame, there are 3 different subscription options to choose from. There are 2 user-based plans that let a predefined list of registered users access the system. The most basic of these employs a pay-for-employment cost structure with monthly billing. Expect to pay €5 per user, per month, with a minimum of 3 users. You can also register for a certain duration. There are subscription options from 3 to XNUMX months free, and you can expect to pay around $XNUMX per user per month. One thing to keep in mind here is that any and all temporary subscriptions must be purchased from an authorized Nutanix reseller. This includes the Max Concurrent User option, which essentially lets you provision a set number of virtual machines. The costs here start at €XNUMX a month, with terms from XNUMX to XNUMX months free.
Choose from 4 cloud platforms to run your virtual machines (Image credit: Nutanix)
Features
As an advanced desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) vendor, Nutanix Frame is supported by a set of interesting features. Now, we describe some of the most notable. One thing that stands out about Nutanix is the fact that you can choose between 4 different cloud networks to run your virtual office. These include Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and the native Nutanix AHV platform. The main advantage of running DaaS over a cloud network is that it allows you to access your virtual machine from anywhere with an Internet connection. This is especially useful if you need to use apps or access documents from different devices. With Nutanix, you can access your virtual desktop directly from your browser. This means no downloads are required, making it a much easier process. Any HTML-XNUMX compliant browser should work, and popular options like Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Chrome are fully supported. Lastly, the scalability of the Nutanix Frame is great. The company claims that up to ten with zero users on one account can be provisioned in less than an hour. We have not seen anything to suggest that this statement is incorrect, which makes it an attractive alternative for large companies.
Access your virtual desktop from any of the major web browsers (Image credit: Nutanix)
Interface and in use
To get started with Nutanix Frame, you can sign up for a new plan or take advantage of the Test Drive feature to try it out. The program is somewhat easy to get started compared to some of its contenders, which is nice to see. When you have signed up, you will need to choose the cloud infrastructure you want to use. Integrate an authenticator app to make sure only authorized users can access your virtual machines, then add your apps, files, and whatever else you need. Choose a delivery procedure, then your virtual office will be accessible directly through your preferred internet browser.
International phone support is free in many countries (Image credit: Nutanix)
Support
Nutanix offers a selection of support services, including dedicated 365/24/7 product support. These include 4/XNUMX web and phone support, allowing the company's technical team to assist you with any issues. There is also a mission critical support program developed for those who need their servers online at all times. This includes a range of advanced services, including a XNUMX-hour repair guarantee, but expect to pay more on top of the standard subscription fee to access them. In addition to the different live support options, Nutanix offers multiple white papers and self-help resources. These are largely designed to help you get familiar with the program, but you'll also find plenty of troubleshooting guides.
Using Nutanix Frame is a great way to keep your data safe (Image credit: Nutanix)
fullfilment of security requirements
Security issues are one of the main reasons companies use virtual office services like Nutanix. Since your apps and data are stored in the cloud, you don't have to worry about anyone gaining access to your devices and stealing or compromising essential data. Instead, any and all user files and data are stored in secure data centers. They can only be accessed when you log in to a virtual machine, and any and all local data is deleted as soon as you log out. Different authentication methods can be integrated to prevent unauthorized access. You can also use techniques such as IP whitelisting and 2-factor authentication (2FA) to further enhance security.
Competition
One of the most popular DaaS vendors is Amazon WorkSpaces, which is supported by a number of attractive features and low cost per hour. Linux and Windows virtual machines can be created, and there's even a simple free tier that includes up to forty hours of access per month. Another popular alternative is Citrix DaaS, which is suitable for large enterprises with a mobile workforce. It is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and also iOS devices, and all data is fully encrypted and secure at all times. Keep in mind, however, that you will need at least twenty-five users to take advantage of this service.
Final verdict
As one of the most popular DaaS platforms, Nutanix Frame does not disappoint. This is a partially beginner-friendly alternative that lets you set up desktops and virtual machines in a simple and streamlined way. The user interface is attractive, your virtual machines can be accessed directly from your internet browser, and there are flexible pricing options that allow for scalability if needed. Ultimately, there's a lot to love about Nutanix Framework, and we strongly encourage you to give it a try if you're looking for an advanced DaaS solution.