VMware Workstation 9 Review - why 4.9 stars?

Shlomi Lavi / updated: Nov 15, 2019

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What is VMware Workstation 9?

VMware Workstation is a Windows virtualization solution for personal and commercial use. The software was designed and launched by VMware, Inc., headquartered in California, United States. It allows you to set up and manage multiple virtual machines form a single physical machine.

Who is it best for?

The software is suitable for both home and business use. Personal users who want to run virtual machines on their computer or small networks can use the software. On commercial scale, the same thing can be implemented on large networks in educational institutes or commercial organizations.

For this reason, there is no constrain of industry and the software has been deployed in businesses coming from a wide range of industrial backgrounds. Customers of the software belong to different countries and include companies with operations extending into several countries. Some customers include Choice Hotels International, Inc., Vlerick Business School, and Planview, Inc. etc.

Main features and functionalities

The software offers some of the most cutting-edge features to enhance the performance of the virtual systems running on a single physical machine. Important performance features include virtual SATA disk controller, support for 20 networks at the same time, USB3 streaming support, and SSD pass through.

You have the facility of creating customized virtual machines that automatically expire at a predefined time, thus having increased control of the network. The software provides a separate interface for tablets which is equipped with virtual tablet sensors. These sensors allow you to take advantage of the tablet-specific hardware features such as gyroscope and accelerometer.

The software provides the option of multiple monitor setups in addition for providing different interface for different virtual machines. Other important features of the software include real time alerts, VM cloning, and automated workflows. Customer support is available for the users round the clock.

What is the actual cost?

The cost of license starts at $274 per license. ITQlick pricing score is 5.6 out of 10 (10 is most expensive). Access ITQlick pricing guide for VMware Workstation 9.

Pros

• You can coordinate and control 20 networks at the same time with VMware Workstation.
• The software allows you to run virtual machines that expire on the predefined time.
• For faster file transfer, the software offers support for USB2 streaming.
• Tablet specific interface allows you to take advantage of the additional features of tablet devices.
• You have the facility of multiple monitor setups and tablet interface for virtual machines.

Cons

• The software only offers on premise installation without any support for online deployment.
• Management features of the software do not include asset management and capacity management.
• The software does not offer the important feature of configuration mapping.
• Features of P2V conversion and failover are missing from the software.
• Unlike some competitors, there is no multi-language support on VMware Workstation.

How it stacks up?

Access a head to head analysis of VMware Workstation 9 vs alternative software solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)