VMware Fusion vs. UTM: What’s the Difference?

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Saidwali

VMware Fusion and UTM are both popular options in the virtualization software space, but they are very different products with unique strengths and weaknesses. While they overlap in some ways, they are worlds apart in others, so it’s important to know how each product stacks up against the other before choosing one over the other.

What is VMware Fusion?

VMware Fusion is virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems at once. This means that if you have two different operating systems installed on your computer, you can use VMware Fusion to create a separate environment where each OS runs independently from the other. You can then switch between them whenever you want.

VMware Fusion

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  • In addition to this, VMware Fusion allows you to install Windows 7 or 8 alongside Mac OS X Lion or Mountain Lion. This way, you can access both operating systems without having to reboot.
  • Once you have downloaded the program, you need to open it up and log into your account. Then click on “Create New Virtual Machine”.
  • On the next screen, you will be asked to select the type of machine you would like to create. There are three options: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Choose whichever option you prefer.
  • Next, you will be prompted to choose a name for your VM. Make sure to include the version number (for example, Win7_SP1).

What is UTM?

VMware vSphere with Operations Management is a hypervisor-based virtualization platform that can be deployed on bare metal, in a virtual machine, or as an instance of ESXi running inside a Virtual Center server. It includes many features that help to manage large deployments of heterogeneous virtual systems efficiently, including high availability, resource management, monitoring, and user interfaces for vCenter Server and ESXi hosts. This is an end-to-end solution for managing physical and virtual infrastructures.

UTM

Differences between VMware Fusion and UTM

Here are 8 key differences between VMware Fusion and UTM.

1. Versions: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

The latest version of ESXi is 5.1, which was released in November 2013. There are four versions of vSphere: vSphere 4 (ESX or ESXi 4.0), vSphere 4 Update 1 (ESX or ESXi 4.1), vSphere 5, and vSphere 5 Update 1 (ESX or ESXi 5). You can also opt for an upgrade license if you don’t want to spend money on full software packages each time a new version comes out.

2. Hardware compatibility: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

If you plan to install an operating system like Windows on your Mac, you’ll need a virtualization app that works with your machine. UTM can run on Mac OS X Yosemite (10.10) or higher but does not support VMs running Windows. VMware Fusion requires OS X 10.7 or higher and has better support for installing Windows than UTM does.

3. Price: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

The three editions of Fusion—Standard, Pro, and Education—range from $80 to $200 (or about £51 to £121), respectively. VMware doesn’t offer a free version. While there is a trial for many of its products, these trials don’t allow you to work with virtual machines for longer than 14 days. The pricing comparison chart below displays some key differences in cost between these software packages.

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4. User Interface: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

One of the first things you’ll notice when using either virtualization solution is that they have different interfaces. If you’re used to working with a Windows desktop, for example, you might find it confusing at first to navigate Fusion or UTM. Of course, both have their respective quirks and nuances; our advice would be to spend some time getting used to each one before making your final decision.

5. Storage Options: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

VMware Fusion is a virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. The process of virtualization involves abstracting away all or some of your system’s components, allowing another operating system to be used as though it were running directly on top of them.

Each instance must have its resources, whether RAM or hard drive space. This means that each environment will have its own dedicated space, though they can share some resources if you so choose.

6. Supported features: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

Findings from initial testing indicate that there are several differences between these two products. For example, VMware’s thin-client technology does not allow for running applications on any remote machines other than VMware workstations. In contrast, UTM allows users to install and run full desktop environments on their remote machines, as long as they have access to a terminal server or Citrix XenApp farm.

7. Active Directory Connectivity: VMware Fusion vs. UTM

A unique feature in UTM 9.0 is that it provides Active Directory Connectivity, enabling you to centrally manage user accounts as well as their VPN profiles. If a VPN profile is associated with AD credentials.

When users attempt to access their corporate resources from off-site locations via their Mac device, they’ll need to log in only once – to authenticate against their organization’s directory services server – before accessing internal resources such as emails, documents or databases on corporate servers.

8. VLAN Support (UTM only supports 802.1q): VMware Fusion vs. UTM

VLANs allow you to separate your network into logical groups. If you run a home office, for example, it might make sense to put all of your PCs on one VLAN (for email and Web surfing) while using another VLAN for workstations that need access to printers. This way you can easily secure both networks without allowing them to interfere with each other. You can even use a VLAN to segment traffic within an IP subnet.

Conclusion

While both products offer solutions for enterprise-level mobile solutions, they are very different. Both companies have done an excellent job in providing customers with all of their needs while also meeting their budgetary limitations. The key differences highlighted above will help you choose which product best fits your needs.