Module2-Application Virtualization VendorsAVS4
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Jagdeesh DassModule2-Application Virtualization VendorsAVS4
Uploaded by
Jagdeesh DassApplication Virtualization
Smackdown
Author(s):
Ruben Spruijt
Version:
4.0
Date:
February 2013
Application virtualization smackdown
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
2013 PQR, all rights reserv ed.
All rights reserv ed. Specifications are subject to change without notice. PQR, the PQR logo and its tagline Eenv oud in
ICT are trademark s or registered trademark s of PQR in the Netherlands and/or other countries. All other brands or
products mentioned in this document are trademark s or registered trademark s of their respectiv e holders and should
be treated as such.
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DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
HISTORY
Version
1.0
1.41
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
Date
April 2007
October 2007
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
July 2009
2.25
July 2009
Author(s)
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt,
Jurjen van Leeuwen
Ruben Spruijt
2.50
3.0
July 2010
August 2010
Sven Huisman
Ruben Spruijt
3.0
3.1
September 2010
October 2011
Ruben Spruijt
Ruben Spruijt
4.0
February 2013
Ruben Spruijt
Date
December 2008
July 2009
August 2010
September 2011
January 2013
Reviewer
Jurjen van Leeuwen
Jurjen van Leeuwen
Community review
Jurjen van Leeuwen
Jurjen van Leeuwen
Rory Monaghan
Remarks
Release The Matrix
Release Matrix reloaded
Additions from various vendors
Additions and changes
Additions from various vendors.
Feedback community
Added chapters, updated matrix
Review, update and feedback
community
Release The Matrix Revolutions
Updated solutions and features and
added new vendors
Release The Matrix vNext
REVIEWERS
Version
2.0
2.2
3.0
3.1
4.0
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Remarks
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CONTENT
1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2.
Objectives................................................................................................................ 5
Intended audience .................................................................................................... 5
Vendor involvement................................................................................................... 5
Feedback ................................................................................................................. 5
Contact.................................................................................................................... 5
About ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.1
2.2
3.
About PQR ............................................................................................................... 7
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... 7
Application and Desktop Delivery................................................................................. 9
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.
Strategy................................................................................................................... 9
The essence of application and desktop delivery .......................................................... 10
Overview of application and desktop delivery solutions ................................................. 11
Vendor matrix, who delivers what.............................................................................. 15
Application Virtualization .......................................................................................... 17
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
5.
Virtualization .......................................................................................................... 17
Why application virtualization? .................................................................................. 17
Application virtualization strategy .............................................................................. 18
From niche to mainstream........................................................................................ 20
Whats in a name?................................................................................................... 21
Find the balance ..................................................................................................... 23
Workspace Aggregation ........................................................................................... 23
Application Compatibility and Readiness ..................................................................... 25
5.1
6.
Migration ............................................................................................................... 25
Application virtualization and VDI .............................................................................. 27
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
7.
Stateless desktops................................................................................................... 27
Stateful desktop...................................................................................................... 27
Overhead and storage impact ................................................................................... 28
Application virtualization impact on VDI, Project VRC .................................................... 28
Vendors and their Virtualization solutions.................................................................... 30
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
8.
Version 4.0
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 30
Cameyo ................................................................................................................. 30
Citrix application streaming....................................................................................... 30
Evalaze.................................................................................................................. 31
Installfree .............................................................................................................. 32
Numecent application jukebox................................................................................... 32
Novell ZENworks application virtualization (ZAV) .......................................................... 34
Microsoft App-V ...................................................................................................... 35
Roozz cloud platform ............................................................................................... 38
Spoon.................................................................................................................... 39
Symantec endpoint virtualization ............................................................................... 41
VMware ThinApp..................................................................................................... 44
Application virtualization Comparison ......................................................................... 45
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8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Product version....................................................................................................... 45
Scope.................................................................................................................... 45
Feature compare matrix ........................................................................................... 45
Future additions...................................................................................................... 53
9.
Change Log............................................................................................................ 52
10.
Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 54
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1.
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for an independent overview of application virtualization solutions and curious
about the different features and functions each application virtualization vendor is offering!?
This is the whitepaper you definitely must read!
In the current market there is an increasing demand for unbiased information about application
virtualization solutions. This white paper is focused on solutions that are anticipated to have an
important role in application virtualization deployments. An overview of available features of
each solution has been created to allow an understanding and comparison of capabilities..
1.1
OBJECTIVES
The goals of this whitepaper are to:
1.2
Provide an application and desktop delivery solutions overview
Explain the pros and cons of Application Virtualization
Highlight why Application virtualization and VDI are a perfect fit
Describe the different application virtualization vendors and solutions
Compare the features of the various application virtualization solutions
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This document is intended for IT Managers, architects, analysts, system administrators and ITPros in general who are responsible for and/or interested in designing, implementing and
maintaining application virtualization Infrastructures.
1.3
VENDOR INVOLVEMENT
All major vendors whose products are covered in the whitepaper, such as Citrix, Endeavors,
InstallFree, Microsoft, Roozz, Spoon, Symantec and VMware have been approached in advance
to create awareness of this whitepaper and discuss their solutions functionality and features.
1.4
FEEDBACK
We try to provide accurate, clear, complete and usable information. We appreciate your
feedback. If you have any comments, corrections or suggestions for improvements of this
document we want to hear from you! Please send an e-mail to Ruben Spruijt ([email protected])
Include the product name, version number and the title of the document in your message.
1.5
CONTACT
PQR; Tel: +31 (0)30 6629729
E-mail: [email protected] ; www.pqr.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pqrnl
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THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS"
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY
COPYRIGHT PQR
IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO (PARTIALLY) PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE CONTENT WITHOUT
APPROVAL
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2.
ABOUT
2.1
ABOUT PQR
PQR is a professional ICT infrastructure company focusing on the availability of data,
applications and work spaces with optimized user experience in a secure and manageable way.
PQR provides its customers innovative ICT solutions, from on-premise to cloud management,
without processes getting complex. Simplicity in ICT, thats what PQR stands for.
PQR has traceable references and a wide range of expertise in the field, proven by many of our
high partner statuses and certifications. PQR is a Citrix Platinum Solution Advisor, HDS Tier 1
Platinum Partner, HP GOLD Preferred Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, NetApp Star Partner, RES
Platinum Reseller, VMware Premier Partner en VMware Gold Authorized Consultant Partner.
PQRs approach is based on four main pillars:
Data & System Availability
Application & Desktop Delivery
Secure Access & Secure Networking
Advanced IT Infrastructure & (Cloud) Management
PQR, founded in 1990, is headquartered in De Meern and has over 107 employees. In fiscal
year 2011/2012 posted sales of 94.9 million and a net after tax profit of 4.6 million have
been recorded.
2.2
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ruben Spruijt, CTO @ PQR
Ruben Spruijt (1975) is CTO and focuses primarily on Enterprise Mobility,
Virtualization and Cloud Management. He is actively involved in
determining PQRs vision and strategy. Ruben is a Microsoft Most Valuable
Professional (MVP), Citrix Technology Professional (CTP) and VMware
vExpert and is the only European with these three virtualization awards.
He gives customers advice and has them benefit from his expertise; he
motivates his colleagues and writes blogs, articles and opinion pieces on a regular basis. During
presentations in several national and international congresses, Ruben shares his thoughts and
knowledge on application and desktop delivery, and on virtualization solutions. To contact
Ruben directly send an email to [email protected]. Follow Ruben on twitter: @rspruijt
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A-Team - its only through the effort and persistence of the application virtualization
smackdown team that we achieved the goals, a big thanks to them!
Name
Position
Contact
Role
Jurjen van
Leeuwen
Sr. Consultant
Leodesk
Writer
@Leodesk_IT
Rob Beekmans
Consultant PQR
Writer
@robbeekmans
Sven Huisman
Consultant PQR
Writer
@svenh
Rory Monaghan
Desktop Analyst
Writer
@Rorymon
Peter Sterk
Solutions Architect
Writer
@PeterSterk
Special thanks: to Alistair Gillespie for reviewing the document and provide great feedback.
He is based in the UK and works in the End User Computing" space covering Client Virtualisation, Application Virtualisation and Enterprise Mobility. To contact Alistair directly email or follow
Alistair on twitter
Jurjen van Leeuwen: With a solid base as an infrastructure consultant in the Netherlands,
Jurjen van Leeuwen moved to Norway and started as a freelance consultant. With his company
Leodesk.com, Jurjen continues to practice his enthusiasm for products in the application and
desktop delivery area with a strong focus on Application virtualization solutions from multiple
vendors. Besides his work on the Application virtualization Feature Overview and Compare
Matrix, Jurjen also is active in the community as a moderator on AppVirtGuru.com and is a
Microsoft MVP on App-V. Contact Jurjen by email at [email protected]
Rory Monaghan, Is an Irishman who is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. Rory has been
working with App-V for six years now. He gained his experience working with clients in multiple
different Industries of varying sizes. Rory contributes to the online App-V community which is
ever growing and made up of some sharp minds and very helpful people and he enjoys learning
about new tech and sharing knowledge via the website www.rorymon.com
Personal note from Ruben: I would give a special thanks to Jurjen van Leeuwen and Rory
Monaghan who simply did an incredible job in investigating and reviewing various solutions.
The amount of effort and private time spend is extraordinary Thanks !
Community effort
A BIG thanks to the application virtualization community members, especially: Andreas Welsch
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3.
APPLICATION AND DESKTOP DELIVERY
3.1
STRATEGY
Enterprise Mobility, BYO, Consumerization of IT, BigData, Cloud Computing , Cloud
Management Solutions, Dynamic Datacenter and Software Defined Datacenter are the main
trends in the IT industry. Virtualization is incorporated in various of these trends.
Virtualization is nothing more than the decoupling of IT resources. The forms of virtualization
that are most frequently applied include network, storage, hardware/server, application and
desktop virtualization. Application and Desktop Delivery is a process which has the goal of
offering applications independent of location and device, so users can work onsite, online,
offsite, offline, anywhere, with any (own) device and at any time. The dynamic delivery of
applications is an essential functionality and part of a broader strategy of an optimized Desktop.
When studying and determining which Application and Desktop Delivery solution suits with
the users and your organization, it is essential to ask three questions:
1. What is the execution platform for the applications?
Within the execution platform, system resources such as the CPU, memory, disk and network
are used in order to execute the windows, web-architected, rich mobile and mobile webapplications. The most frequently used execution platforms include the following: Desktop,
Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Server Based Computing (also
known as Session Virtualization). The choice of an execution platform is the most fundamental
decision made! Applications are either executed locally on a device or centrally in a datacenter.
Each execution platform has its own characteristics. In practice, every organization possesses a
mixture of device access scenarios. The theories: Less is more , Cut out the exceptions and
Manage diversity should always be in mind!
2. How will applications be made available on the execution platform?
An execution platform is great; but if there are no applications available on the platform, the
platform is of no real value to the end-user. The second question is this: How will applications
get onto the execution platform?! A number of solutions exist for making Windows, webarchitected, rich internet and mobile web applications available on the platform. The forms
most frequently used with windows applications include installation or application
virtualization.
With installation, applications are delivered to a windows machine and (typically) installed in
an unattended manner. The execution platform is altered (e.g. writes to the file system /
registry) as a result of the install. Installing applications as core components in a base image
is also one of the possibilities available.
When applications are made available by means of application virtualization, they are available
on demand on the execution platform. No adjustments are made to the platform, the
applications are isolated from the core operating system.
3. How are the execution platform and the applications managed from an IT-Pro
and from an end-user perspective?
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An execution platform with a variety of windows, web and mobile applications can be created
but how do you manage and maintain this environment?
Important points to keep in mind!
-
Do you need to manage the environment and/or devices?
In a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenario where does managing the environment
start and where does it ends?
How is the desktop composed from a user perspective?
What are the different access scenarios?
These and more questions fit in this third question:
-
How do we control, maintain and support the workspace as a concept and as an
endpoint device from an IT Pro and end-user perspective?
Enterprise Mobile Management, Workspace Aggregation, Client Device
Management and User Environment Management" solutions fit in this category.
3.2
THE ESSENCE OF APPLICATION AND DESKTOP DELIVERY
Empowering the end-user by giving access to Windows, Web and Mobile applications so he can
access data and information systems from both private and public datacenters regardless of the
device or location is the ultimate strategic objective.
The delivery of the classic (Windows) desktop interface can be divided in two segments:
the classic desktop and laptop, running Windows, Linux or Mac OS X;
the virtual desktop running in the datacenter or local on the classic workstation.
In essence desktop virtualization is the de-coupling of the desktop, operating system and
the applications from the underlying endpoint or device. This kind of virtualization can be
subdivided into two types:
With the first type applications are executed remotely, server hosted, and
presented at the endpoint via a Remote Display Protocol.
With the second type applications are executed at the endpoint, client-side and
presented locally.
The above description outlines the first question: What is the execution platform for the
applications?
In most enterprise infrastructures the majority of applications are either web-architected or
Windows-based. The ratio of Web vs. Windows applications depends on the vertical,
customer, history, legacy, innovation and control of application development. Windows
applications are either installed (manually, automatically or integrated in to the base-image)
or virtualized (using application virtualization or virtual disk layering solutions)
Enterprise Mobility Smackdown
Mobile applications delivery through a consumer or corporate application store, management
from both a device (MDM) and application (MAM) perspective, Data Access, Security,
Networking and App-ification are key components in an Enterprise Mobility strategy. In a (near)
future whitepaper Enterprise Mobility Smackdown we will smackdown this hot trend and
various solutions in the MDM and MAM arena.
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3.3
OVERVIEW OF APPLICATION AND DESKTOP DELIVERY SOLUTIONS
Before doing a deep dive into application virtualization, its important to have an overview of
all the Application and Desktop Delivery solutions.
PQR created the Application & Desktop Delivery Solutions Overview to provide an at-aglance outline of the various application and desktop delivery solutions. Reading this chapter
will give you a complete outline of the diagram and all the application and desktop solutions
that are included within it. This paragraph does not aim to describe all application scenarios or
their technical advantages and disadvantages, but to give a general idea of the state of affairs
in the application and desktop delivery segment, independent of vendors.
Figure 1, Application and Desktop Delivery Solutions Overview
3.3.1
Trusted and untrusted work place scenarios
Trusted work places are devices that are connected to the existing IT backend infrastructure via
wired or wireless LAN/WAN. Untrusted work places are devices that do not have a secure wired
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or wireless LAN/WAN connection to the existing IT backend infrastructure or devices which
arent centrally managed by the IT department. This is, for example, equipment that is connected to a separate network segment for security reasons or because it is used from home or
at a work experience location.
Each organization has different work place and application delivery scenarios, especially with
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and enterprise mobility the amount of scenarios will increase
rapidly . For the IT department, it is important to have a good overview of the various work
place and application delivery scenarios, we call this persona or access scenarios, since this indicates how the various users work with the applications and what their requirements are.
3.3.2
Secure access
Secure Access solutions provide secure access for (untrusted) devices to corporate IT. The two
parts of the symbol stand for secure (the shield) and access (the traffic light). Depending on
the chosen solution, secure access can also be fine-grained. A Secure Access solution could be
be a full (SSL) VPN solution or a Gateway Services which is targeted for Server Hosted Desktops. Solutions that can be used to realize secure access scenarios include Cisco ASA, Citrix Access Gateway, Juniper SSL VPN, Microsoft Unified Access Gateway (UAG) and VMware View Security Server. A complete overview of Secure Access and Secure Networking solutions has been
created and can be downloaded here. A nice Gartner magic quadrant of SSL VPNs can be found
here.
3.3.3
Web application acceleration
Web Application Acceleration appliances, or application delivery controllers accelerate and secure web-architected applications. We are all confronted with these solutions nowadays: Public
facing internet applications such as Google, MSN and eBay all use them. Web Application Acceleration solutions are not just useful for large public organizations; however, you could also use
them for your own web applications. Solutions that facilitate web application acceleration and
security include packages such as Citrix Netscaler and F5 BigIP. A nice Gartner magic quadrant
of application delivery controllers can be found here
3.3.4
Connection broker
A connection broker determines which server-hosted remote desktop will be made available to
a user. When using a server-hosted virtual desktop infrastructure for this, its possible to either
designate dedicated desktops or a pool of remote desktops. The desktop broker can automatically create, remove or pause remote desktops. There are a number of connection broker suppliers. Citrix - XenDesktop, Microsoft - Remote Desktop Services, Dell/Quest - vWorkspace
and VMware - View are the best known VDI solutions. Depending on the supplier, the connection broker may have additional functions, such as a web interface that can create secure (SSL)
connections to remote desktops, Directory Services integration, Full USB support, support for
various display protocols and integration with Remote Desktop Services Session Host (former ly
RDSH). Depending on the rules, it is possible to execute applications centrally on a serverhosted VDI or on a terminal server.
3.3.5
Application streaming and virtualization
Through application streaming and virtualization, Microsoft Windows applications can be used
without changing the local operating system or installing the application software at a particular
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work place. In other words; the application can be executed as if it had been installed locally
and can save data and print without the need of any modifications to the local client. Resources
such as the CPU, memory, hard disk and network card take care of the execution of these applications.
Application streaming and virtualization can make applications available to desktops, laptops,
server-hosted VDIs and Remote Desktop Services Session Host (TS) platforms. The applications
are executed on a client platform, without needing to modify the platform.
The advantages of application virtualization include: installation, upgrade, roll-back, delivery
speed and the ease of application support and management). Installation of applications is no
longer necessary, eliminating the possibility of conflicts. The result is a dynamic application delivery infrastructure. Application streaming and virtualization solutions include: Cameyo, Citrix
(XenApp) application streaming, Microsoft App-V, Symantec Workspace Virtualization, Spoon
and VMware ThinApp.
3.3.6
OS provisioning
OS Provisioning, or Machine Based Imaging, allows workstations to boot up and run from a central image. A single image can be used simultaneously by multiple workstations. The advantage
of this is that complete operating systems, including applications and agents, can be made
available quickly and securely. It is possible to make a single image available to multiple VDIs,
RDS and physical desktop environments without causing conflicts. As a result, it is possible to
upgrade or roll-back an OS quickly, simply, and without significant risks. When virtual desktops
use OS streaming, (valuable) storage is saved and the management of virtual desktops becomes relatively simple. This means that virtual or physical machines using OS Provisioning can
become - stateless devices. Citrix Provisioning Services and Machine Creation Services, part of
the XenDesktop family, Doubletake Flex, VMware Mirage, Dell/Wyse Streaming Manager
(WSM), Unidesk and the VMware View Composer are solutions that facilitate OS Provisioning .
3.3.7
Server-Hosted virtual desktop infrastructure (SH-VDI)
There are two kinds of VDI: server-hosted and client-side. A Server-Hosted Virtual Desktop
Infrastructure (VDI) is a dedicated remote desktop solution providing remote access to
Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8 or Linux desktops. The virtual machines are running from within
the data center. The virtual infrastructure increases the systems independence, availability and
manageability. The implementation of Server-Hosted VDIs means that desktops are no longer
bound to a location or end-user appliance. Each user has their own unique, personalized, fully
independent work place. Programs run and data is processed and stored on a centralized
personal desktop. The information is sent to the client screen via a remote display protocol such
as Microsoft RDP/RemoteFX, Citrix ICA/HDX, Teradici/VMware PC-over-IP, SPICE or VNC. The
protocol used for displaying the correct information depends on the operating system,
bandwidth, the type of application, and the technical facilities. As with other desktop delivery
solutions, VDI consists of various infrastructure components that facilitate management, load
balancing, session control and secure access to virtual machines.
Microsoft, Citrix, Dell/Quest, Oracle, Virtual Bridges, RedHat and VMware are all important suppliers within the server-hosted VDI segment.
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3.3.8
Server-Hosted (Virtual) desktop with GPU acceleration
The Graphical Processor Unit (GPU) acceleration functionality can be added to the server hosted VDI solution. It provides each (virtual) machine with graphic performance to run multimedia, 2D/3D, NextGen and CAD/CAM applications.
Display data is presented to the client device via an optimized remote display protocol. To ensure that the end-users experience the best possible performance, the bandwidth, latency, or
local (software) components have to meet extra requirements.
3.3.9
Remote desktop services session host Session Virtualization
Remote Desktop Services Session Host (formerly known as Terminal Services) is also known as
Session Virtualization. With session virtualization every user has his or her unique terminal
server session. Session Virtualization is a solution for the remote access to desktops and applications that are run on a terminal server in a data center. Access to the desktop or application
is not tied to a location or end-user machine, and programs are executed centrally on the terminal server.
The data appears on the client screen through a remote display protocol such as Microsoft
RDP/RemoteFX or Citrix ICA/HDX. Remote Desktop Services consists of various infrastructure
components for management, load balancing, session control and support. It has the advantage that applications are made available quickly and securely, the TCO is low, and applications can be accessed irrespective of location or work place. Suppliers of Remote Desktop Services Session Host (TS) include Citrix, Ericom, Microsoft and Dell/Quest.
3.3.10
Client-Side desktop virtualization (CS-DV)
Client-side , or Client Hosted Virtualization is a dedicated local desktop where the virtual machines run locally on the client device. The hypervisor ensures that each virtual machine is
hardware-independent, and makes it possible to simultaneously use a number of virtual machines at the same workstation. The hypervisor plays an essential part in client-side VDI solutions while the management portion handles synchronization, policy, enforcement and management insights.
There are two kinds of Client-side Desktop Virtualization solutions:
The Type#2 client hosted hypervisor is installed and runs as an application on the operating system (be that Windows, Mac OS X or Linux) of the end device.
The type #1, bare-metal client hypervisor acts as the devices base operating system
and must be installed before other operating systems.
The main differences between type#1 and type#2 hypervisors are hardware support, performance, manageability and end-user experience.
Citrix XenClient and Citrix XenClient Enterprise (formerly Virtual Computer NxTop), Windows 8
HyperV are Type #1 or bare-metal Client Virtualization Platform (CVP) while Microsoft Virtual PC
and MED-V, MokaFive, Parallels Desktop, Oracle VirtualBox and VMware Fusion/Workstation
and VMware View Client with Local Mode are Type #2 or client-side VDI solutions.
3.3.11
Client management
Any self-respecting professional IT organization is bound to use a Client Management solution,
as it is needed to facilitate things such as OS deployment, patch management, application and
client deployment, asset management, service desk integration, and remote control. Examples
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of client management systems are Altiris/Symantec Deployment Solution, IBM BigFix, LANdesk
Client Management , Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr/SCCM) and
Novell ZENworks Configuration Management (ZCM). A nice Gartner Magic Quadrant of Client
Management tools can be downloaded here.
3.4
VENDOR MATRIX, WHO DELIVERS WHAT
In this whitepaper various vendors are mentioned. A vendor overview is provided in this matrix.
Vendor
Solution
Citrix
Citrix
Microsoft
RedHat
Dell/Quest
Virtual Bridges
VMware
XenDesktop
VDI in a box
VDI with RemoteFX
Enterprise Desktop Virtualization
vWorkspace
VERDE
View
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
SH-VDI
Ericom
Citrix
HP
Microsoft
Dell/Quest
Oracle
Virtual Bridges
VMware/Teradici
RDP/Blaze
HDX-ICA
RGS
RemoteFX/RDP
EOP/RDP
ALP
SPICE
PCoverIP
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Remote Display Protocol
Teradici
HP
Citrix
VMware
PC over IP
Remote Graphics Software
XenDesktop HDX3D Pro
View
SH- Physical Desktops
SH- Physical Desktops
SH- Physical Desktops
SH- Physical Desktops
Citrix
Citrix
Microsoft
Virtual Bridges
Microsoft
VMware
XenClient
XenClient Enterprise
Windows 8 Client Hyper-V
LEAF
MED-V (MDOP)
Player/Fusion/Workstation/View
CS-DV, baremetal
CS-DV, baremetal
CS-DV, baremetal
CS-DV, baremetal
CS-DV
CS-DV
Double Take
Citrix
Citrix
Flex
Provisioning Services / MCS
Personal vDisk (former
RingCube)
HyperDeploy
View Composer
Mirage
Unidesk
OS Provisioning
OS Provisioning
OS Provisioning++
Quest/Dell
VMware
VMware
Unidesk
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OS Provisioning
OS Provisioning++
OS Provisioning++
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Vendor
Virtual Bridges
Dell/Wyse
Product
Dynamic Gold Imaging
Streaming Manager (WSM)
Solution
OS Provisioning
OS Provisioning
Microsoft
Citrix
Dell/Quest
Windows Server 2008R2/2012
XenApp
vWorkspace
Session Virtualization
Session Virtualization
Session Virtualization
Cisco
Citrix
Microsoft
Juniper
VMware
ASA
Access Gateway
Unified Access Gateway
SA
View
Secure Access
Secure Access
Secure Access
Secure Access
Secure Access
Citrix
Cameyo
Microsoft
Symantec
Spoon
VMware
Application Streaming
App-V
Workspace Virtualization
Spoon
ThinApp
Application virtualization
Application virtualization
Application virtualization
Application virtualization
Application virtualization
Application virtualization
IBM
LANDesk
Microsoft
Novell
RES
BigFix
Client Management Suite
System Center Config Manager
ZenWorks Configuration Mgr
Automation Manager
Client Management
Client Management
Client Management
Client Management
RunBook Automation
Citrix
VMware
Centrix
Framehawk
Cloud Gateway
Horizon Suite
Workspace Universal
Framehawk
Workspace Aggregator
Workspace Aggregator
Workspace Aggregator
Workspace Aggregator
Table 1, Application and Desk top Deliv ery ov er v iew of solution area, products and v endors.
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4.
APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION
The previous chapter gave an overview of Application and Desktop Delivery solutions. This
chapter describes application virtualization in more detail.
4.1
VIRTUALIZATION
virtualization is the act of isolating or unbinding one computing resource from others. Or put another way - the process of decoupling layers of IT functions so that configurations of the
layers become more independent of each other. As a result, virtualization masks the specific
nature of IT resources from users. A user sees the function not the resource that delivers the
function. Application virtualization is an essential and critical component for all desktop delivery
solutions. The term Application Streaming and Virtualization is often used by customers
and IT-Pros, although its rarely understood fully. To understand the true meaning its best to
break down into constituent parts:
Application: These are the end-user focused windows and web programs, executed on a
Windows Operating System Platform.
Streaming is the process of transporting the application specific data/content as quickly as
possible to the end-point. The application is quick-up-and-running where ultimately the required
resources to run and use the application is being delivered to the user while the remaining data
is transferred in the background.
Virtualization is a software layer that improves portability, manageability and compatibility of
applications by encapsulating them from the underlying operating system on which they are
executed. A virtualized application is not installed in the traditional sense, although its still
executed and behaves as if it were. Virtualization isnt emulation.
4.2
WHY APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION?
In conversations with customers and during workshop sessions we regularly receive the
question, What is the difference between application deployment and delivery and why
virtualization. With application deployment, the applications are installed on the execution
platform. The execution platform could be a local desktop or laptop, a server hosted virtual
desktop, a workstation blade or a remote desktop server session host. When speaking of
application delivery in the context of application virtualization, the applications are no longer
installed, but they are made almost instantly available and executed on the execution platform.
The execution platform is not altered. Application virtualization enables fast application delivery
in a central and local environment whereby mutual application conflicts are eliminated. This
considerably reduces the amount of time for application packaging and delivery compared to
the traditional deployment methods.
The primary reasons for implementing application virtualization are:
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There is no need to install applications anymore
Elimination of application conflicts
Reduce regression testing time
Allow multiple versions of the same application to be run simultaneously on multiple
versions of Windows Operating System, greatly reducing the number of server silos.
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4.3
Allow non-multiuser versions to run simultaneously
There is no need for application load Managed groups, or so called silos Allowing
consolidation of remote desktop services session hosts
Applications are quickly and easy delivered
It is simple and easy to upgrade applications;
The rollback to prior application versions is simple;
It reduces packaging complexity;
It stabilizes windows user profiles;
Application virtualization is an essential part in layering the cake OS / Applications /
user configuration;
Its a key component in the complete application and desktop delivery stack
Application virtualization creates dynamic user environments in a static server hosted
VDI and SBC environment.
Improves end-user mobility access personalized applications from any machine and a
per-user application entitlement model.
APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION STRATEGY
The transition to a dynamic and optimized desktop is causing many IT organizations to
reevaluate traditional IT operations, deployment, delivery, packaging, support, and
management methods. Application virtualization is a key component in the optimized desktop.
Its important to have a Vision and Strategy around application and desktop delivery.
Designing, building, managing and maintaining the application virtualization infrastructure using
the right Technologies, corresponding vendors and products is an important step.
We see a lot organizations primarily focusing on products and vendors and lacking a clear
and profound vision and strategy. This approach is fine for a point solutions but a proper vision
and strategy is crucial for a vNext optimized desktop. How can the vision and strategy be
successful? Success = Vision x Execution x Adoption!
The following discussions and corresponding topics should be part of the Application
virtualization and optimized desktop strategy:
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What do you want to achieve, a business enabler, overall cost of ownership (TCO)
and cost reducer?
What are the use-cases? and does the use-case require application virtualization?
What is the business-case?
Are you investigating a tactical (point)-or strategic solution? What do you want to
solve?
Whats your Desktop delivery and migration strategy for Windows 7/Windows 8?
What endpoints do you support and facilitate and what is the role of these devices in
the optimized desktop?
Are the endpoints managed?
What is the strategy around Client Management, PC life Cycle Management, solution
and how does application virtualization fit?
Is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept one of the key access scenarios?
What is your application delivery model? Is delivery of applications focused on SaaS,
Enterprise, SMB or the Consumer space?
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Are billing, license-management, reporting and/or charge-back of the delivered
applications needed?
Is a client or agentless application virtualization solution required?
Do you need to integrate and/or isolate your applications from each other or from
the OS? Do you need both functionalities and how do you manage the application
integration?
What is the expected packaging success ratio of virtualizing applications? How do
you handle the exception applications which cant be virtualized?
Is the strategy package once runs everywhere important? What are your
expectations?
How do you design and build the users profile and his workspace? Does
Application virtualization fit into this strategy? Maybe User Environment Management'
Smackdown can be helpful.
Licensing of the application virtualization solution. Stand-alone, part of a license stack?
Is Microsoft Software Assurance or other subscription form needed or available?
What is the (business) applications vendor support policy for virtualized applications?
Is the IT department able to adopt the technology with right knowledge and skills?
Does the IT department understand application virtualization and the impact on
troubleshooting and the corresponding tools?
What is the virtual application integration strategy? Applications part of base
image, basic application loadset or virtual environment integration?
How do you handle internet explorer plugins; URL redirection and FileType Handlers
How do you handle application compatibility issues such as IE6 and Java
components while migrating to Windows 7/Windows 8?
What is your Application readiness assessment strategy? Are Windows 7, Windows
8, VDI, Application virtualization and x64 included?
What is your average package turnaround time (incl. testing)? Where do you spent
most of the time?
How often are your applications updated? How quickly do you need to push them out?
How big are the updates?
Is application conversion to virtual application packages important?
Is an open, standardized and extendable application package format key?
Does the application virtualization solution need to be proven and mature? What is
your definition of proven?
Do you need to convert current application packages to the new virtual application
package?
Whats your overall desktop delivery strategy model with solutions such as Laptop
(Offline), Desktop (Online), VDI and SBC
How can application virtualization enhance these solutions?
Does the application virtualization solution offer shared-cache or cache-less
functionality? What is the use-case?
How does the Application Virtualization solution fit into existing deployment and
management tools..
Bottom Line: Whats your current Enterprise Mobility strategy?!
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4.4
FROM NICHE TO MAINSTREAM
Over the past several years application virtualization has out-grown the niche market and has
become a mature solution for application delivery. Over the past years customers, from small to
very large enterprises see the benefits of application virtualization and it has become an
accepted form of application delivery, particularly when traditional methods fail to achieve their
expected benefits.
Figure 2, Gartner HypeCycle Virtualization 2010
Figure 3, Gartner HypeCycle Virtualization 2012
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4.5
WHATS IN A NAME?
It seems that almost every vendor has a different name for the same technology. Is the
technology really the same, is the functionality different?
In the haze of messaging and marketing around application virtualization, different names can
blur the application virtualization arena; therefore its good to have definitions of streaming,
virtualization, isolation, integration and re-direction.
The name client or end-point can be a desktop, laptop, virtual desktop, terminal server or
remote desktop server. Managing expectations is always hard; a good starting point is to make
sure everyone speaks the same (IT) language. It is important to note that not all vendor
implementations support all aspects of the definitions provided below. For specific capabilities
offered by specific vendors please refer to chapter 7.
4.5.1
Streaming
The delivery process of transporting the application specific data/resources to the end-point
at the time the application is executed is called streaming. The application is quick-up-andrunning and only the minimum amount of data (commonly between 10-30% of the total
application) is delivered to a client before the application is launched. Not only does this result
in a quicker first time application launch for the user, it also results in significantly reduced load
on the network (compared with full application distribution pre-caching) and makes it possible
to keep end-user images stateless. Additional features of an application are delivered on
demand, or in the background without user intervention. Application packages are stored on a
(centralized) server, which can be a dedicated or shared infrastructure component. The
streaming protocol transports the data over the network in an optimized, efficient and
secure way.
Streaming can operate at a file-level (whole files are copied when they are needed) or blocklevel (file chunks are copied when they are needed) and cache resources locally on the
endpoint for offline execution or faster subsequent startups. Streaming is particularly effective
in well-connected environments where applications should be executed on-demand from a
network resource and end-user images should be kept stateless e.g. VDI and SBC.
4.5.2
Virtualization
The process where applications are encapsulated or isolated from other applications and the
underlying Windows Operating System on which they are executed is called Virtualization. This
improves portability, manageability and compatibility and reduce conflicts of windows end-user
applications. Virtualized applications run in their own discrete, or virtual, environments.
Application virtualization requires a virtualization layer that replaces part of the runtime
environment normally provided by the operating system. The layer intercepts all function calls
to the Windows Operating System such as File, Registry and objects such as COM and DCOM.
The application is executed inside the Virtual Environment, (sometimes called bubble or
sandbox) and behaves as if it is running alone in the Operating System. So the underlying
Operating System is protected, since the application virtualization prevents changes to system
components. Applications can use the hardware- and software components that are installed
and available inside the Operating System. While most application virtualization technologies
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today provide an adequate level of isolation between applications, thus preventing app-to-app
conflicts, very few provide full OS isolation and are able to prevent app-to-OS conflicts.
A quick summary of what application virtualization must provide:
1. All resources required by the virtual application are included in the package
2. The virtual application is completely separated (virtualized/isolated) from the operating
system and other applications
3. The virtual application cannot write to the OS file system or registry, or modify the
native OS in any way. The application virtualization solution is of course able to write to
specific locations to save documents etc.
4. The virtual application must operate the same way as a natively installed application
and provide full OS shell integration, inter-process communications, etc.
Application virtualization decouples the application from OS. Thereby minimizing application
conflicts.
4.5.3
Integrated
Application installation is the process where Windows Applications are installed on the
Windows Operating System. Installed applications are fully integrated with the system and are
able to communicate with other installed applications and the Operating System itself.
The Windows Installer (MSI) is the standard used for the installation, maintenance, and
removal of applications. The installation information, and often the files themselves, are
packaged in installation packages known as "MSI files". Applications that are installed and
integrated dont run in a sandbox environment.
4.5.4
Agent-less
Client-less, or agent-less, application virtualization involves the use of an embedded virtual OS
that is deployed as part of the virtualized application. While creating the virtual application
package the application and client components are compiled and stored in one single container,
mostly a single executable. These virtualized applications are fully encapsulated and able to run
as a standalone executable from multiple locations such as a network drive, local drive, or USB
removable storage device. Every virtualized application contains a built-in agent. So no agent,
or client-component, is installed in the Operating System but every application has an agent
which is used at runtime. VMware ThinApp and spoon are examples of agent-less application
virtualization solutions.
4.5.5
Agent-based
Client-based, or agent-based, application virtualization involves the use of a locally installed
agent or client on the endpoint. This agent, virtualization engine, contains functionality to setup
and maintain the Virtual Environment for each application. The agent takes care of
management tasks such as Shortcut creation, File Type Associates (FTA) registration and is a
key component in the streaming behavior. This behavior is a key functionality for agent-based
application virtualization solutions such as Microsoft App-V
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4.5.6
Kernel- and user mode
Windows runs all code, application and services, in one of two modes, user-mode and kernelmode. The two modes reflect two different security models. Code running in kernel-mode has
full Operating System access. Kernel-mode code typically comes from device drivers and the
windows kernel itself. A kernel-mode driver or service is part of a locally installed agent on the
endpoint. Code running in user-mode does not have full Operating System access and there is
no direct interaction with the kernel of the endpoints Operating System. Problems when
executing code in kernel mode can quickly lead to complete system halts (Blue Screen Of
Death). Kernel mode drivers require admin privileges to be initially installed. User -mode agents
dont. Kernel mode drivers require admin privileges to be initially installed. User-mode agents
dont.
4.5.7
Portable apps
Portable applications are software programs that are able to run independently without the
need to install files to the system they are run upon and irrespective of the version of Windows
installed on the system. They are commonly used on a removable storage device such as a
DVD, USB flash drive, flash card, or floppy disk. Agent-less application virtualization may
convert even complex application into portable apps.
4.5.8
U3
U3 is a proprietary method of launching windows applications from U3 compatible USB drives.
Applications that comply with U3 specifications are allowed to write files or registry
information to the host computer, but they must remove this information when the USB flash
drive is ejected. Customizations and settings are redirected and stored with the application on
the flash drive. This isnt a virtualization technology, but has its use-cases though.
4.6
FIND THE BALANCE
What is the best application virtualization solution? Is this solution, agent-less running in Usermode, agent-based running in kernel-mode or a more integrated virtualization solution?! Can
the solution balance between the fully isolated or virtualized world and more open integrated
world? Good questions!
There isnt a single best answer about which solution is THE best solution. Use-cases, delivery
mechanism, client-management, security, application integration are just some important topics
in this discussion. The Application virtualization strategy written in paragraph 4.3 is the key to
the question: What is the best application virtualization solution.
4.7
WORKSPACE AGGREGATION
The term Workspace Aggregator is used to describe software that unifies the delivery of
multiple application or desktop types such as:
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Native mobile applications
Software as a Service (SaaS) applications
Mobile web applications
Windows Applications via application virtualization or installation
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Desktops, local, server Hosted Virtual Desktops (VDI) or published Desktops in SBC
A workspace aggregator also evaluates the users device to determine which applications are
available for this user on this particular device and at this particular time (context-aware
access). Next to application delivery, workspace aggregators provide secure file data access
from a broad range of devices. A workspace aggregator simplifies the deployment and life cycle
management of applications. As the single point of access, (de)provisioning, auditing and
monitoring is easily accomplished through security rules and policy enforcement. Workspace
aggregators that are available at the market today also provide Single Sign On capabilities to
applications. The main vendors who deliver workspace aggregation functionality today are:
Centrix Workspace Universal
Citrix, Cloud Gateway
FrameHawk
VMware Horizon Suite
Workspace aggregation is a strategic function in the futures workspace which is independent
from hardware and is OS and browser neutral. Workspace aggregators will mature and become
more and more complete over the next time.
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5.
APPLICATION COMPATIBILITY AND
READINESS
5.1
MIGRATION
The use of Application virtualization, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
(VDI) brings much new functionality and drives upcoming use-cases such as Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD). Today, users expect greater flexibility, freedom and functionality on their endpoint devices, whereas the IT organization is focused on cost reductions, manageability and
compliancy. The migration of applications to a new Operating System platform, such as
Windows 7 or Windows 8, has a huge impact on the planning, design build and migration to the
optimized desktop especially when x64 Operating System and application virtualization is
involved. The main questions in such a migration are:
Can I run my set of applications on Windows 7 or Windows 8
What about Windows 8?
Are the applications suitable to virtualize, which are not and why not?
Do I run into trouble using Internet Explorer 8/9/10 with my stack of web-architected
applications?;
Can I move to 64-bit Windows?
Can I use these applications in VDI and SBC scenarios, what is their resource impact?
There are various solutions on the market designed to address these questions. Some are free,
and limited but in some cases useful; others are more expensive and valuable. Solutions like
Microsoft Application Compatibility Tool Kit (ACT), Dell/Quest Changebase and Citrix AppDNA
play an important role in application compatibility, readiness and remediation. Solutions such as
Changebase and AppDNA examines application compatibility and gives insights in remediation
which results in a simpler, less risky and more controlled migration to a new or updated
platform.
The decision flow chart for application compatibility projects is useful to determine the steps
and solutions to solve application compatibility issues. Technology to alternate provisioning
strategies are VDI, Remote Desktop Servers Session Host, SBC or client-side Desktop
Virtualization.
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Figure 4, Application Readiness Flowchart
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6.
APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION AND VDI
In general, there are two types of virtual desktops in a server-hosted VDI environment:
Stateless and stateful. In this chapter both types are explained and why its key (almost
mandatory!) to use application virtualization to deliver applications to users in a server-hosted
VDI environment.
6.1
STATELESS DESKTOPS
A number of different terms are used for stateless desktops - pooled, non-persistent or
standard desktops are frequently-used terms. The essence is the same, the virtualized
desktop is and will always remain clean and pristine; therefore stateless'. All machine -related
modifications, for example applications that are installed by a user, are removed when the user
logs off. User-specific settings that are recorded in the user profile can be stored and re-used.
In addition to the benefits of Desktop Virtualization, stateless desktops also offer the following:
6.2
simple roll-out and update of basic images
A virtual desktop is guaranteed to be 100% identical
The user always has a clean and pristine workstation
Less effort is required by the management team due to the standardization of images.
STATEFUL DESKTOP
A number of different terms are used for stateful desktops - assigned, persistent or private
desktops are terms that are frequently used. The essence is the same - the user is and will
always remain connected to a Virtual Desktop (vDesktop) on a 1:1 basis. If the user has right to
install software, the machine-related adjustments continue to be maintained within this
desktop, which is where the term stateful is derived from. In addition to the benefits of
Desktop Virtualization, a stateful desktop has a specific property, namely:
Freedom to install software within the desktop.
An important point of special interest with regard to stateful desktops is the fact that the rollout phase, update, upgrade and security of the operating system and the applications is less
simple to manage than with the stateless desktops. The impact on (central) storage is also
greater than with stateless desktops. Because of the ease of management and the flexibility of
stateless desktops; this type is mostly used in a VDI scenario. One of the challenges with
stateless desktops is to figure out how to get the right applications to each user on the stateless
desktop. Since a user is not dedicated to a virtual desktop and the desktop can be reverted to a
clean state, it is not an option to install on a per user or per desktop basis. It is also not an
option to install all the applications that are used within the company in the golden image,
because you would have to update the golden image and redeploy the entire image each time
an application needs an update. Thats not practical and flexible when you have to maintain
more than a small number of applications.
The best option is to use application virtualization to stream or publish applications to the
stateless desktops on a per user basis.
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6.3
OVERHEAD AND STORAGE IMPACT
In an infrastructure where users have a dedicated physical desktop to work on, the overhead
(CPU/memory/disk) of application virtualization isnt a big concern. But in a shared environment
like hosted VDI or Remote Desktop Services Session Host , the overhead of application
virtualization is something to take into account. Application virtualization might have effect on:
CPU/Memory
The virtualized applications might use more CPU cycles and/or memory than locally installed
applications. This might affect other users on the same server in a Remote Desktop
Services Session Host, or SBC, environment or users on the same host in a hosted VDI
environment.
Network
Virtualized applications are often streamed to the users desktop or session. Depending on
the size of the virtualized application and the distribution method the application
virtualization solution is using, this might have an impact on the network.
Disk/Storage
Firstly - the size of the virtualized applications can be important for the disk sizing of the
physical desktop or laptops or Virtual Machines. The application virtualization solution can
use a caching method where the virtualized application is cached on disk. When hosting a
large number of virtual desktops, the caching of the virtualized applications takes place in
these entirely virtualized desktops - this can take up a lot of disk space. Whenever possible,
a shared caching method should be considered or use application virtualization solutions
which dont use a local cache at all.
Secondly, impact on IOs on the storage cannot be taken lightly. On a physical desktop the
number of IOPS is the last thing to worry about, but with shared storage this is one of the
biggest challenges in a VDI project.
Example tools to inventory and analyze the behavior of applications are Liquidware Labs
Stratusphere FIT and Lakeside Software SysTrack. These collect metrics to determine
help determine suitability for application virtualization.
6.4
APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION IMPACT ON VDI, PROJECT VRC
Depending on the use case scenario, Project VRC discovered that this impact can be
significant. Test results show that application virtualization has impact on the VDI user
density, which can be decreased by 20% to 45% when Microsoft Office is completely
virtualized. This should be considered as a worst case scenario. When only a couple of
specific (business) applications is virtualized, the session density decreases by only 3 to
12%.
In practice the application virtualization overhead will be highly dependent on how often
virtualized applications are started, and how much file IO and registry access these
virtualized applications generate: specifically the creation of the virtualization
bubble/environment for the application can have a significant overhead.
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Both Microsoft App-V and VMware ThinApp are very close in overall performance overhead,
resulting in very similar VSImax scores. However, Citrix Application Streaming overhead
was considerably higher: the overhead is currently more than App-V and ThinApp. The
highest VSImax score was achieved with ThinApp 4.6, where the ThinApp packages were
locally stored in the VM image. From a disk I/O perspective VMware ThinApp showed the
least overhead throughout the test.
Interestingly, the response time of the file-open dialogue is much higher with Citrix
Streaming, this clearly impacts VSImax results. Also, it is interesting to see how Application
virtualization is maturing, for instance ThinApp 4.6 clearly outperforms ThinApp 4.5 in our
tests.
The storage impact on read and write IO was also investigated and the general conclusion
is that streaming applications will decrease the read IOs by 20% to 44% and increase the
write IOs by 20% to 44%. From a management point of view, choosing on demand
application streaming as the delivery method brings considerable management benefits and
will offload read I/Os. However, the impact on write I/Os should not be neglected.
Project VRC highly recommends validating the data in this document carefully. Project VRC
realizes that there are always valid reasons not to use specific settings as mentioned in this
paper. Real world VDI environments will always be different from the test-setup in the
Project VRC labs. More importantly, Project VRC must emphasize that it is crucial to test
and validate these optimizations in your own VDI deployment. Read the full whitepaper at
www.virtualrealitycheck.net
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7.
VENDORS AND THEIR VIRTUALIZATION
SOLUTIONS
7.1
INTRODUCTION
To get an overview of the major players in the application virtualization space, a number of
solutions are explained in this chapter (sorted alphabetically by vendor). The goal of this
chapter is to have a better understanding of the application virtualization space from a vendor
perspective in their own words.
Note: The vendor solution descriptions are provided by the vendors. However, we have
attempted to remove the marketing fluff wherever possible.
7.2
CAMEYO
Cameyo is a free, open-architecture application virtualization product. It combines best-ofbreed application virtualization technology with simplicity. Cameyo allows you to package entire
applications into a single standalone executable, eliminating the need to install and providing
you with great portability.
Whether you are a home user or an enterprise IT administrator, with Cameyo you can take
your applications with you or deploy them very easily. Source:
http://www.cameyo.com/products.aspx
Cameyo have a website containing already packaged applications available to download for
free. They even have a feature in which you as user, can use an Online packager. Which will do
the packaging for you without any need for you to use your own environment for performing
the capture. Cameyo has also bravely attempted to work on a solution for 'virtualizing' drivers,
for now this is a 'secret feature' that has not been fully fleshed
(http://cameyoco.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/latest-cameyo-2.html) out but it's a start and
seemingly more than any other application virtualization vendor has provided, thus far. With
such ambitious offerings already and an eagerness for user feedback, we look forward to the
progression of this already exciting solution.
7.3
CITRIX APPLICATION STREAMING
Client-side application virtualization technology in Citrix XenApp is comprised of two main
functionalities: application streaming and application isolation. The application streaming
feature enables applications to be delivered to client devices and run in a protected, virtual
environment. Applications are managed in a centralized application Hub, but are streamed to
the client device and run in an isolation environment. Applications become an on-demand
service that is always available and up-to-date.
THE CHA LLENGE
The reality today is that many companies are hitting a wall of complexity when it comes to
managing their ever-growing number of desktop applications and diverse access scenarios. This
complexity translates into a huge amount of time and money spent providing what amounts to
a patchwork solution.
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A PPLICATION STREA MING OVERVIEW
Client-side application virtualization reduces the cost of testing, installing and supporting
applications. Using isolation and application streaming technologies, client-side application
virtualization enables local virtualized applications. Rather than installing applications on each
users PC, applications are streamed to a protected isolation environment on their client device.
The isolation environment controls how applications interact on the user device, which prevents
application conflicts.
Streaming applications into the isolation environment greatly accelerates their delivery by
reducing regression testing and simplifies management with streamlined maintenance,
upgrades and de-provisioning. In fact, using streaming for de-provisioning an application is the
most efficient method of removing all traces of an application. Caching technology makes
applications available even when users are not connected to the network.
With server-side application virtualization, the server acts as the client. Applications are
streamed to a protected isolation environment on the server as opposed to the local device.
This has many of the same benefits of client-side application virtualization and also helps
reduce application silos and greatly improves management of Citrix XenApp farms.
KEY BENEFITS
As a key component of both client-side and server-side application virtualization, Application
streaming enables IT to:
Eliminate application conflicts and OS instability resulting from desktop application
installation
Reduce the costs associated with regression testing, deployment, maintenance,
updates, and de-provisioning for applications running locally on users machines
Offer applications as an on-demand service
Lower support costs by automatically updating and repairing applications every time
they are used
Speed regulatory compliance by eliminating the need for extensive testing to certify
applications
Enhance security by giving IT administrators complete control over applications
delivered to desktops, even those of unmanaged partners and users
Citrix Application Streaming landing page.
7.4
EVALAZE
German software vendor Dgel IT-Management built an application virtualization product called
Evalaze of which version 1.0 shipped March 2011. Evalaze is an application virtualization
solution that converts Windows applications to single executables. Because it is a user mode
solution we see a lot of similarities with the other user mode solutions on the market. For
example Evalaze doesnt require a client, driver or admin rights on the target systems.
Evalazed, as the vendor calls it, applications can be run from USB storage devices also.
In contrast to the competition Evalaze also offers a free version of its product to create .exe
files. Another difference with the current market is that the vendor offers a virtualization service
for customers. When dealing with many or complex applications, the customer can upload their
software and download a virtualized version later. www.evalaze.de for more information.
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7.5
INSTALLFREE
WatchDox acquired InstallFree to provide secure document viewing, editing on Any platform
Note from the author: InstallFree was one of the application virtualization solutions and now
has been removed from this whitepaper because their focus isnt application virtualization
anymore.
7.6
NUMECENT APPLICATION JUKEBOX
Numecent (previous known as Endeavours) Application Jukebox - Enterprise Edition is an
application virtualization solution designed to deliver any Windows application to any PC,
anytime, from anywhere, without the need for downloads or installs. Application Jukebox is an
out of the box technology solution for instantly delivering existing Windows software across the
enterprise. Application Jukebox Studio creates streamable and virtualized application sets from
an original installer. Application Jukebox Server controls and delivers those application sets to
the clients. Application Jukebox Player runs on the client machine creating a virtual environment
to run the application. Instead of using traditional push technology such as Microsoft Systems
Management (SMS), or client-server based solutions to install or run entire applications,
Application Jukebox responds to user requests for applications and immediately pulls the
application to a users desktop.
The new features of Application Jukebox are:
CONFIGURA BLE VIRTUA LIZA TION
Applications held in Application Jukebox can be fully integrated with the end user client
environment, fully isolated or any combination in between. This unique functionality gives the
administrator complete control on how applications are delivered and interact with client
devices. A simple example being, an application that is shipped with fonts only licensed for use
with that application. The application could be streamed as a fully integrated application,
interacting with local system resources and other locally installed software. The fonts, however,
could be streamed in an isolated virtual environment, hidden from the resident OS and installed
applications, and therefore only available by the licensed application. The four layers of
virtualization are
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Layer 1 Installed Permanent this copies the file to the specified location on the
users system when the application is first virtualized and the file is left behind even
once the application is removed. We generally use this for the data files that might
come with an application, like an .mdb file or personalization registry settings. It is also
used for things that you would want to be persistent should the application be
virtualized again in future as the files are not overwritten if already present.
Layer 2 Installed Temporary this copies the file to specified location on the users
system when the application is first virtualized but the file is then deleted when the
application is removed from the player. This might be used for files that you want to
have on the machine but put outside of the control of Jukebox, but then remove them
when the app is removed in order to leave a clean state.
Layer 3 Virtual Integrated this is a virtualized file or key that can be seen by the
rest of the system and is visible in the file system and registry, as if locally installed but
its use is restricted by Application Jukebox
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Layer 4 Virtual Isolated this is a virtualized file or key that is isolated (sandboxed)
and is only visible from within the virtualized application
An important thing to understand is that applications do not have to be either all isolated or all
integrated; the level of virtualization can be set for each file and registry key. For example
alternatively you might have a fully isolated application but have the files and registry keys for a
PDF printer plug-in as integrated. Or you can have all of the application integrated or isolated
as a whole if you want to.
MIXED MEDIA STREA MING
Application Jukebox makes it possible to stream applications from different media sources; CD,
USB stick or network delivery. This gives the Enterprise increased flexibility in deploying
applications. For instance, if a user is in a remote location with limited network access, they can
receive a preloaded application on a CD containing only the necessary data to launch the
application and then stream any additional data blocks as needed, on-demand from the
network.
MULTISTA GE PROGRESSIVE STREA MING
Applications can have additional blocks of data streamed using macros once the activation and
prefetching have taken place. An Enterprise can publish an application with a small prefetching
allowing users to start working more quickly, while in the background additional data is being
streamed.
INCREMENTA L PA TCHING
When bug fixes and minor point versions of applications are released, Enterprises need to get
the updates to their users in a timely manner; Application Jukebox makes it possible to quickly
and easily patch the application and stream only the differential, not the whole application
saving time and effort.
A NYTIME A NYWHERE
Application streaming and virtualization gives users on-demand access to desktop applications
anytime, from anywhere. Application Jukebox dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of
delivering applications to desktop and laptop computers across the enterprise.
REDUCED TOTA L COST OF OWNERSHIP
Most organizations deploy and manage their business applications using methodologies that
were introduced over a decade ago prior to the digital age and the internet phenomenon as
we know it today. The exponential growth of our dependence on the PC, and the increase in
remote workers, has led to a spiraling application and hardware Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Application Jukebox allows organizations to rapidly deliver desktop applications, upgrades and
patches. It gives users access to software as they need it, when they need it and where they
need it on a pull-based application delivery model. Maximizing existing infrastructure
organizations can serve many more users per server, dramatically reducing TCO.
A VOID COMPA TIBILITY A ND STABILITY ISSUES
Application Jukebox avoids application compatibility issues by isolating the streamed application
from other applications configuration/run-time environment and dramatically reduces the cost
and complexity of delivering applications. Software delivery becomes an on-demand service
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one where the latest release of the application is always accessible, where application
maintenance releases are automatically detected and instantly made available. Central
administration eliminates the need to recall or visit the client computer. By isolating the
streamed applications, the enterprise can guarantee software stability with an immediate roll
out of new builds to their users. This reduces the need for complex and lengthy regression
testing procedures and the need for an intricate testing infrastructure.
7.7
NOVELL ZENWORKS APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION (ZAV)
Novell ZENworks Application virtualization is an easy-to-use solution for deploying your
Windows*, .NET and Java-based applications in compact, preconfigured virtual executable that
run in your existing IT environment. Distribute the executable via the Web, USB keys or from
your existing desktop management infrastructure. There are no additional agents or device
drivers to support, and no virtual machines to set up or manage. ZENworks Application
virtualization also offers application compression and the ability to distribute patches for a
virtual application independently of the application itself. Of course, if you prefer to build MSIs
and deploy them using MSI distribution tools; ZENworks Application virtualization is capable of
doing that, too. Using this approach to application deployment, you can dramatically reduce
deployment and maintenance costs associated with traditional application setup and distribution
while ensuring a high-quality end-user experience.
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Novell ZENworks Application virtualization offers three ways to create and configure virtualized
applications. The best method in a given situation depends on the nature of the application.
Novell ZENworks Application virtualization includes a number of auto-configuration wizards for
popular applications, which can be built and customized using a guided, step-by-step process.
This simple method is recommended for first-time users.
Snapshot an application installation. The snapshot captures a systems state before and
after an application is installed and automatically configures virtual application settings
based on observed system changes. This method is ideal for virtualizing off-the-shelf
applications.
Manually configure an application. This method is most often used by developers who
are virtualizing internally developed applications. While manual configuration requires a
high degree of technical knowledge about the applications inner workings, this does
allow extremely fine-grained control over virtual application settings. Because of the
tremendous number of variables involved, users should refer to product documentation
for additional help and insight.
Convert ZENworks AXT-based applications. Novell ZENworks Application virtualization
makes it easy to convert your legacy ZENworks applications to virtual applications and
make them a fully integrated component of your virtual application environment.
Each of these configuration methods allows additional configuration and customization to be
performed once the initial virtual application configuration has been constructed.
Once you have built a virtualized application, you can distribute it with all the control and
automation of Novell ZENworks, or from the Internet or intranets. You can even choose to
optimize the virtual applications to run directly from DVDs, USB thumb drives or other portable
mediaall of which can still be controlled by ZENworks policies to insure efficiency and security.
This integration with ZENworks Configuration Management makes it possible to create a single
unified lifecycle management solution for managing all your physical and virtual applications.
Bottom-line: Novell is OEM-ing the Application virtualization engine from Xenocode/Spoon and
has added specific functionality to have deep integration with ZENwork Configuration Manager.
7.8
MICROSOFT APP-V
Microsoft Application virtualization (App-V) transforms applications into centrally-managed
virtual services that are never installed and don't conflict with other applications. App-V streams
applications on-demand to desktops, servers and laptops. It changes application management
from a series of tedious, manual tasks into an automated, streamlined process. App-V
dramatically accelerates application deployment, upgrades, patching and terminations by
eliminating time-consuming processes and simplifying the application management lifecycle.
With App-V, applications run reliably without failureno matter what other software is running
on that computer. All applications are instantly available on any licensed device. App-V even
allows controlled application use when users are completely disconnected. Because App-V
centralizes management of applications, users can only get the applications they have the rights
to; application usage and license metering are managed centrally so that administrators can
ensure compliance. Centralized control also enables IT to patch or upgrade once to the server
and the next time the users access the network, their applications are updated without
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impacting their productivity. App-V provides various delivery mechanisms including http and file
streaming, SBC integration, and standalone mode which provide application caching on the local
client for offline usage.
Microsoft Application virtualization fully integrates with Microsoft System Center Management
products, providing both users and administrators a seamless experience for running and
managing applications in the enterprise.
Application virtualization is at the heart of Microsoft Application virtualization . It decouples
applications from the operating system and enables them to run as network services.
Application virtualization can be layered on top of other virtualization technologiesnetwork,
storage, machineto create a fully virtual IT environment where computing resources can be
dynamically allocated in real-time based on real-time needs. App-V's patented application
virtualization, dynamic streaming delivery, and centralized management technologies make
everything from deployments and upgrades to migrations and business continuity initiatives
easier and faster with better agility:
Application virtualization: Enable applications to run without the need to visit a desktop,
laptop, or terminal server. Applications are no longer installed on the clientand there is
minimal impact on the host operating system or other applications. The most extensive
virtualization technology on the market, App-V virtualizes per user, per application instance, as
well as key application components. As a result, application conflicts and the need for
regression testing are dramatically reduced.
Dynamic streaming delivery: Applications are rapidly delivered, when needed, to laptops,
desktops, and terminal servers. In most cases only a small percentage of the application is
needed to launch the application. Additional components are delivered when transparently
requested by the application. This results in faster delivery of the application when needed.
Centralized, policy-based management: Virtual Application deployments, patches,
updates, and terminations are more easily managed via policies, and administered through the
App-V console or via your ESD system. Use Microsoft App-V Application virtualization to help
reduce the complexities inherent in enterprise application management. With App-V you can
reduce challenges and transform your computing environment into a dynamic, services-oriented
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infrastructure.
Figure 5, Microsoft App-V components
Microsoft App-V 5.0 Whats new?
App-V 5.0 builds upon all that was great with 4.6 and makes it even better. With previous
versions of App-V there was a very rigid isolation of sequenced applications, with version 5.0
this isolation is less rigid allowing applications which could not work in 4.6 due to the isolation,
work in this new version. With the possibility to now sequence applications with protocol
handlers, certain shell extension features and no set size limit to name, as well as other types
of applications, App-V 5.0 will enable you to deploy more virtual applications than you ever
have before.
The architecture has changed quite a bit. There's now a Reporting Database as well as a
Management database, there's now three web services required for Management, Publishing
and Reporting. There's no longer so many streaming protocols to choose from, It's now
standardized to HTTP/HTTPS and stream in SMB's. The console is no longer an MMC Snap-in,
instead it's a website which leverages Microsoft Silverlight to present a sleek dashboard to work
with. An exciting introduction is the heavy use of PowerShell. The App-V 5.0 client is completely
PowerShell driven, Microsoft have provided a conversion tool to convert your applications from
4.6 to 5.0, which is a PowerShell CmdLet. The Sequencer itself can be PowerShell driven
The Process for sequencing manually has also changed. This change is for the better. Microsoft
have standardized on HTTP/HTTPS which eliminates a need to select the protocol and port
during sequencing. You also no longer need to provide a path for your application. Security
Descriptors are enforced by default, the new .appv file format is in essence a compressed file
format and so there's no option to compress and also an App-V generated MSI is automatically
generated.
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App-V 5.0 no longer requires a dedicated drive (e.g. Q:\) to be available on the client devices or
available on sequencing machines. As stated earlier App-V 5.0 is less rigid with isolation and
rather that making the file system completely invisible to the end user, the file system is now
mounted in the hidden ProgramData folder. Users could navigate to this directory and launch
the application if they are clever enough. By making this change, we all get the reduced
limitation when it comes to application virtualization, thank to less rigid isolation.
A really big win for App-V 5.0 is it's optimization for VDI environments. Microsoft have worked
on the Read Only Cache concept which many have used with 4.x in VDI environments and
provided a more intuitive solution. You can now also set whether or not the application should
fully cache on a per application basis during sequencing. The background loading is now much
more staggered and slow, which is great for a VDI environment as it ensures resources are not
being drained needlessly and priority is only given to stream applications quickly, when they
have been launched.
SCCM 2012 SP1 (just released as of the creation of this document) also appears to promise a
much more comparable experience to the App-V Management Server than was experienced
when using earlier version of App-V with SCCM 2012 and SCCM 2007 R2. This new version of
App-V is the first major overhaul of the product since Microsoft purchased it and it's an exciting
move forward.
7.9
ROOZZ CLOUD PLATFORM
Roozz Cloud Platform
Roozz is a Cloud Platform as a Service that allows software publishers to move Windows
Desktop applications online within a few days. The Roozz Browser Plugin combined with the
Roozz Backend allows end users to run desktop applications directly in a web browser. The end
user experience is somewhat similar to watching video on YouTube, the software application or
game just start to play directly in the webpage.
In contrary to many of the other products in this document, the Roozz Platform is targeted at
the IPR owner of the software. It is the publisher or software developer who signs the
agreement with Roozz. Likewise it is the publisher who set the price for his titles on the Roozz
Platform, and decide on which websites the title will be published online.
Roozz introduces a new payment model to the desktop application market place. Through a
simple web form applications can be setup with a rental model, where end users pay per hour
or per day they use the applications.
The Roozz Platform is primarily targeted at consumers and SMB type of end users who typically
do not have access to common Desktop Virtualization. The Roozz Platform is a full service
platform that handles hosting of the applications in the Cloud. Roozz also handles setup of the
applications on the platform as well as credit card payment and security.
Architecture
To run applications from the Roozz Platform the end user has to install a 1 MB Roozz Plugin.
The end user experience is very similar to installing the Flash Player but unlike Flash, any
updates to the Roozz plugin happen silently in the background. The installation of Roozz Plugin
can be scripted by network managers. Not all desktop applications are well suited to run via the
web browser interface.
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Currently Roozz supports all web browsers on the Windows platform; versions for Mac, Linux,
Android, etc. are being developed. The current version of Roozz Plugin can only execute
Windows desktop applications on Windows machines. Application files are cached and executed
on the end user CPU. The Roozz Technology encapsulates the application in a thin sandbox,
when running on the end users machine. - Resulting in exactly the same execution speed and
end user experience, as when installed on the Desktop. Through their login a user can access
their rented applications on any machine that has the Roozz plugin installed.
The Roozz download technology allows the application to start before all the files are
downloaded. E.g. a game can start when the first level out of ten has been downloaded.
Similarly it also handles automatic updating seamlessly, when files change on the server. The
Roozz Backend is hosted on Microsoft Azure Cloud with more than 25 file servers globally.
In November 2011 Roozz received seed funding from Denmark's largest seed fund, Seed
Capital (http://www.seedcapital.dk/portfolio/it/roozz) and in November 2012, Accelerace Invest
joined the team of investors. Also in November, Roozz exceeded 1 million downloads of its
plugin and now has some 150 titles online.
Roozz total has a total of 10 employees with the main office in Copenhagen and staff also in
Poland and Russia.
Figure 6, Roozz architecture overview
7.10
SPOON
About Spoon
The company started in 2003 as Xenocode, but changed its name in May 2010 to Spoon.
Spoon offers the technology to virtualize and stream applications across the web to deploy
them efficiently to any Windows desktop.
With the change of the company name now also comes a strong focus on delivering any
Windows application over the web directly to the end-user. Spoons technology enables oneclick access to applications via internal and external websites and the desktop. This makes the
Spoon technology ideal for software publishers to distribute their products directly to end-users
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without intervention of the normal distribution channels. A good example is Autodesk deploying
its Inventor Fusion Technology Preview software using the Spoon technology.
Application virtualization and adaptive streaming
The core of the companys virtualization technology is the Spoon virtual machine (VM) kernel.
The Spoon VM Kernel is a user-mode virtualization solution able to run applications without
client installations or administrative privileges requirements for the user. The kernel is a
compact implementation of Windows operating system APIs, including the file system, registry,
process, and threading subsystems, completely implemented within the user mode space.
Figure 7, Spoon application virtualization
Based on the behavior of the user, Spoons streaming technology transfers application
components in the background. Spoon streaming works over HTTP and works with webservers, Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) and desktop management solutions. More
information about the streaming technology can be found here:
http://spoon.net/Server/Spoon-Streaming-White-Paper.pdf
Spoon Studio
Spoon Studio is the software used to enable virtualization of Windows applications. Spoon
Studio comes in three editions which basically differ in the usage focused on deployment of
virtual applications by means of the Spoon Server or standalone executables.
Spoon Server
Spoon application streaming is powered by the Spoon Server which streams the virtual
application to the end user via HTTP. The Spoon Server offers its own application portal or can
be used in combination with existing web portals like Microsoft SharePoint, IBM WebSphere or
just by adding HTML code a custom webpage. Besides, managing applications, users, groups
and their rights, Spoon Server allows for detailed analytics, all from a single web interface.
Spoon Browser Plugin
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Spoon web delivery uses a small browser plugin that integrates Spoon streaming and
virtualization functionality directly into the users web browser. The plugin takes only a few
seconds to configure, does not require any browser restart, and can be installed without
administrative privileges on the desktop.
Figure 8, Spoon architecture overview
Spoon and Novell ZENworks Application virtualization
Spoon has licensed their virtualization technology to Novell which uses it in its ZENworks
Application virtualization software. See the corresponding chapter to learn more about
ZENworks Application virtualization.
Spoon and LANDesk Application virtualization
LANDesk the sale of Application Virtualization that was powered by VMware. LANDesk will use
Spoon technology and relationship to integrate application virtualization technology in its Client
Management solution.
7.11
SYMANTEC ENDPOINT VIRTUALIZATION
Symantec offers a virtualization product, Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV), and a
streaming product, Symantec Workspace Streaming (SWS). They may be used together or
independently, providing great flexibility for customers. If only virtualization is desired, any
delivery mechanism may be used, from a USB stick to a full blown system management suite
from any vendor. The streaming product may be used to stream virtualized applications (from
Symantec and others), or even existing MSI packages.
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The Kernel Driver Advantage
One of the greatest strengths of SWV is the use of kernel level drivers, allowing applications to
behave completely normally, regardless of their complexity or dependence on other
applications. In fact, the operating system and all management and security tools will interact
with Symantec virtualized and streamed applications exactly as if they were installed physically.
Services and device drivers are also fully supported. Unless otherwise specified, applications will
behave and interact with the operating system and other applications as designed with no effort
required to link or un-bubble them (even for different versions of the same application). For
the occasional situation where applications must be isolated or hidden from the OS or other
apps in order to work properly, various levels of isolation may be set or changed at any time
without needing to re-package to change the application behavior. And packaging is usually as
simple as installing the application making it possible for almost anyone to get started with little
or no training.
Symantec Workspace Virtualization
Along with the benefits of a kernel driver, SWV packages (often referred to as layers) use two
sub-layers, a read-only layer that maintains the known good base installation, and a re-writable
layer that contains the changes and user customizations for that application. This makes it very
simple to reset the layer instantly and at any time if there is ever a problem or a need to start
over. It also makes it easy to separate and manage the user-specific portion independently if
desired. Note also that the read-only layer may be mapped to many desktop instances without
the need to copy it into every session, if configured to do so. Although SWV applications are
completely transparent and appear to be installed normally, several levels of isolation are
available at any time. This is especially valuable for middleware like JVMs where a specific
version is required for only a single or handful of applications.
Virtualizing Internet Explorer 6
Virtualizing IE6 for use on Windows 7 is one of the most popular use cases for SWV because it
provides the simplest and most natural way to run multiple browser versions without deploying
and managing a separate XP kernel or forcing the IE6-dependent apps to run isolated in a
terminal server. SWV allows complete sharing of plug-ins, both previously and subsequently
installed, without any re-packaging. Specific versions of certain plugins may be designated if
necessary. Also available is a simple whitelist plug-in that enables automatic switching of
browsers when necessary. For example, on Windows 7, most browser usage will be through the
more secure and native IE8. Only when a designated application or URL is specified, a separate
IE6 window will appear to run that application. If a link, app, or other website is selected from
the less secure IE6 session, it automatically reverts to IE8, maintaining maximum functionality
and security, without confusing the user or requiring special training.
Symantec Workspace Streaming
As IT organizations today face the reality of managing an increasingly complex mix of desktops,
laptops, and mobile devices, more efficient ways to deliver and provision essential applications
have become critical to ensuring cost-effective management. SWS is designed specifically for
this purpose, and actually enhances users ability to be productive, while supporting the trend
toward increased flexibility and mobility. SWS utilizes your existing infrastructure and software
investment to deliver applications to all devices laptops, desktops, VDI, Terminal Services,
and Citrix on-demand, anywhere, at any time. SWS simplifies application usability, reduces
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application license costs, and improves IT management efficiency with a cost-effective
centralized management system. Some additional benefits include:
On-demand Application Distribution Simplify OS image management by reducing the
number and size of images. Dynamic configuration of workspaces based on the role of
the user, providing instant access to applications without IT intervention while
minimizing network bandwidth.
User-Based Provisioning New applications, which provisioned users can access from
any Windows desktop, are instantly available without IT intervention. Chargebacks
can be automatically assessed to each department based on application usage.
Dynamic License Management Ensure license compliance, simplify software
deployment, optimize software costs, and avoid over-deployment by only delivering
what is needed and re-harvesting licenses when they expire or after an idle period. The
solution offers policy-driven controlled access to any Windows application from any
location.
Un-managed Computers Extend application management beyond your enterprise
boundaries. Deliver applications securely to un-managed computers via the public
internet.
Physical and Virtual Utilize a single set of application packages and a single process
across traditional desktops & laptops as well as server hosted computing environments
like virtual desktops and Terminal Services.
Easy Integration Streaming can be easily integrated with enterprise workflows and
other systems, such as CMDB, Asset and Helpdesk, with an open, standards-based
webservices API.
SWS also allows applications to be virtualized, enabling organizations to:
Ease Windows 7 migration
Eliminate application incompatibilities
Reduce helpdesk calls
Reset broken applications instantly
License Management
Symantec Workspace Streaming provides businesses improved control of their application costs,
with a web-based, centralized view of application usage data across their extended network,
including up-to-date statistics on the number and location of application licenses installed and
usage statistics, such as time and frequency of use. License allocation management and
compliance features include:
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Manage all popular license types - user, node, and concurrent.
Automatically re-harvest licenses based on idle time.
Identify frequently-utilized and under-utilized applications.
Provide an aggregated, global view of usage levels across the enterprise.
Track application usage and licenses on a per-user and per-machine basis, including
applications with conventional licenses.
View comprehensive and clear reporting tools that provide text-based views, graphical
views, and predefined reports.
Allow administrators to pre-deploy, de-provision, and re-provision applications as
desired; flexible delivery options are supported.
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7.12
Remove an idle application package from a client cache after a pre-defined period of
non-use.
Monitor and enforce license compliance for offline applications.
Automatic notification to the administrator upon reaching a predefined threshold of
license utilization.
VMWARE THINAPP
Run any version of virtually any application on a single operating system without conflicts. You
can even run multiple versions of the same application. Plug VMware ThinApp, formerly known
as Thinstall, into your existing management infrastructure and accelerate your software
development and desktop deployment. Deliver and deploy applications more efficiently, more
securely, and more cost-effectively with agentless application virtualization.
ELIMINA TE INSTA LLA TION CONFLICTS WITH A PPLICATION VIRTUA LIZATION
Application virtualization encapsulates the applications from the OS and each other; eliminating
costly regression testing and conflicts from badly behaving applications. Just plug in an .MSI or
.EXE file to deploy a virtual system environment, including registry keys, DLLs, third-party
libraries, and frameworks without requiring any installation of agents or applications on the
underlying operating system.
PA CKA GE ONCE, DEPLOY EVERYWHERE (NETWORK, USB, PHYSICA L OR VIRTUA L DESKTOPS)
Deploy virtualized applications in user mode, without administrative rights. No device drivers
are installed and no registry changes are made because the entire application and its virtual OS
are delivered as a single EXE file. Transparently stream large applications from a shared
network drive with no server or client software to install. Upgrade or roll-back applications while
theyre running. The new version will execute the next time the user starts the application.
CA TER TO YOUR MOBILE WORKFORCE
Let your users run applications on virtually any computer they have access to, including kiosk
and hotel PCs. They wont need to install software or device drivers and wont need admin
rights. Applications run directly from portable storage devices, including Flash drives.
IMPROVE YOUR SOFTWA RE DISTRIBUTION PROCESS
Deliver software that protects the local OS from modifications that might cause instability or
breach security using your existing configuration management tools. Even restricted user
accounts can safely run virtualized applications without requiring a local installation, making it
much more appetizing for IT staff concerned about security.
EA SE OS A ND A PPLICATION MIGRA TIONS
ThinApp agentless application virtualization eases OS migrations by enabling applications to run
side by side on the same operating system. Users can continue with business as usual without
disruption from problematic applications. Furthermore, if an application needs to be removed
from the endpointit is a simple file-remove with no mess left to clean up in the system
registry.
LANDesk is OEM-ing the Application virtualization engine from VMware and has added specific
functionality, such as deep integration with LANDesk Client Management Suite, to the solution.
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8.
APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION COMPARISON
Its important to understand the comparing features are the last step in the decision tree.
Vision, Strategy and Technology are the former steps. Each Application virtualization product
has its own functionality and feature-set. This chapter describes the features in a very detailed
way. We did our best to be truthful and accurate in investigating and writing-down the different
features. When you see improvements please let us know.
8.1
PRODUCT VERSION
This detailed feature compare matrix is developed with the following products and versions:
Product
Version
Cameyo
Citrix Application Streaming, XenApp
Numecent / Endeavor Application Jukebox
Microsoft App-V
Microsoft App-V
Spoon
Symantec Workspace Virtualization
VMware ThinApp
8.2
2.0.834
6.7; Streaming Profiler and offline plugin 6.7
8.3, Enterprise Edition in virtual isolated mode
4.6 Service Pack 2
5.0
2012, Spoon Server: 2.0.8.14
Virtual Application Studio: 10.4.2380
Spoon Sandbox Manager 3.32
6.1 SP8
4.7.3
SCOPE
The scope of the feature compare matrix is to have focus on the application virtualization
solution. Integration with Microsoft SCCM or other Client Management Solutions or integration
with workspace aggregators such as VMware Horizon or VDI solutions such as VMware View
which will add valuable functionality to the solution in general is out the scope of this
whitepaper. From a Symantec perspective the focus of the feature compare matrix is to use
both Symantec Workspace Streaming (SWS) and Symantec Workspace Virtualization. Its out of
scope for this whitepaper to explain the It depends remarks.
8.3
FEATURE COMPARE MATRIX
Goal:
Requirements:
Result:
Method of Execution:
Application virtualization solutions and features
Detailed description of virtualization features
Hands-on-experience, vendor involvement
Whitepaper
Hands-on experience, read articles, communicate with
vendors and discuss with colleagues
Legenda:
= Applicable; X = Not applicable; ~= It depends; # = under development by PQR
A green or red X has nothing to do with advantage or disadvantage of a solution. It just
present the availability of the functionality.
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VMware ThinApp
Symantec
X
X
X
~
X
Spoon
Numecent
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Virtualization Characteristics
The Solution is capable to fully virtualize/isolate Applications
The Solution is capable to fully integrate Applications with local Operating System
Configurable virtualization and integration
Solution allows multiple layers of integration(Isolated/virtualized or non-isolated
Applications will operate without any chance of conflicts
Applications integrates and communicates seamless with the OS
Manageability
Central management platform for application delivery
The solution is usable in SaaS scenario. SPLA licensing is available; applications are on-demand streamed and delivered as a service, pay per-use.
Application is delivered in a very efficient way, quick up-and running.
Stream only data which is needed to start application.
Application specific license metering, track application usage
Application virtualization Solution license usage tracking
Role based administration
Application rollback
Application has to be shut down for upgrade
Application upgrade, centrally managed
Application upgrade while in use
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
X
X
X
Isolation mode =
X App-V only Office 2010/2013
X
X
X
~
X
X
X
X
X
X
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VMware ThinApp
Symantec
Spoon
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Numecent
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Application upgrade using deltas
The Communication between server and client can be secured without additional solutions
Native integration with 2+ Client Management solutions; No difference in manageability, support, deployment scenarios and inventory between installed and virtualized applications.
Pre-launch and post-exit scripting
Pre-launch and post-exit scripting, centrally managed via GUI
Determine virtual application pre-requirements
Determine virtual application pre-requirements, centrally managed
Determine virtual application pre-requirements, centrally managed via GUI
Limit application usage based on AD security groups, Controlled from AV solution
Limit application usage based on AD computer objects, Controlled from AV solution
Limit application usage based on AD OU's, Controlled from AV solution
Machine targeting, centrally managed
Machine targeting, application runs dependent of target OS, centrally managed
Machine targeting, application runs dependent of target OS/language/service pack, centrally
managed
Application streaming source can be based on client IP-subnet
Application streaming source can be centrally managed
Offline application usage can be time limited
File Type Association (FTA) centrally and standalone managed
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
X
X
X
X ~
X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
~
X
X
~
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X SCCM
~
~
X
X
X Group Policy Preferences + ASR
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
Symantec
~
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
Spoon
Numecent
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
File Type Association (FTA) locally managed
Support for the protocol handler MAILTO://
Support for the protocol handlers MAILTO://, FTP://, FILE://
Manageable by scripting; command-line
Manageable by API/ WMI
Manageable by PowerShell - Client
Manageable by PowerShell - Server
Software development kit(SDK) available
Integration with Add or Remove programs
Group policies can never, from a security point of view, be omitted
Interoperate with roaming user profiles;
Event logging on client
Event logging on management server
Application advanced debugging option part of the solution
Windows Class isolation
Requires short file name support to be enabled
Pre-packaging diagnostics to check if packaging machine is configured correctly
Post-packaging diagnostics to check for issues and/or unsupported technology
Support for application templates for a higher packaging success ratio
Compatible with software protection and/or 3rd party DRM solutions
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
Only with Citrix Receiver
X
X
X
#
X
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Numecent
Spoon
Symantec
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Usability
Desktop and/or Laptop Online
Desktop and/or Laptop Offline
Microsoft RDSH (Remote Desktop Services) supported
Applications can run anonymous, without authentication with a directory service
No Microsoft Active Directory or NT4.0 domain required for management platform
(management is key)
Usable and supported in a Novell NDS environment
Usable and supported in a Novell eDirectory environment
Application can run from removable storage without installing a client/agent component
Application and user preferences can run from removable storage without installing a client/agent component
Application package is portable and can be stored on and imported from removable storage
Official Support for EN localized Windows client operating systems
Official Support for EN/DE/FR/ES localized Windows client operating systems
Official Support for JP/Simple Chinese localized Windows client operating systems
URL redirection to Virtualized Internet Explorer(s); locally configured
URL redirection to Virtualized Internet Explorer(s); centrally managed
Application Characteristics
Compression of virtual application package
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
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Application virtualization smackdown
Version 4.0
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X
X
X
X
X
X
~
X
~
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
X
X
#
Symantec
Spoon
Numecent
~
~
~
#
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Dynamic path relocation
Possible to package and deliver application with build-in kernel mode drivers
Virtualization of applications with user mode services
Virtualization of applications with boot time services
Virtualization of services that require privilege
Application package can be digitally signed with a certificate
Files and Registry virtualization
COM virtualization
COM+ virtualization
DCOM virtualization
Named Pipes isolation
Side by Side(SxS) support for virtualized applications
Virtualization of fonts on desktops
Virtualization of fonts on terminal server
Communication between different application virtualization environments
Performance impact when virtualized applications communicate with each other
Run application with elevated privileges(RunAs)
Compatible with Windows User Account Control
Windows long filename support
Microsoft .NET framework virtualization
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
X Endeavors: Not isolated
X
SWV Single DCO instance
Not all .NET versions
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
~
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
Symantec
X
X
Spoon
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Numecent
Support for virtual drive letters
Support for virtual Printer drivers
Support for virtualized internationalization and code pages
Support for virtual drive serial numbers
Different versions of Internet Explorer can run simultaneous on the same client
Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 9 can be virtualized and run on Win7
Run application in Windows compatibility mode. (eg. can use various shims in VE)
Apps are packaged and virtualized by user, User Installed Applications
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
(Virtual) reboot during packaging supported
Terminal Server drive remapping supported
Windows Dynamic disks support
No maximum application package file size limitation
DOS applications support on x32 platform
Win16 application support on x32 platform
Win16 application support on x64 platform (Windows limitation)
Win32 application support on x64 platform
Win64 application support on x64 platform
MSI to virtual application package conversion wise package studio
MSI to virtual application package conversion build-in
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
4GB
X
X
X
X VMware support soon
~ Simple MSI apps
ThinApp Factory
X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X
X X X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X X X X
Page 48/53
Application virtualization smackdown
VMware ThinApp
Symantec
# # X
Spoon
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Numecent
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Microsoft Office 2010 deployment without physically installed requirements
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
E.g. Microsoft Office 2010
Deployment Kit for App-V or
Visual C++ for EVS
Architecture
Management platform is included
Application delivery using (streaming) HTTP/S protocol
Application updates delivered using (streaming) HTTP/S protocol
Application delivery using proprietary protocol (RTSP/s)
Application delivery using SMB / fileshare
No need for client/agent installation
Virtualization with client-code in user-mode
Virtualization with client code in kernel-mode
Original Microsoft Windows APIs are used by application
Multiple concurrent client or agent versions on the same platform
Memory sharing in multi-user environment
No need for a license service
No need for a file share
No need for dedicated server
MSI wrapper to deploy virtualized applications with ESD
No need for ESD infrastructure for enterprise wide deployment
Version 4.0
X
X
X
X
X
~
February 2013
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
~
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
~
Only needed for console
Virtual Apps only; not streaming
~
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Version 4.0
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X X
X
X ~ X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
#
#
Symantec
#
#
X
X
X
#
Spoon
Numecent
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Data store can be on: Microsoft SQL Express Edition
Data store can be on: Microsoft SQL
Data store can be on: Oracle
Data store can be on: IBM DB2
Data store can be on: MySQL
Data store is XML based
The Application package format is open and documented
The Application package format can be encrypted; native tools available
Client-side persistent cache,
Centralized shared cache
Support for journaling
Support for application white listing (Applocker Windows 7)
Block Caching by network WAN acceleration devices
Solution can integrated with Content Delivery Networks such as Akamai
End user experience
Full Windows Explorer context menu integration
User driven application repair; repair via normal UI/GUI
Application behaves in essence the same as an installed application, apps are fully integrated
with other applications and local OS
User settings are preserved between application launches
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
#
X
#
X
X
X
X
#
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Remarks
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Spoon
Symantec
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ThinApp Factory
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VMware ThinApp
Numecent
X
X
X
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
User settings can be redirected and stored on the network
User settings can be streamed between user and server
Localized client interface available, 4+ languages (EN/DE/FR/ES)
User Self Provisioning web portal
Allow EULA/Message to be displayed at virtual application startup
Allow user to easily terminate virtual environment (incl. running child processes)
Supported Client Platforms
Windows NT 4 Workstation
Windows NT 4 - Terminal Server Edition
Windows 2000 - Pro
Windows XP - Pro (SP2 and up)
Windows XP - Embedded
Windows 2000 - Server
Windows 2000 - RDSH
Windows 2003 - Server
Windows 2003 - RDSH
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008 - Server
Windows Server 2008 - RDSH / Remote Desktop Session Host
Windows Server 2008R2 - RDSH / Remote Desktop Session Host
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
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Spoon
Symantec
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
~ Wine (limited)
~ CrossOver (limited)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
# X
# X
VMware ThinApp
Numecent
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Windows Server 2012 - RDSH / Remote Desktop Session Host
Windows 7
Windows 7 x64
Windows 8 RT
Windows 8 x86
Windows 8 x64
MacOS, deliver and execute Win32 applications on MacOS
Linux, deliver and execute Win32 applications on Linux
Licensing Model of Solution
Concurrent
Device
Unlimited
Per named user
Free for personal usage (FFPU)
SPLA
Solution in general
Proven technology, the solution is being used for 2+ years in enterprise production environments. Packaged 1000+ different apps, various deployment scenarios
Varity (10+) of public available enterprise references in Europe
Varity (10+) of public available enterprise references in US
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Remarks
~ ~
~ ~ Not public available
~ ~ Not public available
Page 52/53
Application virtualization smackdown
8.4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VMware ThinApp
X
X
X
X
Symantec
X
X
X
X
Spoon
Numecent
X
X
X
X
Microsoft App-V v4
NUMECENT
Microsoft App-V v5
Citrix App Streaming
Category Functionality
Doesnt require a clean OS during packaging process
Packager can capture only installer process
Packager can capture all processes
Possibility of creating a High Available platform; additional services needed
Load Balancing is part of the solution
Official application virtualization training classes available
Official Certification program, VUE or Prometric
Company website for delivering (demo) 25+ applications to community
Company website for delivering (demo) 50+ applications to community
Large community resource, share recipes, FAQ, discussion
Cameyo
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
X
X
~
X
X
X
Remarks
FUTURE ADDITIONS
-
Consolidate and re-group the features in the matrix
Short table of key feature differences
TBD; If you have any comments, corrections, or suggestions for improvements of this document, we want to hear from you! Please send e-mail to Ruben
Spruijt ([email protected])
Version 4.0
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Application virtualization smackdown
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
9.
CHANGE LOG
Change log created in version 3.1 of the document, October 2011;
Version 4.0
Updated Chapter 1.3; vendor involvement
Updated Chapter 2.1; About PQR
Updated Chapter 2.2; Team leader and A-team
Updated Chapter 3
Added Chapter 3.13; vendor matrix who delivers what
Updated Chapter 4.4; Strategy
Remove Chapter 5.2 and 5.3
Added Chapter 7.4; Application virtualization impact on VDI
Added Chapter 8.10; Vendors Entering the Market
o Evalaze
o Cameyo
o Roozz
Updated Chapter 9.1; Product versions
New features added; Manageability
o Pre-packaging diagnostics to check if packaging machine is configured correctly
o Post-packaging diagnostics to check for issues and/or unsupported technology
o Support for application templates for a higher packaging success ratio
New features added; Application Characteristics
o Microsoft Office 2010 deployment without physically installed requirements
New features added; Licensing Model of Solution
o SPLA
Changed Features Symantec
o Support for Windows 2000 Pro
o Support for Windows 2000 Server
o Support for Windows 2000 RDSH
Changed Features Citrix Application Streaming
o Support for application white listing (Applocker Windows 7)
Changed Features Microsoft App-V
o Allow user to easily terminate virtual environment (incl. running child
processes)
Changed Features VMware ThinApp
o None
Changed Features InstallFree Bridge
o Win64 application support on x64 platform
Changed Features Endeavors
o Possible to package and deliver application with build-in kernel mode drivers
o Win32 application support on x64 platform
o Windows Server 2008R2 RDSH / Remote Desktop Services
o Windows 7
o Windows 7 x64
Changed Features Spoon
o None
o
February 2013
Page 52/53
Application virtualization smackdown
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
Change log created in version 4.0 of the document, February 2013
Version 4.0
Overall: updated text in complete document
Updated chapter 2.1 About PQR
Updated chapter 2.2 Acknowledgments, added Rory to the team
Updated chapter 3
Updated chapter 4.2 Why application virtualization
Updated chapter 4.3 Application virtualization strategy
Updated chapter 4.4 From niche to mainstream
Added chapter 4.7 Workspace Aggregation
Removed chapter 7 Web Apps: The new p@in in the @$$
Updated chapter 7.2 Cameyo
Updated chapter 7.4 Evalaze
Changed chapter 7.6 Endeavors to >> Numecent
Changed chapter 7.5 InstallFree
Updated chapter 7.8 Microsoft App-V
Added chapter 7.8 Microsoft App-V 5.0 Whats new
Updated chapter 7.9 Roozz Cloud Platform
Updated chapter 8.1 Product Version
Updated chapter 8.2 Features and added various new features.
o Added various new features
o Added Cameyo
o Added Microsoft App-V 5.0
o Updated Citrix, Symantec, ThinApp, Microsoft App-V v4 application
virtualization solutions
February 2013
Page 53/53
Application virtualization smackdown
solutions overview and feature comparison matrix
10.
CONCLUSION
Which Application virtualization Solution is THE best?!
Without a better understanding of the requirements in general it is impossible to give an
accurate and profound answer on THE question. In essence it depends on various areas as
mentioned in detail in paragraph 4.3 Strategy.
Key areas for your Application virtualization strategy are:
What do you want to achieve?, lowering TCO?, business enabler, overall cost of
ownership and cost reducer?
What are the use-cases? and does the use-case require Application virtualization?
Are you investigating a tactical (point) or strategic solution? What do you want to
solve?
What is the strategy around Client Management, PC life Cycle Management, solution
and how does Application virtualization fit?
Is a Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) concept one of the key Access Scenarios?
What is your application delivery model? Is delivery of applications focused on SaaS,
Enterprise, SMB or the Consumer space?
Is a client or agentless Application virtualization solution required?
Do you need to integrate and/or isolate your applications from each other? Do you
need both functionality and how do you manage the application integration?
Whats your overall Application and Desktop Delivery strategy model with
solutions such as Laptop (Offline), Desktop (Online), VDI and SBC? How can Application
virtualization enhance these solutions?
Whats your overall Enterprise Mobility strategy with App-ification, MDM/MAM,
Secure Access, Data Access, Networking, Security and BYO. Enterprise Mobility is an
architectural challenge.
Does the Application virtualization solution offer shared-cache or cache-less
functionality? What is the use-case?
Bottom Line: Whats your current Application and Desktop Delivery
strategy?!
Its important to have a Vision and Strategy around Application and Desktop Delivery.
Designing, building, managing and maintaining the Optimized Desktop infrastructure using the
right Technologies, corresponding vendors and products is an important step.
This whitepaper is a useful resource in this journey!
Keep in mind:
Application virtualization is a solution, providing access to applications and data across
devices is the goal.
Version 4.0
February 2013
Page 54/53
as
PQR B.V.
Rijnzathe 7
3454 PV De Meern
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)30 6629729
Fax: +31 (0)30 6665905
E-mail: [email protected]
www.PQR.com
as
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