Application virtualization is typically used to describe a product that packages applications into network-accessible objects and delivers them to client (or terminal server) operating systems capable of executing the application locally inside of an isolation environment (in order to limit dependency on the underlying OS). Such products include Citrix Application Streaming (a feature of XenApp aka Presentation Server), Microsoft App-V (aka SoftGrid), and VMware ThinApp. Each of them are designed mostly with the same result in mind, though each product has its own ‘quirks’.

Client Application Delivery Methods

Methods of delivering client applications (whether directly installed or virtual) include ‘thick’ clients (local execution), terminal services, VDI or blade computing. Thus, the term ‘application delivery’ relates to how users receive or gain access to their applications.

These technologies (application virtualization and application delivery) are complimentary, not exclusive, and successful solutions typically incorporate more than one product or methodology.

That said, each of the three major application virtualization products have their own benefits, typically related to licensing expenses and the bundling of such products with other solutions already in place. Business drivers and technology initiatives make up the rest of the equation.

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack from App-V

For instance, an organization who acquires all of their desktop licensing through a Microsoft volume program and also acquires the Desktop Optimization Pack receives use privileges for App-V. Unless this particular organization is under a mandate for SBC, they aren’t tossing out their desktops and as such will utilize the features they have already paid for. Conversely, organizations using XenApp with enterprise or platinum CALs receive usage rights for Citrix Application Streaming and wouldn’t have a need to purchase App-V for TS.

Citrix Application Streaming using XenApp

Citrix has put forth large efforts to incorporate multiple delivery methods into a single consistent interface for users. Application Streaming can be performed directly to desktops or indirectly through a XenApp presentation session using the same web-accessible interface (and the intelligence for ‘dual-mode’ streaming is centralized in the farm to prevent the user from having to figure it out). No one else has accomplished that type of integration yet.

DedicatedIT: Virtualization Experts for Miami to Palm Beach

Virtualization and desktop delivery are specialties within specialties. Make sure your South Florida virtualization consultant has experience in addition to certifications.