Overview

Architecture

Features

Tech Resources

 

Citrix XenApp™ is a Windows(r) application virtualization solution that centralizes application management in the datacenter and delivers applications on-demand to users anywhere using any device. Utilizing integrated application virtualization technology, XenApp overcomes the challenges associated with archaic application deployment methods to reduce the cost of application management by up to 50 percent, deliver applications instantly to users and secure application access.

 

The Trouble with Traditional Application Deployment

Traditional application management enables application deployment to users via remote installation technologies. This archaic method of application management entails:

1. Creating multiple pre-configured application installation packages for each operating system
2. Testing and troubleshooting these application packages against various user configurations to draw out inter-application and platform compatibility issues
3. Re-testing each application package on each operating system or user configuration
4. Scheduling remote application deployment to specific user groups
5. Troubleshooting failed application deployment and compatibility issues
6. Repeating the process with each application update

As a method of application management, application deployment is mired by a number of challenges including compatibility issues between applications, application packaging and remote install reliability issues, platform support limitations, and the fact that all user devices must be managed PC’s or a member of the domain. Furthermore, there are many hidden costs which can almost double the expense of application management when compared to modern application packaging and delivery methods. These include higher hardware and support costs as well as significant business inefficiencies related to lack of IT agility.

The Solution: Virtualizing applications with XenApp

In contrast to application deployment, application virtualization with Citrix XenApp is a more modern method of application management. The process of delivering virtual applications with Citrix XenApp is similar to that of traditional application deployment with some noticeable differences and benefits as follows:

1. With a virtual application, a single package is created vs. the multiple packages needed to support multiple operating systems with application deployment.
2. Testing and troubleshooting virtual applications is far easier and takes less time because fewer user configurations need testing when compared to traditional application deployment and installation solutions.
3. Virtual application packages are delivered on-demand as opposed to traditional application deployment which is scheduled for installation during off-peak hours. This ensures that all users get the applications they need when they need them.
4. Troubleshooting is far easier when virtualizing applications because issues are corrected once and are fixed for all users instantly. Self-healing technology means that virtual applications will always run as if they were freshly installed. This is in contrast to traditional application deployment where issues must be resolved individually on each user device and where correcting problems can sometimes require a fresh installation.
5. Application virtualization is far less resource intensive than application deployment because updates are configured once and propogate to all users instantly.

Virtualizing applications with XenApp delivers users the applications they need on-demand and avoids many of the problems associated with traditional application deployment. In fact, Citrix XenApp has been shown to reduce application management costs by up to 50%.

Learn more about application virtualization with XenApp

• How application virtualization works in Citrix XenApp
• Learn more about how virtualizing applications increases application compatibility
• Learn more about the XenApp application management architecture
• Learn more about application management with XenApp and Terminal Services
• Learn about application management for small business with XenApp Fundamentals