Application Virtualization 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 user’s machine and run in an isolation environment. Applications become an on-demand service that is always available and up to date. Caching technology makes the application available even when not connected to the network.

Application streaming

The application streaming technology in Citrix XenApp™, extends IT’s ability to manage and deliver Windows®-based applications centrally to any user. Applications are streamed to a client device and run in a protected, virtual environment. Users have access to applications whenever and wherever they want — even when they are not connected to a network. Applications are cached locally in an isolation environment, rather than installed on the device, which eliminates application delivery conflicts and the need for extensive regression testing.

Three steps to application virtualization

• Profile application – Application is packaged using the Installer and Profiler tools, which determine the components and the system resources the application requires, and then define a set of rules for running the application in isolation on the endpoint device. The resulting package is a standard cabinet (.CAB) file that is transparent and is easy to work with and debug. The application package is stored in the Application Hub, the same place all XenApp-delivered applications are stored.

• User requests application – The application package is published to a regular network file share, just like with XenApp.  No proprietary tools or storage systems are required.  Authorized users can start streaming the application simply by clicking on their desktop icon. The application is cached locally, but it is not installed. It runs in isolation, without interfering with other applications on the same device.

• Deliver application to local device – Applications behave just like they were installed locally, but without any of the problems of installation. Files are saved locally and individual settings are preserved. Every time the application is run, it checks for errors or updates and delivers them automatically. The application is managed centrally, but can be used even when disconnected from the network.