An Application Virtualization Overview

Confused about application virtualization? You aren't alone. Application virtualization is an extremely hot topic right now, but it doesn't usually get as much attention or exposure as the server virtualization camps such as VMware, Microsoft, and Xen.

Ruben Spruijt recently wrote an article in the Dutch Lanvision magazine discussing this very subject - application virtualization. In the article, he attempts to compare Microsoft SoftGrid, Altiris SVS and Citrix Streaming Server.

In it, he writes:

What is Application Virtualisation? By using application virtualisation, you can use Windows applications without having to change anything in the local operating system, let alone install application software at the workstation. In other words: the application is executed, stores data and prints as if it has been installed locally, without having to modify the local client. Sources such as the CPU, memory, hard disks, and network cards are used for the execution of the application.

Why application virtualisation?

• Applications will no longer have to be installed on the clients
  
• Conflicts between applications are a thing of the past
  
• It eliminates the need for regression testing
  
• It is possible to use different versions of applications simultaneously
  
• Support for Web, Client-Server and Server Based Computing applications
  
• Consolidation of Terminal Servers, more different applications possible
  
• Fast roll-out and upgrade of applications
  

Each application virtualisation solution will try to realise what has been mentioned above in a different way. To be able to choose the right solution it is necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of it.

There are three developers of serious application virtualisation software that are already supplying this software or will be supplying it in the near future:

• Citrix Streaming Server (a.k.a. project Tarpon)
  
• Altiris Software Virtualization Solution (SVS)
  
• Microsoft Softricity (SoftGrid and ZeroTouch)
  

For each solution, the article will clearly explain:

• The essence of the solution
  
• Applicability
  
• Architecture
  
• Strong and weak points
  
• Licensing
  

You can read the entire article, here.

Posted by David Marshall on December 3, 2006 05:46 PM