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Compare top tools for deploying virtualized applications
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In-depth ThinApp how to
Learn how to create virtualized apps with VMware ThinApp in this step-by-step guide. Admins need to know how to set up a VM, take snapshots and use the Setup Capture utility. Read Now
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Inside look at how ThinApp works
Virtualizing applications can increase their performance and portability. Find out what makes VMware ThinApp tick and uncover some best practices, including limiting AppLinked packages. Read Now
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App Volumes and ThinApp are a formidable team
VMware App Volumes is useful for groups of virtualized applications, while ThinApp isolates and enables apps companies can't use. Both tools play roles in a well-rounded app virtualization strategy. Read Now
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Can ThinApp measure up to Horizon 6 RDSH?
VMware ThinApp provides application virtualization, but it can't compare to the hosted-app functionality in Horizon 6. Read Now
Editor's note
Organizations looking to deliver virtualized applications have a lot of tools to pick through, but Citrix, Microsoft and VMware app virtualization, remoting and publishing offerings sit at the top of the market.
With these tools, admins can deploy and manage Windows applications and computing resources from the safety of the data center, and users can access those remote apps and data from multiple endpoints.
ThinApp is one of VMware's top application virtualization tools. An agentless tool available as part of the Horizon Suite or as its own product, ThinApp has been around since 2008, but VMware also added an app layering product, App Volumes, and Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) capabilities to the Horizon suite. Microsoft's tool is App-V, with a centralized management console and agent-based installation approach. Finally, Citrix brings XenApp to the table. This virtual app delivery tool notably allows more than one user to independently access a server at the same time.
Find out more about each of these app delivery tools and a few other options before making a decision about how you'll deploy virtualized applications.
1What to expect from Microsoft App-V
Microsoft's App-V app virtualization platform consists of six major components. The Sequencer organizes app files, Windows Installer files and multiple XML files. App-V's Management Server delivers apps to the Desktop Client, which publishes apps on users' endpoints. Admins can deploy applications through the App-V Remote Desktop Services Client to enable shared desktop sessions. App-V's Publishing Server streams apps as part of a virtual app package, and lastly, the Reporting Server delivers reports on what users are doing. Learn even more about what Microsoft App-V can do, how to customize it and when to use it.
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Take control of App-V deployments
By understanding how to deploy App-V virtualized applications, businesses can cut costs and turn IT into a valued business service. Read Now
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When is App-V a good fit?
Microsoft App-V can improve centralized control over complex applications without endpoint installation and management hassles. Read Now
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How to customize App-V
With tools such as Microsoft User Experience Virtualization, admins can tailor the user's App-V experience and manage virtualized applications easier. Read Now
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Four app packaging issues to look out for
Microsoft's App-V Sequencer tool works well for most applications, but not all. Discover some application packaging issues to avoid, including OS compatibility problems. Read Now
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What to do about a migration off App-V
If admins face a migration off an older version of App-V, they must decide whether to upgrade or just switch to a different management platform. Read Now
2Explore XenApp app publishing
Citrix's XenApp tool for app publishing uses Citrix's HDX remote display technologies to deliver multimedia, enable USB redirection, and more. Employees can access XenApp virtualized applications with a range of devices, using Citrix Receiver client software. Explore new features in the latest version of XenApp, find out how to scale the tool and learn how to troubleshoot an HDX outage.
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Upgrades to XenApp 7.7 and 7.8
Citrix has been busy adding new features to XenApp 7.7 and 7.8. Get to know XenApp's new integrations with Microsoft technologies and Citrix's app layering. Read Now
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XenApp vs. Horizon 6 RDSH
Citrix XenApp 7.6 might be the industry leader in app publishing, but VMware has closed the gap by including comparable Remote Desktop Session Host features for app delivery in its Horizon 6 suite. Read Now
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Prepare for Windows apps, not desktops
Windows' future won't be about the desktop. It will be about the applications, and Citrix knows it, based on its decision to bring back standalone XenApp. Read Now
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Make sure XenApp can scale
Admins must be certain their XenApp deployment can scale with users' growth, which includes allocating resources properly and implementing load testing. Read Now
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What to do if XenApp connectivity goes down
If admins have HDX protocol connectivity problems and need to troubleshoot XenApp servers, they should first test TCP port 1494. If that does not identify the issue, turn off Session Reliability. Read Now