In a new VMware View end-user training environment, complications may arise when previously added applications need to be updated, patched or installed on the original gold template desktop. If a class calls for the availability of multiple versions of the same application, there are only two delivery methods: Deploy two different desktops for each student or introduce application virtualization.
Application virtualization is not a new concept. Citrix has been supplying application streaming for years. VMware ThinApp, Citrix XenApp and Microsoft App-V -- formerly SoftGrid -- are application virtualization providers. While each vendor has its own advantages, this tip focuses specifically on VMware ThinApp application virtualization.
The ThinApp product has three features that benefit the training environment:
ThinApp encapsulates the entire application in a single file -- with no ties into the underlying operating system.
It can deliver the application using various methods such as file share, local directory and email.
It allows linking between multiple applications.
These features create a static desktop environment that allows students to work on multiple versions of one application simultaneously. This classroom environment setup, a "training nirvana" as I call it, saves the trainer a great deal of time when preparing the classroom.
Application delivery methodsWhen using ThinApp for a training environment, the instructor must create a new package containing the application for classroom use. The easiest method to deliver the application to students is to place the package on a file share that's accessible to all desktops. If the file share is used as the delivery mechanism, there is no need to rollout a new set of desktops -- except when a new version of the OS is required or a patch is needed.
The other method of delivery involves installing the application package on each desktop. This process can be completed by using ThinApp's Update Management feature. The ThinApp package contains a small piece of code that contacts the ThinApp server every time the application is started. New application patches can then be streamed to the package. This method is useful for training situations in which the application package is required on the desktop.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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Hello Tushar,
ReplyDeleteGreat article. You point out an excellent use case for virtualization. Given your interest in virtualization, I was hoping I could interest you in getting more information regarding the products we offer at Symantec from our EndPoint Virtualization group. We have a full range of virtualization technologies that cover just about any use case. Between our streaming, virtualization and corporate/remote offerings, we can package, deploy, manage licenses, manage desktops, provide isolation, enable virtual app layer upgrades, enable virtual workspaces, single-sign on, provide remote connectivity, etc.
By the way, Symantec won Infoworld’s Technology of the year for virtualization and streaming against AppV and Thinapp. When you considering who we are up against, it's really impressive all that we have accomplished and it becomes very intersting when you also take into consideration that we are only getting started.
If you have the time please take a look at these links:
Product Pages:
http://www.symantec.com/business/endpoint-virtualization-suite
Brian Duckering discusses saving money with our products
http://www.symantec.com/podcasts/detail.jsp?podid=ent-endpoint_virtualization_duckering
Customer Success Story:
http://www.symantec.com/business/solutions/customer_success/detail.jsp?cid=genesys_health
Gene Kupfer
Sr. Technical Support Engineer
Symantec EndPoint Virtualization
Thanks Gene for interest and comment.
ReplyDeleteSeems like virtualization is going to be a hot battle ground for the giants!!
Well, I have successfully downloaded from all the links but I am facing issue while downloading from 1st link "Software Virtualization Solution 2.1 SP2 Integrated Installation"
7U$H@R
Thank you very much for checking this out Tushar. I notified the appropriate folks that the link is broken. If you are just looking to test out the virtualization product, you actually don't need this piece since it's an add-on to manage from the Altiris Console w/Notification Server. You can just grab "Software Virtualization Solution 2.1 SP2 MP2".
ReplyDeleteYou can also take a look at our community site "https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/" for more info and dicussions. If you need any help with these products or have any questions, please let me know and I will try to be of as much assistance as possible. If you like, you can send me a note over the Connect community site to exchange email addresses. My profile URL is "https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/user/genek". You'll need to register (it's free) to see the option to send a message.
Have a great day!
Gene Kupfer
Sr. Technical Support Engineer
Symantec EndPoint Virtualization
Thanks Gene, I will try it out and will let you know about my experience.
ReplyDelete7U$H@R