Application delivery
There are numerous ways to deliver virtual applications, but IT needs to give this process plenty of attention to ensure a strong plan. Whether an organization has virtual applications as part of the desktop OS, only delivers the application once a user opens it, or layers the virtual app, IT needs to provide the back-end support for delivery.
Top Stories
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Tip
24 Sep 2025
Comparing VDI software from Omnissa and Citrix
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Omnissa Horizon -- formerly VMware Horizon -- can simplify VDI management for IT. Discover the key differences between the vendors' offerings. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Sep 2025
Omnissa found its voice in the post-VMware era
Omnissa One 2025 highlighted developments like App Volumes for physical devices and server management in Workspace One. This is a big shift from previous vague announcements. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2025
How to install and set up MSIX and msixbundle
IT admins should know that one of the simplest ways to deploy Windows applications across a fleet of managed desktops is with an MSIX bundle and MSIX files. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
Comparing MSI vs. MSIX
While MSI was the preferred method for distributing enterprise applications for decades, the MSIX format promises to improve upon the deployment process. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2025
What is app virtualization (application virtualization)?
App virtualization (application virtualization) is the installation of an application on one computer and enabling an end user's client computer to remotely access that application. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2025
Evaluating tablets as thin clients in the enterprise
There are numerous options for thin client hardware including dedicated thin clients and retired PCs, but the evolution of tablets makes them viable as virtual desktop endpoints. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2025
What is a roaming profile, and how does it work?
Though newer tools are available, a Microsoft roaming profile is a simple and time-tested way to manage a user's profile across physical and virtual desktop environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2025
Running GPU passthrough for a virtual desktop with Hyper-V
IT needs to deliver quality to UX for desktops users, and sometimes edge cases arise. For example, they might need to configure GPU passthrough for power user virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2025
How to create and manage Azure Virtual Desktop golden images
With the help of golden images, virtual desktop administrators can deliver a secure and up-to-date system with all that end users need. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Intune key comparisons
This evaluation of Configuration Manager and Intune outlines the key features, pros and cons so admins know which tool -- or a combination of both -- is the best management choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2024
How to install Homebrew on macOS for software distribution
Organizations that want to automate software distribution can use package managers such as Homebrew to simplify their business software deployment process. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
tensor processing unit (TPU)
A tensor processing unit (TPU) is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) specifically designed to accelerate high-volume mathematical and logical processing tasks typically involved with machine learning (ML) workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2024
Learning the features and limitations of MSIX app attach
With MSIX app attach, IT can deploy and perform various management tasks for Windows applications. Despite new features, this tool still has some limitations. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a Windows server role that can plan, manage and deploy updates, service packs, patches and hotfixes for Windows servers, client operating systems (OSes) and other Microsoft software. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jun 2024
Can a virtual machine get a virus like a desktop can?
There is a perception that virtual machines are completely secure and immune to all malware, but the reality of virtual machine security is much more complicated. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2024
10 enterprise patch management best practices
It might not be the most exciting responsibility, but the value of a well-executed patch management strategy can't be denied. Use these best practices to build a smooth process. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2024
Salesforce users empowered to build no-code Einstein Copilots
Salesforce admins and developers can build custom generative AI assistants for workflows across the platform for sales, service, marketing and e-commerce. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2024
Can users run Windows 365 on Android and iOS?
While laptops and PCs are the most common business endpoints to access desktops from, some users might benefit from delivering desktops to mobile endpoints such as iOS and Android. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
How to run Windows 365 on a Chromebook
Windows 365 running on a Chromebook is a viable option for IT teams seeking a lower-cost and easy-to-maintain endpoint option for their end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2024
How to deploy Office productivity apps on Chromebooks
Web app versions of the Microsoft Office productivity suite lack some features, so IT teams should learn how to deliver the full versions of the apps to systems such as ChromeOS. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Aug 2023
Google builds Cameyo app virtualization into ChromeOS
Google removes a significant barrier to ChromeOS adoption by partnering with Cameyo to deliver Windows applications -- SaaS, legacy, custom or otherwise -- natively to Chromebooks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
Comparing DaaS vs. SaaS and how they work
There are many services organizations can purchase to simplify business processes and IT management, and DaaS and SaaS are two of the most common examples. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Jul 2023
Windows apps are here to stay, and that's OK
Windows applications are essential to so many businesses, so IT teams need a comprehensive strategy that can handle all types of applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2023
Citrix XenApp
Citrix XenApp, now called Citrix Virtual Apps, was a product that extends Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host (formerly known as Terminal Services) desktop sessions and applications to users through the Citrix HDX protocol. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022
Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered? Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2023
Parallels
Parallels is a software company best-known for its software that allows users to run Microsoft Windows systems on Apple Macintosh computers. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2023
Microsoft App-V (Microsoft Application Virtualization)
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) is an application virtualization client that makes an application available to end users without installing it on a personal computer (PC). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
software engineering
Software engineering is the process of developing, testing and deploying computer applications to solve real-world problems by adhering to a set of engineering principles and best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2023
Azure Virtual Desktop sizing guide for IT
Deploying Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) can provide synergy across Microsoft services, but there are decisions that IT must make to determine the capacity of the environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is an application-level network communication system that transfers real-time data from multimedia to an endpoint device by communicating directly with the server streaming the data. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2023
Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH)
Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) is a role in Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2023
Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is an umbrella term for features of Microsoft Windows Server that allow users to remotely access graphical desktops and Windows applications. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2023
Thousands of Citrix, Tibco employees laid off following merger
Cloud Software Group lays off 2,250 workers following major changes to sales and product development after merging Citrix Systems with Tibco Software. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2022
data transfer rate (DTR)
The data transfer rate (DTR) is the amount of digital data that's moved from one place to another in a given time. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
Automating testing and delivery for virtual apps and desktops
One of the many tasks that come with maintaining a virtual environment is the testing and delivery of virtual apps and desktops. Learn how automation can help these processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2022
How do Citrix and VMware's on-premises VDI costs compare?
To compare Citrix vs. VMware for VDI pricing, organizations must understand how some of their features impact costs. Learn how aspects like the hypervisor factor into VDI pricing. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2022
What are the best application delivery services and methods?
With the help of different application delivery services, IT teams can deliver a quality user experience to workers, but these services are best suited to specific use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2022
What are the key differences between DaaS and VPN?
VPN and DaaS can both give remote access to corporate resources, but they differ in key ways. IT admins should consider these factors when making the decision of DaaS vs. VPN. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Mar 2022
What do GPUs do in your data center?
Though developed to handle complex graphics rendering calculations, GPUs now handle a variety of tasks in the data center. Learn what they can do for you. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2022
Samsung extends VMware Horizon to second screen
People running VMware’s virtual desktop on Samsung’s smartphones and tablets can access Windows on both the device and an attached monitor to increase productivity. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2021
application layering (app layering)
Application layering (app layering) is a technology for delivering virtual applications that run in layers separate from a virtual desktop, but interact with the operating system and other apps as if they are installed natively on the base image. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2020
Security, productivity key desktop virtualization benefits
According to a survey conducted by Enterprise Strategy Group, IT pros pointed to security, productivity and IT efficiency as the virtualization benefits driving VDI and DaaS adoption. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2020
5 tips to optimize CAD application performance for VDI
CAD applications that run on VDI require special treatment on the back end by admins, and this video explains how IT can optimize CAD performance for remote and local users. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2020
Cameyo NoVPN removes a remote work bottleneck
Cameyo's NoVPN provides secure employee access to internally hosted apps without taxing corporate VPNs that are already strained by the remote work explosion. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Mar 2020
AR and VR for business: Considerations for virtualization, and where VMware sits
Rachel Berry looks at how VMware seems best poised to lead the way when it comes to AR/VR streaming, and she also talks with Ben Jones of The GRID Factory. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2020
Citrix enacted remote work during China's coronavirus crisis
The new coronavirus has begun to affect how U.S. companies are thinking about remote work. In this Q&A, Citrix's James Singh talks about how the company faced this problem in China -- and made it work. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Jan 2020
How to use Liquidware FlexApp for virtual app layering
The Liquidware FlexApp tool allows IT to manage virtual apps more effectively, including fewer master desktop images and pushing out updates to in-use layered virtual apps. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2019
Citrix-AWS ties bolstered to make hybrid cloud a reality
A new Citrix-AWS partnership could simplify application delivery. Analysts describe the news as sensible for the two companies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Dec 2019
Vendor briefing notes: A look at Cameyo, which provides remote apps from the cloud
Cameyo also touts extensive G Suite integration, Azure support, and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2019
Explore pros and cons of virtual application streaming
There are multiple ways to deliver virtual applications, and app streaming is one of them. Find out what app streaming means in a virtual desktop infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2019
Virtual application delivery methods to know
It can be intimidating to choose the best virtual application delivery method. Take a look at the different options to determine the best one for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2019
How app layering can overcome app virtualization challenges
App layering allows IT to manage applications independently. Learn about the other benefits of app layering and how it differs from application virtualization. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2019
GPU use gains traction in VDI deployments
The ability to share GPUs among multiple virtual desktop instances has contributed to a rise in GPU use in many VDI deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
How to accommodate mobile VDI users' application access
IT faces an uphill battle when deploying virtual desktops to mobile devices due to compatibility issues. Virtualization platforms help IT address these problems. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2018
How does Microsoft RemoteApp server-based virtualization work?
With RemoteApp, users can access virtual apps that reside in a data center or in a cloud-based VM rather than locally on their devices. The app still behaves as though it's local. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2018
Client and server-based virtual application delivery methods
IT pros can deliver virtual apps to users with a client-based or server-based approach. The main difference is where the data lives. Continue Reading
- 27 Nov 2018
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Integrate legacy Windows applications with modern device capabilities
Enabling virtual desktop users to open apps in the format that allows the apps to function best would be ideal, but there's work to do to enable this capability. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Oct 2018
Are application layers always a good idea?
App layering, which separates apps from the underlying OS, helps IT in several ways, including allowing it to deliver apps to specific groups, but it's not always a great fit. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Oct 2018
How are application layering and app virtualization different?
If IT pros effectively use either app layering or app virtualization, they can simplify management while improving the end-user experience. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Oct 2018
How can IT improve its virtual application capacity plan?
When IT deploys virtual apps, it must plan for the applications' capacity needs. Two common planning methods are monitoring app performance and load simulation. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Sep 2018
Does application container technology differ from virtualization?
When delivering virtual apps to users, IT has a few options up its sleeve, including containers, which isolate the app from the OS and other applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Aug 2018
How does a client-based application with Microsoft App-V work?
The app virtualization world is confusing. Get some clarity on how client-based app deployment works by taking a closer look at Microsoft App-V. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
4 non-Windows applications VDI shops must account for
VDI shops must manage more than just traditional Windows apps in today's enterprise. They must also address Apple-specific apps, as well as mobile-first apps and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Aug 2018
What’s the state of application layering in 2018?
Application layering has arrived. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2018
Put application virtualization products under the microscope
Get to know the four main components that make up any app virtualization product, including client access, management and monitoring, and the delivery infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2018
How should IT evaluate application virtualization products?
When picking an application virtualization tool, IT pros must understand the app types they are dealing with, determine their security needs and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2018
Get the scoop on elastic application layers from Citrix
IT pros can use Citrix Elastic Layering to target apps to specific users. However, it's important to know when and where to use Elastic Layering, as well the potential problems. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2018
Six ways to simplify Citrix App Layering
App layering can deliver a lot of benefits to IT administrators, but only if they know how to keep management simple. Start by understanding ELMs and keeping Windows up to date. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2018
XenApp 6.5 end of life spurs IT to rethink app delivery
A few factors come into play that may make a XenApp migration not as easy as it looks for some organizations. Planning and testing will help IT handle version 6.5 end of life. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2018
How to deploy GPU-enabled virtual applications
More apps are graphics-intensive than ever before. As a result, VDI shops must know the steps it takes to deliver said apps to users without too much hassle. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Feb 2018
The evolution of the application performance management tool
As apps evolve, the tools IT uses to manage them have to as well. App virtualization in particular has altered management needs by requiring that IT be able to see into the entire app stack. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2017
Rise of the graphics-intensive mainstream apps
VDI shops can no longer assume mainstream apps, such as Microsoft Office, do not require GPUs. This type of app, as well as websites and more, are increasingly graphics-intensive. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Apr 2017
When should IT choose desktop delivery over published apps?
IT admins have to decide between delivering full virtual desktops or virtual apps. Once they decide that, there's still the question of choosing on-premises or cloud-based. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2017
How to decide to deliver apps through VDI vs. installing them locally
Admins have a tough choice in how they deliver new apps to their users. In some situations it's better to do it through VDI while in others its best to install them locally. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Nov 2016
"I Can’t Print!" Short answers to complex Citrix printing issues
Printing can still be hard, but in this article Jo Harder shares some advice from her highly-rated BriForum session. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Sep 2016
NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel: How they do their GPU virtualization
With three companies competing in the virtual GPU market, let's take a look at the key features between them and how they virtualize GPUs. Continue Reading
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Guide
20 Oct 2015
Everything you need to know about GPU virtualization
GPU virtualization makes virtual desktops a strong option for users who need graphics-intensive apps, because this technology moves graphics rendering to the data center. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Jul 2015
Running Windows desktop apps on mobile devices gets easier
Today, admins can choose from a combination of virtualization, refactoring, secure containers and GPU virtualization to deliver Windows apps on mobile devices with a decent user experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2015
How to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, step by step
It's fairly easy to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, you just need to know a few basic steps, including setting up a VM, taking snapshots and using the Setup Capture utility to run scans. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2015
Let their powers combine: Use Intune, RemoteApp combo for virtual app delivery
Microsoft Intune, App-V and RemoteApp all let you deliver apps to mobile devices, but no one approach is perfect. A combination of Intune and RemoteApp for virtual app delivery can work well. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Mar 2015
Benefits and disadvantages of virtual mobile infrastructure
Virtual mobile infrastructure lets you run mobile applications in your data center and take advantage of some of the same benefits as VDI, but it also comes with similar drawbacks, such as offline access issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Sep 2014
ThinApp vs. XenApp: What's the difference?
ThinApp and XenApp are both application virtualization tools. They do basically the same thing, they just come from different vendors. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2013
Citrix kills its Application Streaming feature, directs users to App-V
Citrix has officially ceased development and support for its Application Streaming feature, and has directed IT pros to use Microsoft App-V instead. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2013
Application virtualization comparison: XenApp vs. ThinApp vs. App-V
App streaming and virtualization tools differ when it comes to portability, offline capabilities and more. Get to know application presentation tools from Citrix, VMware and Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2012
Application virtualization Q&A: Streaming and remote app delivery
Application virtualization can simplify upgrading and management. Just remember, streaming and remote apps are two different things. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2012
Reverse seamless windows: The secret to local apps on remote desktops
Some apps just run better as local applications. Reverse seamless windows technology allows you to run apps locally while presenting them on remote desktops. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2011
Google Chrome OS vs. Chromium OS: Understanding the difference
Before buying Google Chromebooks, learn the difference between Chrome and Chromium -- the free HTML5 browsers and OSes you can use to check out desktop virtualization clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2011
The pros and cons of using hosted apps in the enterprise
Hosted applications can reduce IT management burdens, but they can leave you at the mercy of service providers. Here are the pros and cons to weigh before moving to the cloud. Continue Reading
