Novell ZENWORKS APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION 8.0 - 04-12-2010 User Manual page 10

Novell ZENworks Application Virtualization
2.7 How is application virtualization different from application
streaming?
application virtualization is related to application streaming systems such as Microsoft's SoftGrid in that
virtualization takes place at the application level. However, unlike application streaming systems, application
virtualization:
Does not require any specialized streaming servers: Streaming systems use specialized streaming servers to

deliver application blocks to clients. ZENworks virtual applications are designed to stream to clients using
standard SMB-based file shares, allowing them to be hosted on any Windows host, DFS share, or Linux
Samba server.
Does not require any client installation or device drivers: Streaming systems require that specialized client

software be installed on each end-user device before clients can access hosted applications. Some streaming
systems further require installation of client device drivers before use. Because the ZENworks application
virtualization engine kernel is embedded and implemented entirely in user mode, ZENworks virtual
applications run immediately, with no client installation or device drivers.
Works both offline and online: Many streaming systems require that clients be connected to the streaming

server to access applications. Because ZENworks virtual applications are standalone executables, virtual
applications can be copied to laptops, USB keys, and other mobile devices for execution both on and off the
network.
Does not require any additional server systems: Most streaming solutions require that Active Directory or

other infrastructure services be deployed as a prerequisite to application deployment. Because ZENworks
virtual applications are standalone executables, no separate server systems need be purchased or deployed.
Note that ZENworks virtual applications can optionally be configured to take advantage of Active Directory
and SMS infrastructure, if these are present.
application virtualization can be used in concert with application streaming systems: Virtualized applications can
themselves be streamed, combining the network transport optimizations of the streaming solution with the
isolation, compatibility, and offline execution capabilities of application virtualization. This approach also allows
enterprises with a heterogeneous IT infrastructure to enjoy the advantages of application virtualization, even in
their non-Active Directory environments.
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