Application virtualisation separates applications from the devices and operating systems they run on and the resources they require. Applications become instantly accessible, simpler to manage and, ultimately, more stable.

Application virtualisation can take a number of forms, from those that relocate the application to a central server farm (known as ‘server-based computing’) to those that provide the application within a layer of virtualisation for local execution on a PC or laptop.

• Avoiding expensive hardware refreshes
• Eliminating costly application regression testing
• Reducing or removing deployment costs
• Simplifying application management 

Centralised Virtualised Applications, run on servers inside the data centre, which can be locally managed, making best use of IT resources. This model delivers LAN like speeds even for users on WAN or Internet links and requires only the installation of a simple piece of client software to access all corporate applications. Screenshots, keystrokes and mouse clicks are sent over the network, so end users feel as if applications are running locally. This can extend the useful life of many desktop devices, and significantly reduces the environmental impact of power consumption, heat and noise for Windows based terminals. Where network connectivity to the data centre is unavailable, local application virtualisation equips users with essential applications at the lowest possible cost. Applications no longer need to be installed on the workstation – users simply download and run them. The applications are combined with all the necessary components. Furthermore, no files on the workstation will be altered, so unlike a conventional installation, there is no need to confirm that all previously installed applications still work.

Key Application Questions:
•  What is the current cost of rolling out and patching applications?
•  When rolling out a new application do you need to test your whole estate of    applications for compatibility (regression testing)?
•  Do your remote offices and field based staff experience the same performance    as those in headquarters?
•  How do you provide secure remote access?
•  How often do you perform a hardware refresh of your desktop estate?

Application Virtualisation Benefits:
•  Only the one environment needs to be tested and supported, which is the    centralised server environment in which the applications execute.
•  Applications can be rolled out almost instantly – certainly much faster than if    physically installed.
•  Installations are performed just once, centrally, while patching is simple and    centralised.
•  Instant secure access to applications over the Internet, with a more flexible    workforce.