App Virtualization vs. Desktop Virtualization

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

Businesses seeking to empower remote workforces and streamline operations often face the choice between app virtualization and desktop virtualization. Although these technologies offer similar benefits—such as secure, remote access to software and resources—their core use cases differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help IT managers, MSPs, and ISVs choose the best solution to optimize costs, improve user experiences, and meet unique security and compliance needs. In this post, we’ll compare app virtualization solutions, like GO-Global from GraphOn, with desktop virtualization platforms, such as Citrix DaaS and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS), to identify which approach best fits specific use cases.

What is App Virtualization?

App virtualization is a method of delivering individual applications from a centralized server to remote users, who can then access these applications without needing a complete desktop environment. This technology works by isolating the application from the underlying operating system on the user’s device, which allows apps to run across different operating systems and device types seamlessly.

Example of app virtualization platforms:

• GO-Global: Designed to deliver Windows and Linux applications to users without the need for a full desktop. GO-Global is known for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and low resource requirements.

Typical Use Cases:

1. ISVs and Businesses with Application Needs: GO-Global is ideal for ISVs that want to provide remote access to applications without the complexity of managing a full desktop environment.
2. Cross-Platform Access: Organizations that need their applications to work seamlessly on various devices—such as tablets, smartphones, and PCs—find app virtualization highly beneficial.
3. Simplified Management and Deployment: With a streamlined approach, app virtualization is easier to deploy and maintain, reducing the administrative load for IT teams.

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What is Desktop Virtualization?

Desktop virtualization provides users with a complete desktop environment hosted on a remote server. This environment often mimics the experience of a physical desktop, giving users access to a full operating system and all associated applications. This is especially useful for organizations needing to replicate office desktops for remote workforces, complete with standardized configurations and security policies.

Examples of desktop virtualization platforms:

• Citrix DaaS: Formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, this solution offers a powerful platform for managing virtual desktops and applications. It’s widely used for providing remote workforces with full desktop environments.
• Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS): A cost-effective solution for delivering virtual desktops and applications in Windows environments, suitable for small to medium businesses.

Typical Use Cases:

1. Workforce Needing Full Desktop Access: Ideal for teams who need access to a range of applications and resources that mirror their physical office desktops.
2. Enhanced Environment Control: Desktop virtualization allows for more detailed control over desktop environments, which is crucial for industries with stringent regulatory requirements.
3. IT Control and Scalability: For IT teams that require centralized management of the OS, security policies, and desktop applications, desktop virtualization offers greater administrative control and scalability.

Key Differences Between App and Desktop Virtualization

1. Cost Structure

• App Virtualization: Solutions like GO-Global are generally more cost-effective, as they focus on delivering specific applications rather than full desktop environments. GO-Global’s pricing per concurrent user makes it an attractive option for smaller organizations or ISVs with budget constraints.
• Desktop Virtualization: Citrix DaaS and RDS tend to have higher costs associated with their infrastructure and licensing, as they provide comprehensive desktop environments with multiple applications and OS needs and greater backend requirements.

2. Resource Requirements

• App Virtualization: Requires fewer server resources because only applications, not entire desktops, are being delivered to users. This translates into lower bandwidth and processing demands.
• Desktop Virtualization: Demands higher server capacity, bandwidth, and storage to manage multiple virtual desktops, each running an operating system and multiple applications.

3. End-User Experience

• App Virtualization: Provides quick, lightweight access to applications with minimal lag, which is ideal for users with specific application requirements. GO-Global is optimized for performance, ensuring smooth interactions even over low-bandwidth connections.
• Desktop Virtualization: Offers a fully integrated experience where users can access all their applications and files as if they were on their physical desktops. Citrix DaaS and RDS prioritize delivering this full-desktop experience with high fidelity and security, ideal for users requiring a traditional desktop environment.

4. Maintenance and Management

• App Virtualization: Easier to maintain, as IT teams only manage the application, reducing complexity and time spent on OS patches or full desktop upgrades. GO-Global’s lightweight setup is a particular advantage for small IT teams.
• Desktop Virtualization: Involves higher maintenance, with IT teams managing entire desktop environments, updates, and patches.

Choosing Between App and Desktop Virtualization: Which is Right for You?

Opt for App Virtualization If:

• You need to deliver specific applications rather than a complete desktop environment.
• You’re an ISV or business with remote access needs for a single application.
• You’re looking for a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution.

Example: An independent software vendor (ISV) that wants to deliver their ERP application to customers across various devices without setting up complex virtual desktops would benefit from a solution like GO-Global.

Opt for Desktop Virtualization If:

• You require full desktop access for users, complete with a standardized OS and multiple applications.
• You are delivering a controlled environment internally to employees and want a locked-down desktop environment with more control.
• You need centralized management for larger, more complex IT infrastructures.

Example: A financial services firm with strict data security policies and the need for employees to access a wide range of software in a controlled environment would benefit from Citrix DaaS or RDS.

Conclusion

Both app virtualization and desktop virtualization have distinct advantages and serve different purposes. App virtualization, exemplified by GO-Global, is well-suited for ISVs focusing on delivering specific applications to users in a cost-effective and easy-to-manage format. Meanwhile, desktop virtualization solutions like Citrix DaaS and RDS are essential for organizations requiring comprehensive virtual desktop environments.

By understanding your organization’s needs, budget, and IT capabilities, you can confidently choose the right solution to streamline access, enhance productivity, and improve user satisfaction.

If you're an ISV looking to utilize App Virtualization technology in a hosted environment, see how ISVHost can help you meet those goals.

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