Application Virtualization Client: What Does It Do?
What is an Application Virtualization Client?
An application virtualization client is a piece of software that’s installed on physical endpoints or clients such as laptops, desktops, tablets, phones, thin clients, and more. It enables these endpoints to run virtual applications. The virtual applications themselves aren’t installed on the endpoint. Instead, they’re hosted on a remote server and delivered to the application virtualization client across a network, like a LAN, or the Internet.
Microsoft App-V, Citrix Virtual Apps, and Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) are just three examples of virtualization solutions that use application virtualization clients.
The application virtualization client runs on the endpoint and communicates with the virtualization software on the server via a remote display protocol, such as Microsoft RemoteFX, Citrix HDX, or other similar methods. Once the virtual application is delivered to it, the client renders the application pixel by pixel and displays it on the endpoint’s screen. As soon as the application is fully rendered, the user can interact with it as if the application was installed locally.
Benefits of Application Virtualization Clients
Because application virtualization clients are an integral component of most virtual application solutions, they’re partly responsible for the benefits offered by these solutions, including:
- Enabling users to run applications that aren’t native to their device’s operating system, such as running Microsoft Word or Excel on a Chromebook or Linux laptop
- Repurposing legacy devices and enabling them to run remote applications
- Enhancing security by storing data on the server instead of the client
- Simplifying administration by centralizing application management and maintenance
Disadvantages and Limitations of Application Virtualization Clients
As with most virtualized applications, applications running on application virtualization clients often run into printing issues. This can be a hassle, especially for remote workers who have to rely on whatever printer’s available in their temporary workspace.
There’s another major disadvantage of a solution that’s totally dependent on an application virtualization client. If a client has not yet been developed for a certain operating system, the virtual applications delivered by that solution won’t be able to run on that particular OS.
How Parallels RAS Can Help
Virtual applications delivered via Parallels RAS are devoid of common printing problems. In fact, they’re able to use almost any printer connected to the local machine. In addition, Parallels RAS enables organizations to deliver their virtual applications to any device, whether it be a PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It can even deliver to several legacy or resource-constricted devices.
Try your 30-day evaluation period of Parallels RAS today!
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