Cloud Computing: Application Virtualization with Parallels RAS
Last updated on September 4, 2021
As the name suggests, application virtualization is the process of virtualizing applications. In a traditional environment, applications run over an existing operating system and uses its underlying hardware resources. Application virtualization, on the other hand, encapsulates the application. Doing this separates the application from the underlying operating system, giving access to the application without having to install it over a native device with a particular operating system.
Needless to state, application virtualization allows cross-platform operation, application portability, and the ability to run multiple application instances with ease.
Cloud Computing Service Models
The three cloud computing service models and their differences are illustrated in the table below:
| Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) | Platform as a Service (PaaS) | Software as a Service (SaaS) | |
| Service Offering | Networking, storage, and virtualization | Hardware and software tools | Software that is made available via a third-party |
| Delivery | Cloud-based, pay-as-you-go service | Over the internet | Over the internet |
| Characteristics | – Resources are available as a service
– Highly scalable services that are dynamic and flexible – Multiple users can access a single piece of hardware – Organizations retain control of the infrastructure – Cost depends on consumption |
– Built on virtualization, and resources can be scaled up or down as per business needs – Provides services to assist the development of – Numerous users can access the same development – Integrates both databases and web services |
– Managed centrally
– Hosted over a remote server – Hardware and software updates are done by the provider |
| Limitations | – Apps, data, middleware, and OS is in control of the customer, but this can still lead to an insider threat or system vulnerabilities being introduced into the system – IaaS solutions require minor enhancements to run legacy – Hardware resources were dynamically allocated across – Effectively managing the infrastructure requires |
– Since data resides in third-party, vendor controlled servers, data security can prove to be a limitation. – Organizations may suffer from vendor lock-in – The integration between data stored in an onsite data – PaaS solutions might not always be optimized for – PaaS solutions tend to limit the operational capabilities |
– Limited integration capabilities with existing apps and services. – Organizations may suffer from vendor lock-in – Lack of integration support – Continuous transfer of large volumes of sensitive – Offer minimal customization opportunities by instead |
| Advantages | – The most flexible and scalable computing model
– Easy deployment of networking, servers, storage, and – Resources can be purchased as needed, and hardware can be – Clients retain control of the infrastructure |
– Scalable and highly available
– Simple, cost-effective solution – Easy migration to the hybrid model – Automation of business policies is easier – Customization of apps is easy for developers – The amount of coding needed is significantly reduced |
– Cost-effective solution
– Reduces money and time spent on installing and upgrading – Frees up the time spent by technical staff to manage |
| Usability | Best suited for:
– Startups and small companies to avoid spending time and – Large companies to retain control over infrastructure and – Companies with a potential for rapid growth |
Best suited for:
– Streamlining workflows when multiple developers are – Where speed and flexibility is a concern – For rapid development and deployment of apps |
Best suited for:
– Small companies or startups – Short-term projects – Applications that are not used often – Applications requiring web and mobile access |
| Examples | Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Metacloud, Google Compute Engine (GCE) |
AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Windows Azure, Google App Engine, OpenShift |
Google Workspace, Cisco WebEx, Dropbox, Salesforce |
Delivering Application Virtualization through Cloud Computing
Application virtualization is the process of allowing applications to run on end-user devices as if they were locally installed. Applications might be delivered as a combination of application and associated infrastructure as a single subscription service, or as a service that provides both management and infrastructure. The former one fits into the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) category while the latter one is referred to as a managed services provider.
Delivering application virtualization through the cloud computing service model of SaaS usually pertains to web applications because of its independence with underlying OSes. SaaS revolutionizes how applications are deployed, thus avoiding the challenges associated with application conflicts. Central management of software and user access allows applications to be deployed and updated effectively and quickly.
Application virtualization has the following features:
- Never conflicting since they are never installed
- Available on ay PC and lockdown enabled
- Minimizes testing and reduces imaging
The different approaches used to virtualize applications in the SaaS model are;
- Standalone: Applications are encapsulated in a single executable that can be deployed using USB, CDROM, Local Disk o management tools.
- Streaming: Applications are encapsulated in a single file, located on the network, and only blocks needed to run the application are copied to the local cache during runtime.
- Central Controlled Access: Applications are distributed using a central deployment tool, and a local agent is required on the endpoint. These applications are deployed as executables or as shortcuts (in which case streaming is used).
The different methods of application virtualization are:
- Agent-less: Uses embedded virtual OS that is deployed as a part of the virtualized application. These applications are encapsulated and can run as standalone executable using network drives, local drives, or USB drives.
- Agent-based: Uses a combination of packaged or profiled application along with a locally installed agent on the endpoint, and a centralized delivery server. Agent-based hence essentially means that the agent must be available before running virtualized applications.
About Parallels RAS
Efficiently deliver Windows applications hosted on hypervisors and Windows remote desktop servers to any device, anywhere. By hosting applications in the private cloud, businesses benefit from reduced administration and help desk support time and can easily control access to applications.
Parallels RAS has extensive experience supporting the education segment. Educational institutions rely on Parallels RAS to deliver Microsoft Office applications to Apple or Chrome OS, increasing the productivity of staff and students without increasing licensing costs. Parallels RAS has helped many institutions and organizations get the maximum possible benefit from the private cloud. Learn More.
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References:
Microsoft Azure | Azure Services
Wikipedia | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
TechTarget | https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing
Salesforce | https://www.salesforce.com/what-is-cloud-computing/
PC Mag | https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372163,00.asp
