Application Virtualization comparison & reviews

Summary
Rank
4th 1st 4th
Score
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Analysis expand by Rory Monaghan by Rory Monaghan by Rory Monaghan
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General expand
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  • Fully Supported
  • Limitation
  • Not Supported
  • Information Only
Pros
  • + Integration with App Volumes and Horizon. Next to App-V, it's the most widely used product.
  • + Highest rate of app compatibility of all virtualization products. The simplest packaging of all products, very little skill required. Native support for drivers. Ability to control isolation or integration of individual files and reg keys. Citrix Ready and SCCM Integrated. Has powershell cmdlets for automation.
  • + Wide range of 3rd party product support for packaging. Focus on accessibility for software developers. Promoted by Microsoft as their future solution.
Cons
  • - Though packaging is pretty streamlined and relatively simple with a series of text files, making updates to large applications requires recompiling the .exe which can take a long time. Development was pretty slow and this was the last product to support 64-bit applications. Newer versions of Office or new Windows Operating System have limited functionality.
  • - Doesn't have a very large online community outside of Software2's recipe library which is not free.
  • - Relatively low success rate. Steep learning curve for the product. Package mitigations require 3rd party products or use of Package Support Framework which is geared more toward developers than IT Pros.
  Content  
  •  
Solution Summary
(score pending)
(score pending)
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Content Creator
(score pending)
(score pending)
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Vendor Specialist
(score pending)
(score pending)
  Assessment  
  •  
Maturity
(score pending)
(score pending)
  Support Status  
  •  
Product is supported (Not End Of Life )
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Under active development
Yes
Yes
Yes
  Maturity  
  •  
Proven technology
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Public enterprise references in Europe
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Public enterprise references in US
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Official training classes available
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Official Certification program: VUE/Prometric
No
No
No
  •  
Public showcase of 25+ applications
Yes
No
No
  •  
Public showcase of 50+ applications
Yes
No
No
  •  
Large community resource
Yes
Yes
No
  Solution licensing  
  •  
Concurrent licensing
Available
Available
Available
  •  
Device licensing
Available
Available
Available
  •  
Unlimited licensing
Available
Available
Available
  •  
Per named user licensing
Available
Available
Available
  •  
Free for personal use
No
No
Technically Yes via Insider
  •  
Services Provider License Agreement
No
Yes
Yes
Virtualization Characteristics expand
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  Isolation  
  •  
Full virtualization/isolation of apps
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Full integration of apps in Operating System
No, three isolation modes available but none to run completely without isolation
Yes
No
  •  
Apps operate with minimal chance of conflicts
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Directory redirection
No
No
No
  •  
Registry redirection
No
No
No
  •  
File redirection
No
No
No
  •  
Files and registry virtualization
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Control isolation per file/registry value
No
Yes
No, can be excluded or included
  •  
Control isolation per folder/registry key
Yes
Yes
No, can be excluded or included
  •  
Intercommunication of virtual environments
Yes
Yes
Coming Soon
  •  
Virtualization in user-mode
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtualization in kernel-mode
No
Yes
Limited, requires elevation
  Packaging  
  •  
Pre-launch and post-exit scripting
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Pre-launch and post-exit scripting, centrally managed
No
Yes
No
  •  
Set virtual app OS requirements
Yes
Yes
Set by Rev number, similar to MSI Schema property
  •  
Set virtual app OS requirements, centrally managed
No
Yes
No
  •  
Set virtual app OS requirements, centrally managed via GUI
No
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual app cannot override GPO
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtual app can override GPO
No
No
No
  •  
Support for virtual app templates
No
Yes
Yes
  •  
Compression of virtual app package
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Packages can be signed (native tools)
Consider Performance Impact
No
Yes
  •  
(Virtual) reboot during packaging supported
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
No limit on package file size
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Unattended application packaging
Yes
Yes
Limited
  •  
Import of MSI packages for conversion
ThinApp Factory
Simple apps only or with automation scripts
No
  •  
User can virtualize apps
No
No
No
  •  
Import other virtual application formats
No
No
No
  •  
No need for clean OS during packaging
Clean OS Required
Yes
You can package multiple times but should be clean
  •  
Virtual package: Save as MSI
Yes
No
No
  •  
Package format is open source
No
No
Yes
  •  
Built-in package encryption
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Show custom message at virtual app launch
Yes
Yes
Not simple but can be created in PSF
  •  
Packager captures installer process
No
Yes
Yes
  •  
Packager captures all processes
Yes
Yes
Yes
  User Experience  
  •  
Windows Explorer context menu integration
No
Yes
No, claim to work but dont appear to work
  •  
User driven application repair
No
User can remove, re-add
Yes
  •  
User settings preserved between app launches
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
User settings can be stored on network
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Local user settings synchronized with the server
No
No
N/A
  •  
Localized client interface available
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
User can easily terminate virtual environment
No
Yes
Yes
  Upgrade  
  •  
Virtual app rollback
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtual app upgrade, centrally managed
Yes, it can be
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtual app upgrade while in use
No
No
No
  •  
Virtual app upgrade using deltas
Yes, with AppSync
Yes
Yes
  •  
App updates via HTTP/S protocol
Can use AppSync utility with ThinApp but its not very flexible
Yes
Technically via URI for Store but limited in how you can deploy
  Compatibility  
  •  
Support for protocol handlers
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Supports roaming user profiles
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Window class isolation
Yes
No
Yes
  •  
Compatible with DRM solution
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Package apps with kernel mode drivers
Not Possible
Yes
No
  •  
Virtualization of user mode services
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtualization of boot time services
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtualization of services that require privilege
Yes
Yes
Can run as LocalSystem,LocalService or Network Service Accounts
  •  
COM virtualization
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
COM+ virtualization
No
Yes
No
  •  
DCOM virtualization
Yes, in most cases
Yes
Yes
  •  
Named pipes isolation
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Network stack isolation
No
No
No
  •  
Support for WinSxS
Yes
Yes
Requires remediation
  •  
Virtualization of fonts on desktops
Yes
Yes
Yes, easier with 3rd party tools
  •  
Virtualization of fonts on terminal server
Yes
Yes
Yes, easier with 3rd party tools
  •  
Start virtual app via RunAs
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Compatible with Windows UAC
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Support for Windows long filenames
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Virtualization of .NET framework
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
MS-DOS app on x32 platform
Yes
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Win16 application on x32 platform
16-bit app do not work in new versions of ThinApp
Supported
Supported
  •  
Win16 application on x64 platform*
Not Supported
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Win32 application on x64 platform
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Win64 application on x64 platform
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Support for virtual drive letters
Supported
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Support for virtual printer drivers
Supported
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Virtualize internationalization & code page
Supported
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Support for virtual drive serial numbers
Supported
Not Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Run multiple versions of IE simultaneous
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual IE 6-10 runs on Win7
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual IE 11 runs on Win7
Yes
No
No
  •  
Virtual IE 6-10 runs on Win7 with local IE 11
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual IE 6-10 runs on Win10
32-bit IE 10 will not work on Windows 8.1 with ThinApp
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual IE 11 runs on Win10
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual IE 6-10 runs on Win10 with local IE 11
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Run virtual app in Windows compatibility mode
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual MS Office 201x without local components
Significant limitations with Office 2013 and 2016 on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 with ThinApp
Yes for 2010, newer versions wont work on newer Windows OS
No
  •  
Virtual host name resolution
No
No
No
  •  
Original Microsoft Windows APIs used by virtual app
Some
Yes
Yes
  •  
Supported in combination with AppLocker
Supported
Yes
Yes
Architecture expand
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  General  
  •  
Create a High Available platform
Yes
Yes
N/A
  •  
Load balancing is part of solution
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
Build in secure client-server communication
Yes, if using a server solution. ThinApp is primarily for producing standalone portable apps
Yes
N/A
  Deployment  
  •  
Stream only initial app launch data at startup
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Native integration with a SCCM\MECM
Yes
Yes
  •  
Native integration with a CMS
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Streaming source based on client IP-subnet
No
No
N/A
  •  
Streaming source centrally managed
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
Offline virtual app usage
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Mobile device enabled
No
No
No
  •  
Virtual app can run embedded inside browser
No
No
No
  •  
Virtual app runs from removable storage, no installs
Yes
No
No
  •  
Virtual app + user settings run from removable storage, no installs
Yes
No
No
  •  
User settings can be stored on cloud storage
Yes
No
  •  
Package is portable, import from removable storage
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
App streaming via HTTP/S protocol
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
App streaming via proprietary protocol
No
No
N/A
  •  
App streaming via SMB
Yes
Yes
N/A
  •  
Solution is client- or agentless
Yes
No
Yes
  •  
Multiple concurrent client or agent versions on the same platform
Yes
No
No
  •  
Memory sharing in multi-user environment
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Client-side persistent cache
No
Yes
Yes
  •  
Centralized shared cache
No
Yes
No
  •  
Block caching by WAN acceleration devices
Yes
Yes
N/A
  •  
Usable with a Content Delivery Network
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
Self provisioning web portal
Yes, if integrated with Horizon
Yes
Yes
  Infrastructure  
  •  
Run virtual apps without directory service req.
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Supported in Novell NDS environment
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Supported in Novell eDirectory environment
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
No need for license service
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
No need for file share
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
No need for dedicated server
Dedicated Server Not Required
Yes
Yes
  •  
Enterprise scalable deployment platform included
Can deploy portable exe and use Reg utility to publish shortcuts
Yes
Yes
  •  
Data store supports: MS SQL Express Edition
Not Applicable
Yes
N/A
  •  
Data store supports: MS SQL
Not Applicable
Yes
N/A
  •  
Data store supports: Oracle
Not Applicable
No
N/A
  •  
Data store supports: IBM DB2
Not Applicable
No
N/A
  •  
Data store supports: MySQL
Not Applicable
Yes
N/A
  •  
Data store is XML based
Not Applicable
No
N/A
  Client platform  
  •  
Support for EN localized operating systems
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Support for EN/DE/FR/ES localized operating systems
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Support for JP/Simple Chinese localized operating systems
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Windows Server 2008 - RDSH
Supported
No
No
  •  
Windows Server 2008R2 - RDSH
Supported
No
No
  •  
Windows Server 2012 - RDSH
Supported
Supported
No
  •  
Windows Server 2012R2 - RDSH
Supported
Supported
No
  •  
Windows Server 2016 – RDSH
Experimental
Supported
No
  •  
Windows Server 2019
Supported
Supported
  •  
Windows Server 2019 - RDSH
Supported
Supported
  •  
Windows 7
Supported
Supported
MSIX Core
  •  
Windows 7 x64
Supported
Supported
MSIX Core
  •  
Windows 8.0 x86
Supported
Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Windows 8.0 x64
Supported
Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Windows 8.1 x86
Supported
Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Windows 8.1 x64
Supported
Supported
Not Supported
  •  
Windows 10 x86
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
Windows 10 x64
Supported
Supported
Supported
  •  
macOS, run virtual apps on MacOS
No
No
  •  
Android, run virtual apps on Android
No
No
  •  
iOS, run virtual apps on iOS
No
No
  •  
Linux, run virtual app native on Linux
CrossOver (limited)
No
No
  Cloud  
  •  
Usable in SaaS scenario
No
Yes
Not streamed but can be published via Web
  •  
Vendor offers cloud hosted service
No
Yes
With MSIX App Attach
  •  
Native integration with cloud hosted storage product(s)
No
No
No
  •  
Amazon Workspaces
Yes
No
Management expand
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  General  
  •  
Central management platform
Yes, if using VMware Horizon to deploy ThinApp apps you have a management platform.
Yes
No
  •  
File type associations centrally managed
No
Yes
No
  •  
File type association managed by user
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Integrate with Programs and features
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
URL redirection to virtual IE; locally configured
Supported
Yes
No
  •  
URL redirection to virtual IE; centrally managed
ThinApp updated .admx
Yes
No
  •  
URL redirection to other virtual browser
Yes
No
No
  •  
Management platform is included
No
Yes
No
  Access Control  
  •  
Role based administration
Role based administration possible when integrated with VMware Horizon
Yes
N/A
  •  
Limit application usage by AD security groups
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Limit application usage by AD computer objects
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Limit application usage by AD OU
No
Yes
No
  •  
Machine targeting, centrally managed
Can be with VMware Horizon
Yes
No
  •  
Machine targeting, target OS, centrally managed
Can be with VMware Horizon
Yes
No
  •  
Machine targeting, targets OS/language/service pack, centrally managed
Can be with VMware Horizon
No
No
  •  
Offline virtual app usage can be time limited
Yes
Yes
No
  Audit  
  •  
Virtual app license metering
No
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual app usage tracking
VMware Horizon can show deployments but not really usage.
Yes
No
  •  
Event logging on client
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Event logging on server
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
Virtual app debugging/diagnostics
Yes
No
Yes
  •  
Pre-packaging diagnostics
No
Yes
Yes
  •  
Post-packaging diagnostics
No
Yes
No
  •  
Virtual app debug options build-in
Yes
No
Yes, PSF
  Scripting and Automation  
  •  
Manage with command line
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Manage with API/WMI
Yes
Yes
No
  •  
Manage client with PowerShell
Yes
Yes
Yes
  •  
Manage server with PowerShell
No
Yes
N/A
  •  
SDK available
Yes
Yes
Yes

Matrix Score

  •  
  •  
  • Microsoft
  • Numecent
  • Microsoft
  •  
  • 4 th
  • 1 st
  • 4 th
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