Press Release
AppStream.NOW v4.6 Now Available
Simplified Administration of Software Deployment and License Management
Reduce the cost of desktop software & deployment by 25 to 50%
Palo Alto, Calif. June 8, 2005 — AppStream, Inc., today announced the availability of version 4.6 of AppStream.NOW, its award-winning software distribution and license management platform for the enterprise. The new version includes enhanced administration functionality that reduces IT efforts in preparation, distribution, and management of software provisioning and compliance. The effort required to perform these functions has been reduced significantly by cutting in half the amount of time to package and test applications for distribution.
"With this release we have focused on the administration aspects that simplify an IT department's work in software deployment and management," said Srinivasa Venkataraman, AppStream's Executive Vice President of Products. "This release builds on the success of our 4.0 product with improvements in areas customers told us would have the most significant benefits: preparing software packages for deployment, easier user administration, and the ability to get the reports needed for efficient management."
AppStream.NOW Version 4.6 enables streamlined administration in three key areas:
1. Simplified processes for application preparation and distribution – The time it takes to package applications is now reduced with the implementation of Microsoft Installer (MSI) capability and command-line functionality for Snapshot. With MSI comes increased reliability along with the benefits of streaming, providing predictable application install logic and a less labor intensive, faster process of distributing and updating applications.
2. Saves IT administration time – Several new administration rules have been added giving application provision rights at the group or department level. Other new features include: Enhanced automation of processes including command-line capability for importing and exporting provisioning information. And the ability to pre-install popular, frequently used applications or application updates at an appropriate time to optimize the usage of network bandwidth.
3. Improved performance and back-up – AppStream 4.6 contains streaming performance enhancements making the streaming of applications faster and more efficient. Applications reach the desktop more quickly simulating an application launched directly from a PC eliminating any latency a user may have experienced. Client-side failover functionality ensures no disruption of application availability. If a client cannot find the primary server, it will automatically choose another available server.
The AppStream.NOW platform makes distribution of desktop software and the sharing of software licenses easier with little to no IT intervention. Unlike more traditional models, the ability to distribute applications, monitor usage, and manage licenses is integrated in a single platform. IT retains control over application versioning and provisioning but gains flexibility to give off-line use of applications and the ability to use local graphics cards and other local resources. The AppStream.NOW platform is scalable and hardware investment is minimal with one server handling approximately 1000 users.
"We were looking for a way to reduce IT staff time for the more routine tasks of distributing, updating and upgrading software" said Brett Lazenby, Systems Administrator, Westgate Resorts. "AppStream has been a significant benefit in deploying applications, especially to remote sites where we do not have an IT staff to perform installs. On top of the cost savings there is also a significant time savings. We've been able to update applications for an entire call center without having to worry about being completed on time, or if there would be any computers we might miss. And, I never have to worry about whether someone can get access to a needed application or if they're using the correct version"
With AppStream, applications reside on a server and are delivered on-demand to the desktop. This creates a self-service software environment that enables the end user to access applications when and where they need them without any action from IT. At the same time, AppStream maintains a real-time inventory of the applications that are in use, keeping the number of licenses needed aligned with the true requirements of the organization. When software is not being utilized on a PC it can be re-harvested and made available to others.
Many organizations have found that at most 20% of desktop software licenses are regularly used. By delivering applications on demand and re-harvesting unused licenses, a company can typically expect to save anywhere from 25-50% in software licenses. IT labor costs are reduced as well by eliminating the need to install and uninstall applications, and deploy updates and upgrades of desktop software. The new version is simply added to the streaming server and the next time the application is used the user will get the new version.
AppStream benefits organizations of all sizes. Significant software license savings can be achieved by delivering applications to the desktop only when they're needed and reclaiming those not in use avoiding over purchasing of licenses. IT labor savings are realized in simplifying the deployment, updating, patching, and management of desktop applications. The new capabilities of version 4.6 build on an already solid enterprise platform that is scalable, requires no re-coding of applications and co-exists with traditionally installed applications in the organization.
Pricing and Availability
The AppStream.NOW 4.6 platform is available immediately. You can contact AppStream directly at 866-277-7873 for pricing information.
About AppStream
AppStream simplifies and improves the management of enterprise applications by dynamically provisioning PC applications. AppStream.NOW transforms Windows and Java applications into intelligent, web-based services without recoding. AppStream solutions improve application performance and increase availability, while providing enterprises with unprecedented control and visibility into every application on every desktop in a network. AppStream solutions are available directly or as a managed service through one of our premier strategic solutions partners.
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