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Best of Both Worlds
Today, there are two ways IT can provide employees with access to PC applications:
- Install all applications locally on each user's machine (typically done in conjunction with a desktop management solution).
- House all applications on a central terminal server where end users can access them across the corporate network.
There are limitations to each approach.
Limitations to Current Approaches
Limitations to distributed, local, desktop management solution approaches:
- Inefficient, "push-based" access to newly-required applications:
Anytime an end user needs an application not currently installed, a call must be placed to the IT administrator, who must arrange an installation of the software — an inefficient, costly process.
- Requires support for hundreds or thousands of distributed, disparate systems:
Local application installation approaches require IT staff to support multitudes of unique, distributed systems, resulting in a loss of central IT control over the enterprise computing environment.
- Inadequate application updating and patching:
The increasing threat from viruses, worms, and trojans has made timely installation of application patches and updates vital. This is an impossible task with multiple applications installed on many distributed machines.
- Costly multiple version support:
Each PC, when it is brought online, is installed with the then-latest version of each common desktop application. Over time, this results in different application versions installed on various PCs throughout the organization, forcing IT administrators to track version deployments and support multiple versions of dozens of applications.
Limitations to central server-based application access solutions:
- End users lose access to applications when disconnected from the network:
In order to function, terminal server solutions require that end users have access to the server that houses the application and does all processing. Hence, these solutions cannot support mobile and frequently-disconnected end users.
- Thin-clients prevent end users from customizing their workstations:
Terminal server solutions are used in association with thin clients. Thin clients do not afford the level of flexibility and customizability that end users have come to expect.
- Limited application breadth:
Every organization has specialized application support needs, for all or some of its employees. Terminal server solutions have limitations when using certain applications, particularly graphics intensive or "chatty" applications, as these applications can result in unacceptably high network traffic.
- Expensive reliance on server-side processing:
In terminal server scenarios, all processing is done on a central server, rather than spreading processing power around on distributed PCs. As the number of end users increases, this can quickly ramp up computing expense.
A Comparison Between Server Based and Distributed PC Computing
As is reflected in the Yankee Group quote above, AppStream combines the benefits of server-based computing and distributed PC computing (associated with desktop management solutions), providing a "best of both worlds" solution. AppStream's pull-based, on-demand software distribution platform combines centralized administration (version control, patch & update management, centralized control) with local installation and processing (disconnected access, thick-client user experience, broad application support), providing an optimal, blended solution.
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Server-Based Computing |
Distributed PC Computing |
AppStream |
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Provides end users with "pull"-based access to any PC application |
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Centralizes control, management & support of client applications |
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Increases security by centralizing application updates & patches |
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Lowers management overhead by guaranteeing consistent versioning |
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Enables the use of applications when disconnected from the central server |
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Maintains thick-client experience including flexible customizability & better performance |
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Supports the running of a broad, diverse range of applications |
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Improves overall enterprise productivity by leveraging distributed, local processing power |
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By combining server-side deployment and management with client-side application execution, administrators can:
- Optimize network resources and increase system scalability
- Reduce support costs associated with client-side computing
- Preserve a familiar and productive desktop environment
- Enhance IT management and control
AppStream can also compliment Terminal Server solutions. Find out how.
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