[App-V] A Quick Glance to Server App-V and Sequencing Server Applications

January 31, 2012 at 1:38 am | Posted in App-V | Leave a comment
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The release of my new book is just around the corner, “Microsoft Application Virtualization Advanced Guide”. In this book we’ll take a closer look to several advanced topics in App-V, including some new ones like Server App-V, which is included in System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 (platform still in Release Candidate stage).

Explaining Server App-V

Taking a quick approach, Server App-V is a technology that enables the virtualization of server applications, removing the dependency of a server application in a specific Windows Server instance (whether that instance is running in a virtual machine on directly on hardware).

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Server App-V represents an evolution of Desktop App-V. This technology includes other aspects in the application virtualization approach, which fits more accurately in servers platforms; for example:

  • Server App-V works with a Virtual Environment, but this interacts with the operating system and vice-versa. For example: Virtual services are visible to the OS.
    This is particularly important since we can use monitoring tools, such as System Center Operations Manager, to monitor the functionality of our virtual server application.

 

  • In the sequencing process of an application, Server App-V also detects and includes in the package, several additional components that Desktop App-V does not. The Local Users and Groups that the application might create, IIS applications, COM+ and DCOM components, WMI providers, performance counters and all other components Desktop App-V detects and includes within the package.

 

  • Server App-V appears as a “Private Cloud” concept in the way to offer “Software as a Service” (SaaS) and/or “Platform as a Service” (PaaS). This is the ability to deploy software or a platform without requiring installing it.
    Even though we usually use the concept of “application” in the same way as “software”, the term “SaaS” in Server App-V does not represent the entire scope of the platform. Server App-V includes the possibility to provide “as a Service” platforms like database engines or in the near future Exchange or SharePoint.

 

  • One of the main goals of Server App-V is to have a predictable and repeatable way to deploy server applications.
    Some of the common problems we usually find in organizations are that moving platforms from testing or pre-production to production is never an easy ride – often several inconsistencies might be found.

 

  • Server App-V includes the possibility to separate the configuration of the server application, in order to accomplish scalability in the deployment process. This way, we can have the server application package with the configuration “A” deployed in one server and the server application package with the configuration “B” deployed in another server.

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  • Server App-V also handles state management operations. This is accomplishing by backing up the current state of an application and restoring it in a separate instance of the application.

 

  • There’s no more streaming processes in Server App-V. Client agents still exist but the interaction with the Server App-V packages can include using just PowerShell Cmdlets or using System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012.

Windows Azure represents Microsoft’s “Public Cloud”, from which we can use a remote platform to handle software (SaaS), services/platforms (PaaS) and infrastructure (IaaS).

At the moment, Windows Azure is available only to selected clients by a closed beta.

Server App-V is not compatible just yet with the worker roles in Windows Azure, but it will be in the near future.

Reviewing Applications Supported by Server App-V

In this current version, with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 in Release Candidate, Server App-V is oriented to business applications (Dynamics and Web Apps mainly) but it is possible to include others.

Some of the features supported by Server App-V are the following:

  • Windows Services: Server App-V includes the possibility to virtualize Windows Services in a different approach than the one we’ve seen in Desktop App-V. With Server App-V, the service is installed and placed in the OS as a normal installation of the server application. This way we can monitor it as any local service.
  • Web applications hosted in IIS: We can virtualize web applications entirely (web sites, virtual directories and application pools) on IIS 6, IIS 7 and IIS 7.5.
  • WMI: Server App-V Sequencer also captures the WMI providers and/or classes created during an installation.
  • SQL Services Reporting Services: Even though SQL Server engine is not supported for virtualization, the applications that install SQL Services Reporting Services (SSRS) are supported.
  • COM/DCOM/COM+ objects: These components are registered in the deployment process, this way other applications in the server can access them.
  • Local users and Groups: If the application is creating users and/or groups during the installation, the Server App-V Sequencer captures it and maintains, including SID, for next deployments.

Some of the considerations about applications not supported are the following:

  • We cannot capture Windows Server Roles. Deploying these kinds of roles is a task performed by SCVMM 2012.
    • We can virtualize Web Apps but we cannot virtualize IIS.
    • In IIS, it is supported to virtualize Web Apps and virtual directories.
    • “Web Deploy” tool is used in this process of deploying Web Apps. For more information about Web Deploy take a look to the following link: “Web Deploy 2.0” http://www.iis.net/download/webdeploy.
  • SQL Server is not supported in this version. SQL Server Express is, but there’s no official guideline on how to capture it by Microsoft.
  • Device drivers are still not supported in Server App-V.
  • Not supported in this release but are priorities for next version: SharePoint and Exchange Server roles.

An important part of understanding Server App-V is to differentiate it from Desktop App-V; in the following section we will review the basics difference between these two platforms.

Differentiating between Server App-V with Desktop App-V

Server App-V and Desktop App-V work similarly, but there are some important differences between the two and we must understand them in order to analyze if Server App-V fits in our environment.

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Quick Overview to the Sequencing Process in Server App-V

The sequencing process in Server App-V is quite similar to the process we already know in Desktop App-V. Prior to working with the Server App-V Sequencer, we must remember the basic differences we’ve talked about in the Desktop App-V experience: Isolation, Server App-V packages are not meant to co-exist in the same OS.

We must keep in mind that most of the common operations and best practices are included, like:

  • Use the same base OS in the Server App-V Sequencer and client machines. This particular “best practice” appears as a default requirement in Server App-V.
    When a Server App-V application is sequenced, includes by default the roles and features enabled in the sequencer and set those as requirements for the Server App-V Clients.
    If we think about it, makes sense, since we are using server applications which interact with several OS components. Any OS inconsistency should lead us in Server App-V applications malfunctions.
  • If possible, sequence your application to a Q:\ drive.
  • Use Virtual Machines and snapshot capabilities with the Server App-V Sequencer. And, of course, always sequence a new application with a clean OS image.

Some Other Topics

In Chapter 9 of the “Microsoft Application Virtualization Advanced Guide” we will cover detailed topics and step-by-step processes included in Server App-V. Some additional concepts to review are the following:

  • Enhanced details of supported applications in Server App-V.
  • Understanding SCVMM concepts like Service Templates and Private Clouds.
  • Reviewing Server App-V and SCVMM 2012 integration.
  • Sequencing Server App-V applications, taking MySQL as an example.
  • Customizing Server App-V packages.

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  • Deploying Server App-V applications, using SCVMM and PowerShell deployment.

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The book is available for pre-order in Pack Publishing website.

I hope you enjoyed the article!

New App-V Book! “Microsoft Application Virtualization Advanced Guide” Now Available for Pre-Order

December 12, 2011 at 1:01 am | Posted in App-V, Books | 5 Comments
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For several months I’ve been working in a new App-V book: “Microsoft Application Virtualization Advanced Guide”, containing advanced topics to cover all what you need to know to master Microsoft Application Virtualization processes. This book includes also new features in App-V 4.6 SP1.

The “Microsoft Application Virtualization Advanced Guide” represents my second App-V book; the previous one “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6” was developed a year ago with the basic guidance and step-by-step to get IT administrators started with App-V. This new book is currently available for pre-order in Packt Publishing website (paperback and eBook versions) and hopefully soon enough in Amazon’s (including a Kindle edition).

advanced

This advanced book will cover the necessary guidelines and step-by-steps processes to dominate App-V. Starting with detailed description of its architecture, including some rare advanced topics, and moving through the instructions to implement those advanced guidelines. Here’s an overview of the areas we will cover:

  • Perform sequencing in complex environments including scenarios where App-V is normally not supported.
  • Deploy applications in complex scenarios, including the use of Providers Policies to enforce licensing and other company’s policies.
  • Get hands on in how to implement the scripting process within App-V applications and also review how to use App-V command lines.
  • Troubleshoot App-V, covering the installation process of this platform, but also normal sequencing issues and deployment problems delivering applications.
  • Scale-up App-V implementations by using failover and load balanced scenarios.
  • Review App-V integration with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) and Remote Desktop Services.
  • Integrate App-V with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2012.
  • Understand the new approach appearing in SCVMM 2012 with Server App-V to virtualize servers’ applications.
  • Examine 3rd party tools available in App-V to complement your implementation.

Note: We will not cover the topics reviewed in the “Getting Started” book. This version assumes that we’ve already implemented and used Microsoft App-V; presumes that we are looking to optimize our implementation and learn advanced concepts.

And as an exclusive note, here are the chapter’s names to be included in this book:

  1. Taking a Deep Dive into App-V.
  2. Sequencing in Complex Environments.
  3. Deploying Applications in Complex Environments.
  4. Handling Scripting and App-V Command Lines.
  5. Troubleshooting App-V.
  6. Scaling Up App-V Implementations.
  7. Integrating App-V with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
  8. Integrating App-V with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2012.
  9. Integrating Server App-V with Private Clouds.
  10. Appendix A: Reviewing App-V Microsoft and 3rd Party Tools.

In this book, which will contain approximately 450 pages total, I had the great pleasure to work again with Packt Publishing and the same crew of App-V experts that made important contributions in my first book: Aaron Parker, Kevin Kaminski and Nick Källén.

Stay tuned for more news about the book and hopefully a new giveaway copy to all my blog readers! :)

[Events] Overview of Code Camp 2011 and Materials

December 5, 2011 at 12:20 am | Posted in App-V, Deployment, Events, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Windows Server 2008 R2 | Leave a comment
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I’ve had the great pleasure to present in October, once again, in one of the main Microsoft events in Argentina, Code Camp 2011. This time with two new tracks: “Desktop of the Future” and “Standardizing Windows Server 2008 R2 images”.

As I mentioned earlier in older posts of mine, Code Camp is an event organized and developed by Microsoft Academics which is held in some important universities of Buenos Aires, this time the selected institution was, as a few years back, Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI).

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The event contains over 50 tracks presented by students and professionals not only as IT but also as developers. Some of the main topics this year were: Windows Azure, Cloud Computing, SQL Server 2012, Mango and Windows Phone, XBOX and Kinect, VDI, Deployment solutions and so on.

Regarding my topics, the tracks were focused on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) integrated with App-V; and a deep dive into Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) to automate Windows Server’s deployments.

Desktop of the Future

I’ve presented this session (the original Spanish name: “El Escritorio del Futuro”) with Emiliano Estevez, friend and colleague of mine in Algeiba IT where he works as the Services Director.

This track introduces Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology as a result for some current demands in today’s business. By reviewing some of the basic concepts of VDI, we’ve completed the main steps to prepare the Virtual Desktops infrastructure in our company using Hyper-V and Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

codecamp01

We’ve also introduced App-V as the main solution to optimize application management in virtual desktops scenarios, and also with the highly important “Shared Cache” feature to save a lot of money in storage. And finally we had a quick glance about Server App-V, the new technology included in SCVMM 2012 to virtualize server’s applications.

The presentation can be downloaded from this link.

Standardizing Windows Server 2008 R2 Images

This track (the original Spanish name: “Estandarizando Servidores Windows Server 2008 R2”) was presented with another colleague in Algeiba IT, Alejandro Barrionuevo, who’s working as an IT Consultant.

In this session, we’ve reviewed with Alejandro the main benefits of using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010, combined with other free tools, to standardize and automate the deployment for Windows Server 2008 R2 OS. We had a quick look about understanding the Solution Accelerators from Microsoft.

We had a detailed look about the process involved in this automation, including some practical demos about using MDT 2010 task sequences, scripts and also editing MDT files used in the deployment process for a complete automated deployment.

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The presentation can be downloaded from this link.

[Interview] Question and Answer Session with Aaron Parker (App-V MVP)

September 20, 2011 at 4:32 pm | Posted in App-V, Interviews | Leave a comment
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aaronI’m introducing a new set of articles in my blog: Interview sessions with some colleagues and technology geeks. In this first article I had the great opportunity to start a quick question and answer session with one of the geekiest App-V guys around the world: Aaron Parker.

Aaron made an important contribution in my App-V book “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6”, not only as an official reviewer but with his blog which contains several interesting articles about virtualization using a valuable approach.

You can find more about Aaron following him on Twitter: @stealthpuppy.

Here’s the Q&A session I had with Aaron:

1. To start with the interview, can you give us a quick synopsis about yourself and your experience?

I am a desktop and application virtualization and delivery architect currently working for Kelway in the UK. Previous to my current role I’ve been working on various application virtualization, user virtualization and desktop deployment projects around London. Before coming to the UK, I worked for various VARs in my native Australia where I was doing mostly Citrix XenApp and desktop deployments.

1261_01_052. In all the experience you have regarding virtualization, how could you explain application virtualization for someone who had never heard about App-V or any other similar platform?

Application virtualization is really just another application deployment method. Where it differs from traditional deployment methods is its ability to make the desktop more dynamic rather than a monolithic blob that we’ve had to deal with in the past. Application virtualization allows us to deliver applications on demand and to users, where ever they are, rather than physical devices.

3. Why do you think that application virtualization did not appear massively just yet in organizations?

Many organisations still look at desktop deployment the old way, i.e. create a static, monolithic SOE, and have failed to recognise the benefits in approaching desktop virtualisation in layers. Small organisations that are still using imaging products such as Symantec Ghost and have stuck with OEM licenses, may find that change can be costly – if their current approach works, why change?

It has also been disappointing to see a lack of support from application vendors for application virtualization in general. Companies such as Attachmate should be applauded for supporting their products under App-V. Momentum requires application vendors to do more than they have currently (which is next to nothing).

Note:
In case you are wondering why there are terms like “organizations” and “organisations” in the same text, this is regarding the American and British spelling differences; both are valid.

4. Can you name the top reasons of why application virtualization must be considered in any organization?

If you’re interested in creating a user-centric model of your computing resources (both hardware and software) then the desktop needs to be broken down into layers to make it dynamic. Application virtualization is just one of those layers. A dynamic desktop is more flexible and allows us to deliver applications based on identity and context.

4484_07_0405. Do you think that Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) + Application Virtualization represents the future of desktops?

In the short term – yes, But I also think that VDI (as in a hosted virtual desktop based on a Windows client OS) has limited use cases – it suits only 10 to 20% of users. Coming from an SBC background, I know that I can deliver a desktop from the data centre, cheaper, faster and more efficiently with SBC (TS, RDS, Citrix XenApp, Quest vWorkspace etc).

In the long term – no. Windows as we know it today won’t be around forever. It will evolve along with new application architectures that will render today’s desktop model obsolete.

6. With all the possibilities regarding application virtualization (App-V, ThinApp, XenApp, and so on), do you think that there’s one among all that stands out or depends on each scenario?

Absolutely depends on your scenario – the choice of application virtualization product is often not a technical one (as much as we’d like it to be).

7. Regarding Microsoft’s App-V, which are the features included in the latest version that you like the most?

The 4.6 SP1 Sequencer has some great features around sequencing workflow, recommendations before sequencing, displaying what was excluded post sequencing and sequencing templates. These features help to produce better quality packages.

8. Even though there’s no official word from Microsoft, which are the features that you think may (or want to) include the App-V 5.0 version?

I would like to see isolation as something that we could turn off and on. Isolation of a virtual application is great for the majority of cases; however being able to remove isolation as a per-package behaviour would allow use to virtualise many more applications.

I hope you enjoyed this article and I’m pretty sure I’ll get back with some more interviewers and Q&A sessions.

App-V Book Available in Kindle Edition

August 9, 2011 at 12:56 am | Posted in App-V, Books | Leave a comment
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Not so much for a recent, but still I think represents as great news: The App-V book, “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6” is available in Kindle version, in Amazon site of course.

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So for all those geek Kindle owners (I’m not one, unfortunately) there’s a chance to take a great look to my App-V book using Amazon’s device.

And seems that the availability of the Kindle version also keeps pushing the popularity of the book, since in Amazon.com is ranked as a top seller book in Microsoft section.

#83 in Amazon.com:

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Also in Amazon.co.uk (#58):

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App-V Course in the US: Approach, Experience and More

May 3, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Posted in App-V, Course / Workshop, Events, Training | Leave a comment
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A few weeks ago I had the big pleasure to visit the US (New Jersey and New York), courtesy of a company which invited me to coach an App-V training course in their facilities. I had a wonderful experience and in this post I would like to share with you the technical and non-technical approach, experience and more I had in those 8 days.

The App-V training course and workshop intended to provide not only all the basic knowledge regarding App-V, but to also give a complete guidance and step-by-step process in App-V installation, deployment, sequence and maintenance.

The Request

The original request appeared in my inbox in 2010, the idea appeared simple right away, they’ve said:

“We are looking for an application virtualization solution for our main company app; we are very interested in App-V but we have no experience handling this technology. We need a complete overview of the platform, understand how to use it and apply it in our scenario”.

So, we’ve started talking about their expectations, getting a deeper understanding about the company app, the scenario where it should be deployed, etc.

App-V Training Course Program

After a bunch of e-mails and phone calls about getting all the information about the scenario, application involved, and general expectations, the training course program looks something like this:

appv_program

Here’s a detailed look about each day approach:

Day 1 – Overview and Preparing the Environment

  • day1Since the attendees had mix knowledge about general IT concepts, I decided to take a quick look about some key components: Active Directory, IIS, SQL Server, virtualization concepts, cloud service models, etc.
  • Understanding App-V components, features, benefits and implementation models.
  • Prepare the entire environment in the “hands-on” section of the day. Full-Infrastructure
  • Reviewing automation techniques for deploying the App-V client.

Day 2 – Sequencing Applications

  • Getting started with the sequencing process, understanding the phases involved and best practices.
  • Sequence simple applications to understand sequencing. day2
  • Deep review about company’s application: Environment, requirements, restrictions, integration with the OS and other applications, common use cases, etc.
  • Start with the sequencing process of the company’s application.
  • Publishing and deploying App-V packages to client machines.

Day 3 – Advanced Options in Sequencing

  • Deeper look in the sequencing process. Handling Feature Block 1, security descriptors to protect some files within the App-V package. day3
  • Troubleshooting applications sequencing and deployment process. Understanding log files and common errors.
  • Reviewing Dynamic Suite Composition. Even though company’s application does not require any other package, the concept of interconnecting virtual apps is still important.
  • Handling Active Upgrade. Reviewing different type of modifications in an existing package: Editing or upgrading.

Day 4 – Deployment Methods

  • Reviewing how to size and selecting the environment for a desired App-V implementation. day4
  • Understanding the RTSP/S and HTTP/S streaming. How to fit each in the desired scenario.
  • Since the application usage required the scenario with users connecting from different geographic places to a same server, we’ve reviewed necessary steps for publishing App-V to External networks outside the organization.
  • Step-by-step processes for implementing HTTP/S streaming.
  • A complete Hands-On for App-V Standalone scenario.

Day 5 – App-V and RDS | Securing the Environment

  • Understanding the Remote Desktop Services, RDS, role in Windows Server 2008 R2 (formerly known as Terminal Services). day5
  • Reviewing RemoteApp. Similarities and differences with App-V; pros and cons; and understanding when RemoteApp is best suited.
  • Hands-on using company’s application with RemoteApp.
  • How to integrate App-V into an existing Remote Desktop Services scenario.
  • Reviewing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) scenarios, integration with App-V and the shared cache feature.

The Result

The result of the course / workshop was great, the attendees had the chance to understand and implement App-V in their scenario and I could interact with an interesting requirement and deployment.

[geekyComment] Not only I enjoyed preparing and coaching this App-V workshop [/geekyComment] thanks to the great hospitality I also had the chance to visit New York City and a bunch of touristic places.

Just hangin’ in Times Square :)timesquare

App-V Giveaway and the Happy Winner

April 11, 2011 at 12:18 am | Posted in App-V, Books | 1 Comment
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The contest ended in February, but I didn’t have the chance to publish the winner in my blog so I decided to take a moment and share with all blog readers the happy winner for the App-V book.

Ian Walters from Webster, NY received a few weeks ago the book and kindly is sharing with us a quick pic. Thank you Ian!

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For all those who didn’t get the chance to win this time, remember that the book is still available in the following sites:

Thank you all for participating!

App-V Book Giveaway!

February 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm | Posted in App-V, Cool Stuff, Documentation, Free Stuff | 2 Comments
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As a celebration since my App-V Book: Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6 has just been published, I want to give away a free paperback version among my blog readers.

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Here’s the deal:

  • All you need to do is email me at augusto@augustoalvarez.com.ar with the subject: “App-V Book”.
  • Include in the email body your full name plus the address where you would like for us to send the copy.
  • I’ll close up the contest on February 25. All the emails sent until that date will be included in the election, which will be completely random.
  • I’ll notify the winner in the following days and we’ll ship a free copy of “Getting Started with Application Virtualization 4.6”.

For more information about the book and the free chapter available for download, check this last post of mine.

To avoid any problems, here are some disclaimers:

  • Only one email by person will be included. Do not use different mail accounts to participate several times.
  • Emails that don’t include person’s full name and address will not be considered valid.
  • We’ll cover the expenses regarding shipment but we are not responsible for extra fees or taxes other countries may include in the package.

Remember that the book is available in the following stores: Packt Publishing; Amazon.com; Amazon.co.uk and Lehmans.

Good luck!

App-V Book Published and Sample Chapter Available for Download

January 27, 2011 at 2:08 am | Posted in App-V, Books, Documentation | 12 Comments
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app-v_bookMy book “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6” has been finally published by Packt and the pre-order waiting game is over :)

This App-V book is available in the following stores and in the following links:

Sample Chapter

Also, as a preview of this book, you can download a sample chapter for free!

Chapter 7: Managing Dynamic Suite Composition (DSC)

app-v_sample

This chapter provides a complete overview and detailed procedure for using Dynamic Suite Composition in App-V 4.6. A complete explanation about DSC and how these virtual dependencies are being handled by App-V, naming also some considerations and restrictions about its implementation.

App-V Book Overview

As a quick overview of the book, here are some of the topics this book will provide:

  • Understand App-V components and its architecture.
  • Explore the new and important features of App-V 4.6.
  • Set up App-V Management and Streaming Servers to facilitate the centralized management of applications.
  • Install App-V Sequencer, Desktop Client, and Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) Client to set up the entire environment for application virtualization deployment.
  • Prepare and configure different models and implementations of App-V.
  • Sequence and publish simple applications, as well as highly complex applications such as Microsoft Office 2010.
  • Understand and implement Dynamic Suite Composition (DSC) for interconnected virtual applications.
  • Integrate App-V with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to optimize the infrastructure.
  • Secure the App-V Environment to ensure safe communication between the server and the clients.
  • Install and configure App-V for Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) to simplify application deployment and integration.

For more information, check this previous post of mine.

More News Coming Soon

I’m hoping that within the following weeks I’ll giveaway one App-V book (paperback version) among blog readers, so stay tuned!

Also, I would like to share some special thanks included in this book but definitely worthwhile to mention them in this post:

App-V Book: “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6”

November 13, 2010 at 8:51 pm | Posted in App-V, Books, Documentation | 6 Comments
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Finally the writing process is complete, and my App-V book is just around the corner: “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6”. The book is available for pre-order in Pack Publishing website and in Amazon.

app-v_book

An overview about what we will cover:

  • Publish, deploy, and manage your virtual applications with App-V.
  • Understand how Microsoft App-V can fit into your company.
  • Guidelines for planning and designing an App-V environment.
  • Step-by-step explanations to plan and implement the virtualization of your application infrastructure.

As an exclusive note, here’s the list of chapters that will be included (chapter’s name could vary in the final release.):

  1. Introducing Application Virtualization in a Virtualized World.
  2. Understanding App-V Architecture.
  3. Preparing your App-V Environment and Installing App-V Management Server.
  4. Deploying the App-V Sequencer, App-V Desktop Client and Streaming Server.
  5. Taking the Initial Steps in the Sequencing Process.
  6. Sequencing Complex Applications.
  7. Managing Dynamic Suite Composition.
  8. Integrating App-V with System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2.
  9. Securing your App-V Environment.
  10. Reviewing App-V for Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services).

Here’s also a summary about what you will learn in this book:

  • Understand App-V components and its architecture.
  • Explore the new and important features of App-V 4.6.
  • Set up App-V Management and Streaming Servers to facilitate the centralized management of applications.
  • Install App-V Sequencer, Desktop Client, and Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) Client to set up the entire environment for application virtualization deployment.
  • Prepare and configure different models and implementations of App-V.
  • Sequence and publish simple applications, as well as highly complex applications such as Microsoft Office 2010.
  • Understand and implement Dynamic Suite Composition (DSC) for interconnected virtual applications.
  • Integrate App-V with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to optimize the infrastructure.
  • Secure the App-V Environment to ensure safe communication between the server and the clients.
  • Install and configure App-V for Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) to simplify application deployment and integration.

This book represents a lot of months of hard work and I’m hoping it will cover all of the common topics for any IT professional who wants to start working with Microsoft Application Virtualization, understanding the basic concepts, and receive the guidelines for installing, configuring and deploying the entire App-V environment, and of course achieve the abilities to master Application Virtualization in complex scenarios.

The book will be available in the paperback as well as in eBook version.

The official release date for the book is not available just yet, but you’ll be hearing the confirmation soon enough; including the special acknowledgements for a lot of people who I had the chance to work with in the writing process of this book.

For more information and pre-order, access the detailed description for “Getting Started with Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6”.

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