App-V and SCCM 2007 R2: Are Virtualised Applications Delivered The Same Way?

11 Sep 2008 in Microsoft on Sccm, Softgrid

This was a great question, at this evenings talk, about deploying virtualised applications via ConfigMgr 2007 R2 - are virtualised applications delivered to clients in the same manner as installed applications?

There are several parts to this answer. First up virtual applications are imported, added to distribution points and advertised, just like installed applications. There are two differences to installed applications here:

1. Virtual applications are imported using the manifest XML which describes the virtual application package and individual applications in that package
2. Just like the existing Virtual Application/Management Server in App-V, SCCM 2007 R2 supports application versions, so that you can upgrade and rollback on the fly

If you choose to deliver the whole application instead of stream it, applications are downloaded into the SCCM cache just like installed applications. Here’s a virtualised Adobe Reader 9 in the SCCM cache:

You can also take advantage of all the deployment features of SCCM like branch deployments and BITS transfers. Here are some links worth reading about App-V and SCCM integrations:

• About Virtualised Applications
• Beta SCCM R2 - Virtual Application Server
• Beta 4.5 and Beta SCCM R2 - How to get a Quick Test Lab for SCCM R2
• TechNet Webcast: Optimizing Desktop Management with System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization (Level 300)