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The IT pro's guide to mobile app delivery
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Definition
app virtualization
App virtualization (application virtualization) is the separation of an installation of an application from the client computer that is accessing it. Read Now
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Definition
desktop virtualization
Desktop virtualization is the concept of isolating a logical operating system instance from the client that is used to access it. Read Now
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Definition
enterprise app store
An enterprise app store is a web portal through which end users can access, download and install corporate-approved software applications. Read Now
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Definition
mobile app
A mobile app is a software application designed for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers. Mobile apps are usually created to conform to the demands and limitations of the devices and also to take advantage of any specialized capabilities they have. Read Now
Editor's note
There's no shortage of mobile app delivery approaches to help business users get real work done on their smartphones and tablets.
Virtualization, application refactoring and enterprise app stores are all potential options, but IT pros must consider the cost, complexity and user-friendliness of each before making any decisions. Delivering Windows applications to mobile devices may be easy -- especially in shops that already use desktop or application virtualization -- but it doesn't always make for a great user experience. Native mobile apps are easier to use, but building, buying and deploying them can get tricky.
There's more than one right way to approach mobile app delivery, and many organizations use a combination of different strategies. Evaluate your options with the resources in this Essential Guide.
1Comparing app delivery strategies
Desktop and application virtualization are often the first technologies IT pros turn to when they need to deliver legacy software to mobile devices. Virtualization streams Windows applications -- which are designed for mouse-and-keyboard interfaces -- to mobile devices, which have touchscreens. As such, it may not provide the greatest user experience compared to apps that have been developed from the ground up for mobile. Refactoring could emerge as a beneficial middle ground.
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Four ways to deliver mobile apps
With the right application delivery strategy in place, users can perform their jobs better while IT deals with fewer headaches. A carefully chosen approach also helps IT secure data, which can be a challenge in the consumerization era. Read Now
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Virtualization vs. Web-based apps
Web apps and desktop virtualization are two ways to bring corporate software to mobile devices, but they have different use cases. Web apps are built specifically for browser-based access, whereas desktop virtualization delivers existing Windows applications to smartphones, tablets and other endpoints. Read Now
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The drawbacks of mobile application delivery
There's no perfect approach to delivering mobile applications. Connectivity requirements, support costs and deployment challenges can all sneak up and cause problems. Be aware of the potential gotchas and you'll be in a better position to overcome them. Read Now
2Pros and cons of enterprise app stores
Enterprise app stores are a good way for companies to empower mobile workers. Whether your company has custom applications or wants to take advantage of publicly available apps, an enterprise app store can help you get them into the right hands.
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Striking a balance with enterprise app stores
If you're looking to have more control over your mobile environment while still giving users choice and flexibility, an enterprise app store is a good option. It's similar to public app stores like those from Apple and Google, but it lets IT choose which apps users can and can't access. Read Now
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How to build an enterprise app store
Enterprise app stores aren't easy to build. They have many moving parts -- from identity management to licensing compliance. IT also needs to consider costs and cross-platform compatibility. Read Now
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The hidden benefits of enterprise app stores
The monster of enterprise software license compliance and asset management can become much easier to handle with an enterprise app store. Centralized metadata and self-reporting capabilities help tame the beast. Read Now
3The new world of app refactoring
Application refactoring supplements traditional application virtualization by retooling Windows apps for mobile interfaces. The technology is still new, but it could solve some of the user interface problems that spring up when running Windows apps on smartphones and tablets.
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PowWow makes app refactoring accessible
Most app refactoring tools require access to source code to work, which has prohibited widespread adoption. PowWow, a startup, eschews the norm for an HTML 5-based approach -- and it adds a collaboration feature into the mix. Read Now
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Hey VMware, where's the app refactoring?
VMware's new Workspace Suite can deliver Windows apps to mobile devices, but it doesn't include app refactoring capabilities to make the apps more user-friendly. In the bring your own device era, that's a glaring hole. Read Now
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And what about Citrix's refactoring plans?
When Citrix acquired Framehawk, many observers thought Framehawk's app refactoring technology would wind up in Citrix's XenMobile product. But there are signs that Citrix plans to only use Framehawk's Lightweight Framebuffer protocol, which improves the performance of remote applications on low-bandwidth networks. Read Now