Step 1: Choose Between Standalone Mode and Connected Mode
Published: November 12, 2007 | Updated: February 25, 2008
Microsoft SoftGrid consists of several capabilities. The primary capability is application virtualization. Application virtualization can best be described as running an application using a local workstation without installing the application on the client operating system. This means that, instead of loading files into the program files directory and adding entries into the local registry, the application is loaded into a virtual environment on the client. Once the applications are loaded, the client can take advantage of the following key application virtualization features:
The secondary capability is virtual application management. With SoftGrid 4.2, the primary and secondary technologies can be implemented independently, providing two usage options:
Care should be taken when introducing both modes into a location or where clients are mobile between locations. If a client computer running in Connected Mode receives an application that is distributed via Standalone Mode, the client will cease to run any Connected Mode applications. Option 1: Standalone ModeSoftGrid in Standalone Mode consists of just the SoftGrid client and sequencer; no additional SoftGrid server infrastructure is required. Applications are prepared for virtualization in a process called sequencing. Once the application has been sequenced, the MSI Utility for Microsoft Application Virtualization (MSI Utility) is used to create an MSI installer package for the sequenced application. Note In SoftGrid 4.2, the MSI Utility will be available as a separate download. This functionality will be incorporated into the Sequencer in version 4.5. The MSI package allows the sequenced application to be deployed using installation methods already in place. Some common deployment methods are:
When the application is deployed to a client computer, the application will be fully loaded onto the client computer by the Windows Installer. If frequent updates to the virtualized application package are required, then be aware that Standalone Mode does not provide a mechanism for delta updates. Delta updating is the process of just sending only the bits that are required to update the application. If an application is deployed in Standalone Mode and is updated, then the entire application needs to be redeployed to the clients. User preferences for the applications, however, will survive application updates. When to Use SoftGrid Standalone ModeStandalone Mode provides a solution for environments where there has already been an investment in a software management system. Additionally, Standalone Mode can allow a small group of users to quickly utilize application virtualization without planning for a complete management infrastructure. Use SoftGrid Standalone Mode:
Option 2: Connected ModeSoftGrid in Connected Mode, also known as Classic Mode, uses built-in software distribution and management capabilities. For the purposes of this document, Connected Mode will be the standard term. Organizations should decide if they want to deploy the SoftGrid Connected Mode infrastructure by considering several additional features (described in the following section) that are exclusively available to this configuration of SoftGrid. As with Standalone Mode deployments, applications are sequenced using the SoftGrid sequencer. However, instead of being packaged with an MSI file, the SoftGrid-enabled applications are placed on a virtual application server (VAS) that streams applications to client computers. When to Use SoftGrid Connected ModeThere are several native features that are only available using the full management capabilities of SoftGrid. A complete SoftGrid management environment will be needed if any of the following features are required when planning a SoftGrid installation:
In order to avoid the risk of poor performance or virtualized application reliability problems within the environment, it is recommended that Connected Mode SoftGrid infrastructure be deployed within a single, well-connected location. In this case, well-connected means 100-megabit or better bandwidth and < 100 ms latency throughout the location. Evaluating the CharacteristicsTechnical criteria are not the only factors that should be considered when making an infrastructure design decision. The decision should also be mapped to appropriate operational criteria or characteristics. The following tables compare each option according to the characteristics that are applicable to this decision-making topic.
Validating with the Business
Decision SummaryDeciding how to deploy SoftGrid applications will come down to deciding if deploying SoftGrid Connected Mode features are required in the organization’s environment. The reader has a choice at this juncture. If the decision to use Standalone Mode has been made, then proceed to Step 7; otherwise, proceed to Step 2 where the design of SoftGrid in Connected Mode is detailed. |
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