Electronic Software Distribution-Based Scenario Overview
If you plan to use an electronic software distribution (ESD) solution to deploy virtual applications, it's important to understand the factors that go into and are affected by that decision. This article describes the benefits of using an ESD-based scenario and provides information about the publishing and package streaming methods that you'll need to consider as you proceed with your deployment.
Important
Whichever ESD solution you use, you must be familiar with the requirements of your particular solution. For example, see Microsoft Configuration Manager documentation.
Using an existing ESD system provides you with the following benefits:
Eliminates dual management infrastructures
Reduces the cost of additional hardware
Reduces the cost of additional operating system and database licenses
Publishing Methods
When using an ESD-based scenario, you have the following choices for publishing the application to the clients:
Stand-alone Windows Installer. The Windows Installer file contains the manifest and the OSD and ICO files the clients use to configure a package. The Windows Installer file also copies the SFT file to the client because this scenario doesn't use a server.
Windows Installer with the package manifest. The Windows Installer file contains the manifest and the OSD and ICO files the clients use to configure a package. The SFT file is stored on a server. A command-line parameter directs the client to the location of the SFT file.
SFTMIME commands. SFTMIME commands are used with the manifest, OSD, ICO, and SFT files to add packages to the client. The manifest file must be on the client computer, or it must be accessible through a UNC path. Depending on the client configuration and the command-line options, the OSD, ICO, and SFT files can be on the client computer or on a server.
For more detailed information about the preceding publishing methods, see Determine Your Publishing Method.
Package Streaming Methods
You'll need to determine the method your Application Virtualization System uses to stream the virtual application packages, or SFT files, from the server to the clients. The following streaming options are available:
Application Virtualization Streaming Server. If you use an Application Virtualization Streaming Server in your configuration, the SFT files are streamed to the clients from that server using RTSP or RTSPS protocols. You must install the server software on a computer and you must configure it through the registry, but this configuration doesn't depend on services such as SQL or Active Directory Domain Services. The SFT files are stored on the server at a location accessible by the clients. Publishing information can be distributed to the clients through any distribution mechanism. However, when configured, the client receives package upgrades automatically and active upgrade is supported.
Application Virtualization Management Server. If you use an Application Virtualization Management Server in your configuration, the SFT files are streamed to the clients from that server using RTSP or RTSPS protocols. You manage this server through the Application Virtualization Management Console. This configuration uses a SQL database and Active Directory services. The server can distribute publishing information to the clients, so additional publishing mechanisms aren't needed.
File server. If you use a file server in your configuration, the SFT files are streamed to the other client computers by using SMB protocols. File servers used in this configuration are managed by creating access control lists (ACLs) on the file shares and SFT files. Care must be taken to direct the clients to the correct files on the file server.
IIS server. If you use an IIS server in your configuration, the SFT files are streamed to the clients from that server using HTTP or HTTPS protocols. The IIS server is easy to configure and manage. Care must be taken to direct the clients to the correct files on the IIS server.
For more detailed information about the preceding streaming methods, see Determine Your Streaming Method.
Related information
Application Virtualization Client Installer Command-Line Parameters
Application Virtualization Server-Based Scenario
Determine Your Publishing Method
Determine Your Streaming Method