Simplify and Accelerate OS Migrations and Patching
Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization turns time-consuming, tedious migration and patching processes into largely automated projects.
Migration Headaches
Migrating users to a new platform takes a tremendous amount of time and is very resource-consuming.
| • | Previous fixes create new problems: In order to get applications to run on the same computer, IT often needs to change configurations and settings. These hard-coded alterations are not without consequence, however, since such work-arounds can make applications incompatible with the new operating system and create extra work for the IT team. |
| • | Testing and deployment process is extensive: Some organizations attempt to reduce the resources required by using electronic software distribution (ESD) to push new applications to users instead of sending technicians to each desktop, laptop and server. However, because Windows applications can conflict with one another when installed, the failure rate for even ESD-delivered applications can be higher than expected, requiring more troubleshooting time for IT on the back-end. To minimize this, IT first regression tests all applications – even those packaged into MSIs for ESD – for conflicts. For applications that do not pass the test, further time is needed to work around the conflict. Regardless of regression testing, configurations and settings build up within the operating system over time, making it increasingly difficult to install applications, let alone uninstall older versions. |
| • | User uptime and business continuity are compromised: Because enterprise migrations often comprise hundreds of applications and thousands of computing devices and users, IT organizations often need to pull resources from other projects. It not only affects IT workers' ability to do their core jobs, it also impact ends users, many of whom go into standstill mode for hours – or even days – while their computers are being uninstalled and reimaged. |
Perpetual Patching
OS patches, which vendors distribute on a monthly basis, at minimum, must go through rigorous regression testing against existing applications to make sure applications are not affected. It often takes weeks, if not months, to complete. As a result, many companies are in a state of perpetual patching.
SoftGrid Helps Alleviate Migration and Patching Pains
SoftGrid helps reduce OS migration and patching pain points, accelerating and simplifying deployments, and can save IT organizations significant money. SoftGrid's virtualization approach decouples applications from the operating system, making it possible for the first time to replace or update the underlying OS while minimizing the application-to-application conflict issues that can arise. SoftGrid delivers immediate and long-term desktop management benefits:
| • | With SoftGrid, applications may not have to be repackaged for OS migrations (OS testing is still required). |
| • | Patching and migrations can require less application regression testing. |
| • | IT never has to install applications and minimizes regression testing of applications, possibly making future migrations, updates and patches less complex. |
| • | New, business-critical applications can be more quickly packaged and deployed to users enterprise-wide. |
| • | User downtime is reduced as application coexistence issues are minimized. |