The Benefits of Application Streaming

11.19.2009

As the world becomes more mobile, application delivery and more specifically application streaming becomes even more important. Following are some key benefits of application streaming.

1. The Ability to Create “a La Carte” PCs: What is this? Quite simply, allowing system users to download only the tools and apps they need. The reason behind this is quite simple.

Many applications are very feature rich, but system users tend to utilize only a few of the features available to them. And, they may never get around to using all of the other elements that an application offers. So allowing them to create the PC they want just makes sense. You'll also hear this referred to thin client computing, remote desktop management or virtual desktop management.

Furthermore, users tend to prefer this type of desktop because they don’t have unnecessary programs and applications bloating their hard drives, slowing things down and wasting time when trying to accomplish tasks.

Application streaming allows users to download only the ones they want/need. The others can be stored on a remote network server; accessible if needed, but not taking up space when not.

2. Reach Countless Users: Piggybacking on the above benefit, with streaming, only a single copy of an application is needed to reach many users. They can gain access to a particular application for any location using any machine. This is particularly beneficial for mobile users.

3. Easy Application Management: Because only a single copy of an application is needed, it is easy to update and manage. Changes can be made on a remote server where users can simply log in and download the updated version(s) to their machines.

Another benefit of delivering applications in this manner is that various nodes and desktops don’t have to be upgraded.

4. Saves Money: Application streaming saves money on several fronts, primarily:

(i) Upgrading Software: If an organization decides to upgrade or switch to a different version of an application, all they have to do is notify the streaming software to deliver the updated version when a user logs in.

(ii) Software Installation: Because streaming applications can be delivered from a remote server, the only thing a user has to do is notify the system of their desktop requirements and the compatible version will be delivered when they request it from the network.

(iii) Licensing Fees: One of the most crucial savings of application streaming is that it cuts the cost of software licenses and licensing administration fees because fewer licenses need to be purchased.