FAQ - Technical

Can all applications be packaged offsite?

No, but there are not many that can't be.

For applications that can't be packaged entirely offsite, we offer comprehensive onsite consultancy services. Alternatively, if granted access, our packaging experts will connect remotely and package the application in your environment.

Are there any applications you can't virtualise?

There are some types of applications which may not be suitable for virtualisation - we're happy to advise the best course of action in these situations.

Applications that fall into this category can include:

Applications that install and rely on a system-level device driver
Applications that install boot-time services
Applications that use COM+
Applications that use COM DLL surrogate virtualization
Applications with licensing enforcement tied to machine (e.g. the license is tied to the system's MAC address).

What SLA's do you offer?

We will discuss your project needs with you at the project initiation, and agree the SLA with you at this time.

What's a packaging machine?

A packaging machine is a specially prepared and configured Windows machine which allows applications to be "packaged" for delivery via the application virtualisation product. Preparing the packaging machine is essential to successfully deploying your applications. We'll ask you to complete a questionnaire about the client machines that your virtualised applications will be delivered to, whether it's a standard XP or Vista desktop or a Citrix / Terminal Server. Based on this we will prepare your own bespoke packaging machine, which all of your applications will be prepared on.

What technologies does VAF use?

VAF currently use the following technologies to create virtual applications. If needed, we can also advise you as to the most appropriate technology for your requirements. As we're vendor independent and don't sell any products or licenses, we have no incentive to recommend anything but the best solution for your needs. We also do our best to be completely up to date with the rapid advancements in the field of application virtualisation, and are constantly adapting our skills and toolsets accordingly.

Microsoft SoftGrid
Citrix Application Streaming
Thinstall
MSI packaging

How will I know whether my application can be virtualised?

We'll be able to advise on this, by using a combination of the application discovery document and our own application white list and technical knowledge / toolset to determine whether an application can be virtualised.

What will I need to send you to get my app virtualised?

To package your application(s), we'll need the following:

Application installation media
Application installation instructions and licenses
Application discovery document (VAF supplied)
Environmental discovery document (VAF supplied)

How will I get my files to/from you?

There are several ways we can receive/send files. This can range from secure delivery of a CD / DVD, to uploading all required content via our secure drop box - www.virtualappfactory.com/dropbox

What about updates/service packs etc?

We offer a subscription-based service that allows you to accommodate applications that may need regular updates. WE'll give you further information during the project initialisation. Where there's a requirement for a "one off" update, we're happy to carry out this work. A discounted price will be available where this is an update to an application previously packaged by ourselves. Applications that are new will be charged as new packages.

What skills will I need in-house?

It's important that your organisation has enough in-house skills to administer the environment in which your virtualised applications are to be hosted. If you need it, there are several options: an off-site administration/managed service, or to engage our onsite consultancy service offered by add3. We'd be happy to discuss the best way that we can help you deliver our services to you.

What if my apps need a host system or backend server to be available during installation?

Some applications need to be packaged within the environment they will run in. In these situations there are three options available. The first is for your organisation to provide remote access to a suitable packaging machine for our consultants to work on. The second is for us to build a backend environment to mirror your production environment. Where these options aren't possible, it may be appropriate to engage our partner organisation add3 for onsite consultancy. We would be very happy to discuss the most appropriate way of working with you.

How can I be sure that the applications will work in MY environment?

We'll ensure as far as possible that the application packages produced will be fully functional within your environment. Our application and environment discovery process should in most cases mean this is the case. Where there are integration issues between the package and your environment, we'll work closely with you to determine the reasons why. In the unlikely event there are problems with the packages, we'll ask for remote access to the environment or suggest engaging our onsite consultancy services.