Applications are one of the most complex aspects of virtualization because of the uniqueness of each environment. While most vendors have focused on testing, diagnosing, and/or packaging applications in order to determine suitability and to create workarounds necessary for implementation, FSLogix has taken a refreshingly unique approach.
The “FS” in FSLogix stands for “file system.” “Logix” implies the logical approach that reinforces the company’s tagline, “Dynamic Application Visibility.”
Particularly for Citrix environments based on Provisioning Server or Machine Creation Services, FSLogix can enable administrators to minimize the number of images required to support users. FSLogix will mean fewer base images, perhaps even just one!
How is that possible? First, it should be noted that the technical prowess behind FSLogix includes several ex-Symantec technologists. These folks, who have lived and breathed file systems and security for many years, have taken the next logical step and applied those technologies to virtualization infrastructure.
Conceptually, packaging applications using a technology such as App-V had been promising, but adoption hasn’t swept the market due to its complexity. For those who have attempted packaging applications, the nirvana of clicking next→next→next to successfully create a virtualized application sequence likely fell short of full expectations. While some apps do package successfully without modification, many require additional time and effort, and some cannot be successfully packaged at all. And then there’s the overhead associated with running those apps from that isolated space.
FSLogix takes a completely different approach. Rather than creating distinct packages offline and then installing those app packages into isolated environments within the operating system of the desired base or deployed image, FSLogix allows administrators to install all applications onto the same base image. This even applies when there are multiple versions of an application.
With FSLogix, user access to resources is distinguished and controlled based on rules that are defined in the admin interface. The way the system works is the opposite of the way existing application virtualization products work, in that traces of unauthorized applications, including Start menu items, shortcuts, registry keys, and more, are securely hidden such that specific users and groups cannot access them. Thus, whether the user is accessing virtualized applications or desktops, the user only gains access to the allowed resources.
Once the applications are installed and rules are implemented, the time and money-saving features of FSLogix become even more apparent. It is likely that only one base image is required, which saves a tremendous amount of storage space, administrative overhead, and other valuable resources. Because most production environments support a variety of user types, distinct business units, and/or multiple clients, the benefits of installing all applications onto a single base image become even more logical.
Last month, FSLogix released a new version that added enhanced Java support and reporting. Maintaining Java versions is particularly troublesome because some apps have specific Java requirements, which makes this feature especially useful.
FSLogix has taken a game-changing angle on application and desktop virtualization. While the company is young, the FSLogix solution has the technical capacity to simplify one of the most complex aspects of virtualization.